Online Interactive Map Delivers Easy and Rapid Access to Useful Data, Enhancing Communication and Delivery of Services to Citizens

QUÉBEC - April 21, 2010 - ESRI Canada today presented an Award of Excellence to the City of Québec for leveraging ESRI's geographic information systems (GIS) to improve its Web mapping application and enhance public access to the city's geographic information.  The ESRI Canada Awards of Excellence recognize organizations and individuals for their outstanding achievements in the application of GIS technology.  The award was presented at the 2010 ESRI Canada User Conference in Québec City.

"The City of Québec is a great example of how ESRI's GIS solutions provide governments with an efficient framework for citizen engagement, better communication and delivery of services," said Alex Miller, President, ESRI Canada.  "We admire the city's focus in adopting GIS to provide easier access to information and support enhanced decision making."

Following the amalgamation of 13 cities into the City of Québec in 2002, the city's geomatics section developed an online interactive map that provides access to a wealth of municipal geographic data, including property information.  Citizens found the mapping application useful; however, the application had slow and limited navigation functionality and lacked compatibility with standard operating systems and browsers.  To modernize and improve the application, the city replaced its GIS in 2009 with ESRI's ArcGIS Server, which provides comprehensive functionality for managing, updating and serving geographic maps and data on servers, desktops, mobile devices and over the Web.  They also used the ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight, an advanced programming interface to create rich Internet applications with powerful mapping capabilities.

The new map was deployed in less than a year without the need for additional staff.  It delivers faster browsing speed and offers valuable navigation functionalities including zoom, pan and print options.  It allows users to visualize and superimpose different map layers such as administrative limits, buildings, landmarks and orthophotos (aerial imagery geometrically corrected to reduce distortion and provide uniform scale).  This significantly enhances the level and detail of information that can be analyzed.  Users can now search by address or by public facilities such as libraries, parks and community centres.  The application also allows users to draw graphics, include comments, enable measurements and bookmark specific content, as well as access and link to other information including property value, trash collection schedules and zoning grids.
 
"ESRI's GIS solution has allowed us to deliver an intuitive Web mapping application that is truly interactive," said Denis Dufour, Manager, City of Québec.  "It has increased the speed and ease of accessing municipal information and is compatible with the majority of commonly used browsers.  I would like to thank ESRI Canada, in particular their Québec and Montréal offices, for their important contribution to the success of this application."

The city plans to further enhance the online map by incorporating additional information such as public transportation routes and other functionality including enabling access through smart phones.
 
To access the City of Québec's online interactive map, visit:  http://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/carte_interactive/  
For more information on ArcGIS Server, visit:  http://www.esricanada.com/products/arcgisserver

                                                                                     ###

About the City of Québec
The City of Quebec is the capital and seat of government of the province of Québec.  It has a total area of 454.28 square kilometres and a population of more than 500,000.  Known worldwide for its rich history and heritage, it is also a modern and dynamic city.  It is the oldest francophone city in North America and celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008.  For more information, visit www.ville.quebec.qc.ca.  

About ESRI Canada
Founded in 1984, ESRI Canada provides enterprise geographic information systems (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments, and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography.  The company distributes the world's leading GIS software from ESRI, Telvent Miner and Miner, Azteca Systems, and other technology partners. Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada. Information about ESRI Canada can be found at www.esricanada.com.   

Media contacts:
Joy Chan
PR Specialist
ESRI Canada
+1 (416) 386-6488
Email Contact
www.esricanada.com

Denis Dufour
Manager
City of Québec
+1 (418) 641-6413
Email Contact
www.ville.quebec.qc.ca