District of North Vancouver Receives ESRI Canada’s Award of Excellence in GIS for Improving Public Access to Spatial Information
VANCOUVER – September 29, 2009 – ESRI Canada today presented an Award of Excellence to the District of North Vancouver for its success and continued commitment in providing the public with access to spatial information using geographic information system (GIS) technology. The award was presented at the 2009 ESRI Regional User Conference in Vancouver.
"Geographic information is an important resource, not only for government staff but for the entire community," said James Wickson, Vice President of Sales and Professional Services, ESRI Canada. "We commend the District of North Vancouver for recognizing this early on, and for its consistent effort in enhancing GIS capabilities and developing GIS applications to better serve its citizens."
The District of North Vancouver has been leveraging ESRI GIS software for spatial analysis to support its internal operations since 1992. The District established an enterprise GIS by 2000 and worked to make GIS more accessible to the community. In June 2001, the District launched GeoWeb, a Web-based portal that provides public access to spatial information and includes applications for searching and obtaining information on property and parks in the District. GeoWeb has become an important tool for addressing the District’s corporate and community mapping and information needs and receives more than 150,000 visits annually.
In November 2009, the District will unveil a completely redesigned GeoWeb to the public. This new version of GeoWeb will include a variety of simple yet powerful applications that will provide information on every property in the District; the District’s construction projects; census data for every neighborhood; natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, and landslides; and a look back at the history of the District of North Vancouver. The new GeoWeb will continue to provide access to open data. Virtually all of the District’s spatial data and maps, refreshed every week, are free to download from the website.
The new release of GeoWeb will fully leverage ESRI ArcGIS Server, a complete and integrated server-based GIS that enables organizations to distribute maps and GIS capabilities over the Web, desktop and mobile devices to improve internal workflows, communicate vital issues and engage stakeholders. ArcGIS Server will also provide the District with a solid platform for developing GIS applications. The District will use ArcGIS API for Flex to add GIS functionality to its rich Internet applications and interactive maps.
"ESRI’s latest software has enabled us to become more efficient in our internal operations and allows us to provide better information services to our citizens," said Shawn McLeod, GIS Manager, District of North Vancouver. "This recognition signifies the importance of GIS in our organization and the positive working relationship we have with ESRI Canada. It also shows our dedication to harnessing GIS technology so we can deliver greater service to our community."
For more information about the District of North Vancouver’s GeoWeb, visit: http://www.geoweb.dnv.org
For more information about ESRI ArcGIS Server, visit: http://www.esricanada.com/products/arcgisserver
About the District of North Vancouver
North Vancouver District is located on the north shore of Burrard Inlet, minutes from downtown Vancouver. Officially incorporated in 1891, the District has grown and changed since its early days into the dynamic community that it is today. North Vancouver District’s unique characteristics provide residents, business owners and visitors alike the benefits of a dynamic metropolitan region as well as the appealing attributes of a smaller community. With its naturally beautiful surroundings, high quality of life, amenities and services, the District is one of the most desirable places in the Lower Mainland to live, work and play. For more information, visit: www.dnv.org.
About ESRI Canada
Founded in 1984, ESRI Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments, and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography. The company distributes the world’s leading GIS software from ESRI, Telvent Miner and Miner, Azteca Systems, and other technology partners. Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada. Information about ESRI Canada can be found at www.esricanada.com.