User at the Esri International User Conference For one week, in one place, Esri software users from around the globe will have everything related to GIS technology at their fingertips. The Esri International User Conference is open to all Esri GIS users. That week will be July 12–16, 2010, when thousands of people interested in geospatial technology will gather for the Esri UC at the San Diego Convention Center in California. “Our users are inspired people doing important work with GIS,” says Esri president Jack Dangermond. “They continue to astound us each year with the quantifiable, meaningful, and powerful differences they’re making in the world. The User Conference should be invaluable, a conference you can’t help but get something out of, whether it’s help with a project or recognition for the work you do. It’s a forum where creativity and new ideas are appreciated and shared.” It’s also where Esri software users will learn about ArcGIS 10, due for release soon. “This is a very big release,” says Dangermond, adding that it will be “cloud ready.” Esri has a new relationship with Amazon Web Services to host ArcGIS in its cloud. ArcGIS 10 will be demonstrated at the Plenary Session on Monday, July 12, and will be the focus of many other discussions, demos, and workshops. Improvements will include easier data creation and management, the integration of space and time for temporal spatial support, 3D models and visualization tools, mapmaking time-savers, enhanced editing and sharing capabilities, and new ways to perform analysis and modeling. “ArcGIS 10 simplifies working with a GIS. It puts the map up front,” Dangermond says. Enhanced by cloud computing and Web services, “this is an easier, more accessible, and collaborative GIS.” Dangermond also will share his vision of GIS during the plenary and talk about how many different industries use the technology to plan and make better decisions. Interesting and noteworthy guest speakers will give keynote talks that highlight the importance of geospatial information and technology. A Full Schedule The Esri UC offers a broad slate of events and activities that revolve around the latest geospatial technology developments and applications such as specialized tracks; user presentations; technical workshops; special interest, regional, and user group meetings and exhibits; map posters; and special displays. The Map Gallery opening will follow the plenary. Visitors will be able to browse through the collection of maps that illustrate how GIS is used by a wide variety of organizations in more than 100 countries. Groups such as the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian also will present colorful map displays. The Exhibit Pavilion will house a variety of technology vendors. Attendees can watch GIS demonstrations; speak to Esri staff about technical support; and see how geospatial technology is used in business, public safety, defense, utilities, and other sectors, in the Esri Showcase. Unique Highlights Midweek, Esri will honor the winners of the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) awards at a ceremony. Organizations are lauded for their extraordinary use of GIS. Winners demonstrate vision and leadership in applying the technology to better serve society, such as enabling faster 911 response and creating informationrich public Web sites. GIS Kids Camp will provide school-age children with a way to explore GIS. And the popular Thursday Night Celebration always boasts a new theme. Another draw is the Spatial Outlet and bookstore, which sells books about GIS including titles from Esri Press. Authors also will be on hand, signing books. Play a Part Attendees make the conference a success and worthwhile for their peers. Here’s how to participate: „ Give a Lightning Talk—a clear, quick, and informal presentation that’s completed in five minutes or less. The deadline to submit the presentation is April 30. „ Have your videos, screen captures, and images featured in the plenary. The submission deadline is May 28. „ Share your paper and digital maps that illustrate the power of GIS. The submission deadline is June 14. Submission details will soon be available at www.esri.com/uc. www.esri.com ArcUser Spring 2010 61