Enterprise GIS Enables Rapid, Cost-Effective Distribution of the City's Geographic Data and Imagery, Enhancing Services to Municipal Departments and Citizens

Kamloops, BC — May 14, 2010 — ESRI Canada today presented an Award of Excellence to the City of Kamloops for improving access to municipal geographic data and imagery and enhancing public services using ESRI's geographic information systems (GIS). The award, which recognizes organizations and individuals for their outstanding achievements in the application of GIS, was presented at the 2010 ESRI Canada User Conference in Kamloops.

"The City of Kamloops has a successful history of using ESRI technology to deliver important services to its citizens," said Alex Miller, President, ESRI Canada. "Improving the management of municipal imagery and geographic data allows the City to undertake effective operations and fiscal management. The added enhancement of making the information available to the public demonstrates a commitment to good government and public service."

The City has been leveraging ESRI technology as its GIS platform since 1995. The system serves as the City's core database for managing geographic information on all municipal assets including utility infrastructure, roads and buildings, as well as maps and aerial photos. Through the GIS, city departments can access current and historical online maps, data and images to enhance project planning, design and analysis. This has significantly improved the City's operations including public works, utilities and engineering. It also enhances public safety in that fire, ambulance and police agencies have improved maps of areas in the city to effectively plan for and respond to emergencies.

The City believes in making its data open and accessible, and allows its geographic information, maps and photos to be downloaded for free through a Web portal. It provides several interactive maps including a property information service and a city map and facility finder. It also offers a large map catalogue that includes neighbourhood, street, floodplain and bus route maps.

"With the information stored in the ESRI geographic information system, we can improve our operations today and plan for the future," said Mayor Peter Milobar, City of Kamloops. "The added value of providing public access to the information is significant as it allows us to enhance our services to City residents and businesses."

For more information on the City of Kamloops map services, visit: www.kamloops.ca/maps.
For more information on ESRI ArcGIS, visit www.esricanada.com/products/arcgis.

About the City of Kamloops

The City of Kamloops is Canada's Tournament Capital. Situated between Vancouver and the Alberta border, Kamloops is the business and travel hub of British Columbia's southern interior. It is a thriving cosmopolitan city of 85,000 residents where shopping, entertainment, artistic expression, and sporting challenge are found in full measure. Kamloops is renowned for its enthusiastic volunteer base when hosting regional, provincial, national and international events. For more information, please visit www.kamloops.ca.

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 & 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.



Contact:

Joy Chan
PR Specialist
ESRI Canada
Tel.: +1 (416) 386-6488
E-mail: Email Contact
www.esricanada.com

Frank Mayhood
Information Technology Manager
City of Kamloops
Tel.: +1 (250) 828-3441
E-mail: Email Contact
www.kamloops.ca