ESRI User Conference, San Diego, CA - Geographic Data Technology, Inc. (Lebanon, NH), a developer of premier map databases, announced today that it is launching a new initiative that will allow for the dynamic online maintenance of the spatial data infrastructure of the United States. Built in collaboration with ESRI (Redlands, CA), GDT's new Community Update program will create a data exchange partnership with government agencies, emergency response providers and other local entities who often spend tremendous resources to maintain spatial datasets of their specific communities.

 Using ESRI's ArcIMS software, Community Update allows local knowledge providers to access GDT's database over the Internet. These agencies can electronically add suggested new features and related information to the data set and submit that information directly to GDT, which will validate the information and add other attributes and enhancements. The revised data will then be returned via the Internet to the local agencies. The agencies are allowed to use the data within their own applications free of charge.

 Community Update builds on GDT's existing Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Bureau of Census. The CRADA, signed in 1997, is a five-year partnership to jointly explore ways to improve the collection and sharing of the basic geographic information needed to maintain the national spatial data infrastructure.
"While the CRADA looks at the national data infrastructure from a big-picture perspective, Community Update brings the idea down to the local level where much of the data maintenance work is done on a day-by-day basis," said Donald Cooke, GDT's founder and president emeritus. "Community Update helps local agencies keep their own databases current and accurate while at the same time helping to create a dynamic and evolving national spatial data infrastructure."

 

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Community Update Creates Public-Private Partnerships -- 2

ESRI president Jack Dangermond comments, "For many local agencies, maintaining their spatial database is a burden that must be done before they can accomplish their real job -- planning and providing services for their constituents. By participating in Community Update, local agencies can turn data maintenance over to GDT so they have more time and better resources to devote to providing services."

GDT is now accepting registrations for agencies interested in participating in the Community Update rollout program, scheduled to begin in the fall of 1999. Agencies interested in participating in the Community Update program can register through the online form accessible from either the GDT (www.geographic.com/communityupdate.html) or ESRI (www.esri.com) web sites. Once the registration has been processed, the agency will receive log-in information and a password for access to the Community Update site.

About ESRI
For more than thirty years, ESRI has been the leading developer of geographic information system (GIS) software with more than 220,000 clients worldwide. ESRI also provides consulting, implementation, and technical support services. In addition to its headquarters in California, ESRI has regional offices throughout the United States, international distributors in more than ninety countries, and more than 700 resellers and developers. ESRI's goal is to provide users with comprehensive tools to help them quickly and efficiently manage and use geographic information to make a real difference in the world around them. ESRI can be found on the Web at www.esri.com.

About GDT
Geographic Data Technology, Inc. is a developer of premier map databases that provide the foundation for applications such as site selection, routing packages, operations management, environmental mapping and direct marketing. GDT's state-of-the-art technology, leading-edge products and strong customer commitment make it one of the foremost providers of geographic information in the U.S. Founded in 1980, GDT was a pioneer in the development of cartographic data for business use and continues to provide complete, current and comprehensive geographic data and services for business and consumer use. With its street, postal, census and other geographic databases, GDT is the principal supplier of cartographic data to major GIS and desktop mapping vendors. GDT is a wholly owned subsidiary of R.L. Polk. For more information, visit the GDT web site at www.geographic.com.