Wacom Simplifies Creation and Use of GIS Data within Esri's ArcGIS 10

Natural Pen-on-screen Input of DTU-2231 Streamlines Workflow and Enhances Collaboration

Vancouver, WA – July 12, 2010 – Wacom’s DTU-2231 interactive pen display enhances the productivity and accessibility features of Esri’s recently released ArcGIS 10. Previously, ArcGIS users have been able to take advantage of the speed and efficiency of heads-up digitizing, red-lining and review when using Wacom’s pen display products. Now, when combined with the new Feature Templates within ArcGIS 10, Wacom’s pen input technology greatly simplifies data creation and editing, helping to broaden access and use of geospatial data for key decision making.

As the first HD interactive pen display for the GIS industry, the DTU-2231’s direct pen-on-screen capability perfectly complements ArcGIS 10 data creation, analysis and review capabilities. With the DTU-2231, users employ Wacom’s patented battery-free pen to work, draw and navigate directly on the surface of the pen display’s 21.5-inch HD LCD. By simulating the natural process of drawing and writing on paper, but with the added benefits of a completely digital workflow, users experience improved organizational efficiency due to faster and more comfortable control within the software application, streamlined data conversion processes and improved collaboration across the enterprise.

The introduction of sketch-based editing using Feature Templates in ArcGIS 10 further simplifies the data editing process. Users of GIS may now select the appropriate symbol from customizable on-screen feature templates and immediately begin drawing with the Wacom pen, creating features while ArcGIS 10 manages the properties and attributes in the geodatabase.

"The DTU-2231 truly brings the new capabilities of ArcGIS 10 Feature Templates to life," explains Mike Dana, business development manager at Wacom Technology. "Editing becomes intuitive as users are literally drawing with a pen. This simplifies editing for both trained and non-trained users of GIS, creating a modern approach to digital workflows."

The concept of sketch in data creation and editing is central to Geodesign. Wacom’s pen displays allow a broad audience to rapidly create designs which can then be analyzed for suitability based on a variety of criteria. This democratization of geographic information helps ensure that this critical data can be incorporated into the design process.

"Sketching is the language of GeoDesign," says Jack Dangermond, Esri president. "Interactive displays like those from Wacom bring sketching capabilities to more GIS professionals and act as an enabling technology for GeoDesign."

Wacom is an Esri Authorized Business Partner. The DTU-2231 is being showcased throughout the Esri International User Conference, including Wacom’s booth #2713, taking place July 12-15 at the San Diego Convention Center. For more information regarding Wacom Technology or the DTU-2231, please visit www.wacomGIS.com.

About Wacom
Founded in 1983, Wacom®’s vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world’s leading manufacturer of digital human interface solutions. Wacom revolutionized the nature of digital input when it introduced its family of interactive pen displays, allowing users to work with a pressure-sensitive pen directly on screen. Today, thousands of GIS, design and other professionals count on Wacom displays to express their creativity with superior control and comfort. Visit www.wacom.com for more information.