USGS, Esri Partner to Provide Global GIS Data SolutionThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Esri are working together to develop a comprehensive digital atlas of the world, using USGS and other public domain data and Esri software. The Global GIS, which will be published as a USGS digital data series, will provide an integrated package of data and GIS software for use as a reference and analytical tool by government agencies, academia, the private sector, and the general public. The Global GIS series will provide vector and raster data at a nominal scale of 1:1 million with data query and viewing software from Esri. The seven-CD-ROM series will be published sequentially in 2001, beginning with the Central and South America volume, which was released in February, and the next three scheduled for April release. The entire global data set, which exceeds four gigabytes, will also be packaged in a single DVD for release in late 2001. "The USGS's mission is to provide reliable earth and biological science information to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect the quality of life," says Paul Hearn, USGS's manager of the Global GIS project. "Combining USGS global data sets and other public domain data with Esri's software will provide an integrated package of data and GIS tools to a broad cross-section of users and should also expand awareness of GIS technologies." "The USGS has long been known for its efforts in building and disseminating a diverse collection of data," says Jack Dangermond, president, Esri. "Because of their long-standing track record of providing data, technology, and services to many different kinds of users and because their valuable work is making a difference in so many areas, Esri is honored to be working with the USGS to provide this solution." The Global GIS series comes with free data viewing and analysis software and can also be used in conjunction with ArcView GIS, which will allow users to add their own data and create custom project files. Each CD includes a suite of customized viewing tools specifically designed for the data sets. The CD-ROMs will be organized and released as follows: Central and South America, Africa, North Eurasia, South Asia/Antarctica, South Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Global coverage DVD (one single comprehensive volume). "We think the Global GIS will be valuable to both first-time and advanced GIS users by providing a rich, integrated database at a global scale combined with solid viewing and analytical capabilities," says USGS's Hearn. "We're excited about bringing these products to the public." For more information, contact Paul Hearn (e-mail: phearn@usgs.gov). |
