San Diego, California-On July 27, 2005, Hamilton Southeastern Utilities and Sanitary Management and Engineering Company (HSE/SAMCO) will receive a 2005 Special Achievement in GIS award for its outstanding use of geographic information system (GIS) technology. ESRI, the world leader in GIS software, will present the award at the Twenty-fifth Annual ESRI International User Conference in San Diego, California, before thousands of GIS professionals. Out of more than 150,000 organizations worldwide, the winners of this award stood out for their exceptionally dedicated work and commitment. "This award reflects the significant dedication and support these organizations provide to the people who depend on them," says Jack Dangermond, ESRI president. "Each of the winners uses GIS technology to go beyond what is expected into the realm of excellence."
GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes database information about a location, including streets, buildings, water features, and terrain, and turns it into visual layers. The ability to see and analyze geographic features on a map gives users a better understanding of a particular location, enabling planners, analysts, and others to make informed decisions about their communities, the environment, and businesses. This innovative technology brings countless benefits to the world through geography.
HSE/SAMCO is a public-private partnership that provides sanitary sewer infrastructure to Hamilton County, Indiana, one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. Hamilton County consists of 38,000 acres and a population of nearly 50,000. Because of the area’s size, there is a rapid expansion of information that the utility has to develop, maintain, and disseminate. In order to do this more efficiently, HSE/SAMCO implemented GIS technology 10 years ago.
The company uses GIS in many facets of their internal operations as well as in applications to benefit external users. HSE/SAMCO’s Web-based utility locater application filters location requests that fall outside their jurisdiction and uses a unique surveying application that improves access to a location from the field, which has eliminated 25 percent of work orders and improved locate efficiency by 30%. This application also gives community members the ability to view, query, analyze, and print current and accurate GIS information on demand.
By embracing GIS technology, HSE/SAMCO has made extraordinary contributions to not only their own success, but to the entire community as well. They continue to set new precedents by continually expanding the integration of technology into every aspect of their organization.
It is with great pleasure that ESRI honors the Special Achievement in GIS award winners for their part in making a difference in communities around the world. They exhibit the innovation and commitment that lead to countless possibilities with GIS technology.
Other organizations being honored at the 2005 User Conference include Government of Botswana; Indiana University, Research Institute; National 4-H Headquarters, USDA; Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; Pacific Disaster Center; Chicago Police Department; Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería, Chile; and Round River Conservation Studies.
About ESRI
Founded in 1969, ESRI is the leading developer of GIS software with more than 300,000 clients worldwide. ESRI software is used in all 200 of the largest cities in the United States and in more than 60 percent of counties and municipalities nationwide. Headquartered in California, ESRI has regional offices throughout the United States, international distributors in more than 90 countries, and more than 1,700 business partners. ESRI’s goal is to develop comprehensive tools that enable users to efficiently manage, use, and serve geographic information to make a difference in the world around them. ESRI also provides consulting, implementation, and technical support services. ESRI can be found on the Web at www.esri.com.
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