January 26, 2010 -- YARMOUTH, Maine ─ As many as 500 responders and relief workers in Haiti are now using GIS software, GPS receivers, and crucial map data provided by DeLorme, and the company stands ready to offer additional assistance.

Based on feedback the company has received, the unique combination of DeLorme XMap mapping software, Earthmate PN-Series GPS devices, and DeLorme Digital Map Data for Haiti have proven invaluable to a variety of first responding organizations during the early phase of the earthquake recovery efforts.

Driven by the need for street-level maps of Port-au-Prince, DeLorme over a week ago established a team of cartographers and map technicians to create map data for first responders. Urgently-needed GIS software and GPS hardware were also included.

“Shortly after the disaster we received a number of calls from frustrated first responders who were looking for a simple solution that integrated GPS, map data, and mapping software,” explained David McKittrick, DeLorme training specialist. “DeLorme has now provided free digital map downloads of Haitian street and road data to responders and relief workers who were in desperate need of that assistance but unable to find it elsewhere.

“DeLorme is continuing to update the data for Port-au-Prince, prioritized around the responders’ requirements. In addition, the DeLorme cartography team is now working on data for other impacted areas, such as Cap Haitien and Jacmel.”

First responders using DeLorme XMap software and the Earthmate PN-40 GPS receivers have been able to overlay aerial imagery, routable roads and streets, as well as pertinent GIS layers for applications in the field including navigation, field data collection, and resource allocation and identification. XMap makes it easy for responders to view these disparate data layers and to transfer the data to rugged DeLorme PN-40 GPS receivers for field use.

XMap Forms, a new component of the XMap suite, have enabled onsite data collection using the Earthmate PN-40, as well as on field laptops. XMap is used to replicate the required data collection parameters of existing emergency-management forms, easing data collection requirements amid the oftentimes chaotic recovery effort.

Shortly after the quake hit Haiti, McKittrick flew to Miami to quickly train first responders deploying DeLorme field data collection solutions using XMap and the PN-Series GPS device. “One of the key challenges for first responders is finding a fully integrated solution that provides the needed map data, imagery, GPS field collection tools, and interoperability with existing GIS systems,” added McKittrick. “It was truly gratifying to be able to provide a unique one-stop resource, offering a variety of software, map data with imagery, and GPS tools, all interoperable, to address the many challenges of fast-changing events on the ground in Haiti.”

DeLorme will continue to respond to requests for assistance.“We welcome and encourage inquiries from any government agencies or non-governmental organizations involved in the Haiti relief effort,” said DeLorme vice president Jim Skillings. To inquire, email Email Contact. Please use that email address only if you or your organization is directly involved in the relief or recovery. All other inquiries should go to Email Contact. For access to DeLorme’s updated datasets or other products to assist in the effort, please visit www.delorme.com.

About DeLorme

DeLorme is the longtime leader in innovative mapping and GPS solutions for both consumer and professional markets. The company’s Street Atlas USA and Topo USA consumer software have set the standards for GPS, routing, and travel planning capabilities. DeLorme XMap® software is expanding the GIS market through its advanced capabilities, affordable pricing, and ease of use. The company’s Earthmate GPS receivers pioneered the concept of GPS for laptop PCs and PDAs. Today, the innovation continues with the Earthmate GPS PN-series of handheld receivers, the Earthmate GPS BT-20 with dual Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and the DeLorme GPS2056 Receiver Module for OEM electronic systems. Located in Yarmouth, Maine, DeLorme is home to Eartha™, the world's largest rotating globe.