January 14, 2008

ESRI Joins European Organization to Facilitate Use of Geographic Information Technology

Redlands, California—Geographic information system (GIS) industry leader ESRI has joined the European Umbrella Organization for Geographic Information (EUROGI), an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to maximizing the availability and effective use of geographic information (GI) throughout Europe. EUROGI believes that its efforts will help promote good governance, economic and social development, environmental protection, and sustainability.

Comments Joao Geirinhas, secretary general of EUROGI, "EUROGI welcomes ESRI as the newest private sector member in our organization. We believe that the experience ESRI has gained through its long-term commitment in supporting relevant GI stakeholders will be a major benefit to the further development of our organization."

Adds Jack Dangermond, ESRI president, "We are honored to join EUROGI and wholeheartedly support its stated goal of promoting geographic information as a 'fully integrated component of the European knowledge-based society."

Comments Guenther Pichler, business development manager, ESRI Europe, "We look forward to helping EUROGI continue its promotion of the use of geographic information to the many agencies and organizations in the European community. Of particular importance is EUROGI's critical role in raising awareness and creating a capacity for implementing the Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe (INSPIRE) Directive, the Pan-European spatial data infrastructure initiative."

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About EUROGI
EUROGI was created in 1994 following a recommendation by the European Commission (EC) and is established as a foundation under Dutch law. It represents, both directly and indirectly, more than 6,500 European organizations that create and use geographic information. It is organized as a network and is recognized as the professional voice of the European GI world. EUROGI is frequently consulted by the EC and others for advice and information. For additional information, visit its Web site at www.eurogi.org.

Press Information:
Jim Baumann, ESRI
Tel.: 909-793-2853, extension 1-1807
E-mail (press only): press@esri.com
General Information: info@esri.com