Jack Dangermond, CEO of ESRI, recently donated $16,000 to complete the endowment of the ESRI Best Scientific Paper in GIS Award. Established in 1991, the ESRI award is given each year by ASPRS to individuals who publish papers of scientific merit that advance our knowledge of GIS technology. This donation, combined with the approximately $9,000 already on account, will fully endow the Award at the current $1,000 per year level.
“As the first ‘corporate-sponsored’ award to be fully endowed through the Foundation, Jack Dangermond has once again set an outstanding example to his colleagues in the commercial sector of our community, which we hope to duplicate in the future,” said James Plasker, ASPRS Foundation executive director.
The ASPRS Foundation’s mission is “to advance the understanding and use of geospatial data for the betterment of humankind and the effective operation of public and private organizations.” The Foundation currently accomplishes its mission by funding a number of awards and scholarships administered by ASPRS, and this donation will be instrumental in achieving a critical element of the Foundation’s goal to fully endow all ASPRS awards and scholarships in the near future.
About ASPRS
Founded in 1979, The ASPRS Foundation, Inc. is an independent 501(c)3 organization established to provide grants, scholarships, loans and other forms of aid to individuals or organizations pursuing knowledge of imaging and geospatial information science and technology, and their applications across the scientific, governmental, and commercial sectors. The Foundation is the primary funding mechanism for all ASPRS awards and scholarships.
Founded in 1934, ASPRS is an international professional organization of 6,000 geospatial data professionals. ASPRS is devoted to advancing knowledge and improving understanding of the mapping sciences to promote responsible application of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems and supporting technologies.