Press Information:                                                                                For Immediate Publication-July 25, 2005

Nikki Snowhite                                                                                                        

ESRI                                                                                                                
Tel.: 909-793-2853, extension 1-2194
E-mail: press@esri.com

 Oklahoma County Assessor Receives Honors for Exceptional Work Using GIS Technology

 San Diego, California—On July 27, 2005, the Oklahoma County Assessor, Oklahoma, 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.

The Oklahoma County Assessor uses GIS technology in every aspect of its work, from identifying property owners and property descriptions to viewing aerial photographs, new structures, flood zones, school districts, and other information. The agency is able to model sales data and trends to create assessment neighborhood breakdowns with accurate information.

The agency also uses GIS technology to provide more information online. This gives citizens the ability to conduct property searches from a computer, rather than having to travel to the assessor’s office. The Assessor’s Office offers Web-unification classes that train commercial and residential realtors how to use the site.

      Citizens use the Web site for a wide variety of purposes. Home buyers use the accurate maps to determine which school district the home they plan to purchase is located, and who their congressman, state senator, and state representatives are. During political campaigns, candidates use the Web site to find property owners to get permission to locate political signs. Communities use the data to organize neighborhood watch programs.

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.

 

ESRI, the ESRI globe logo, GIS by ESRI, www.esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of ESRI in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective trademark owners.