The mandate of the ILMB is to provide client-focused, high quality, integrated Crown land and resource management, and information services to British Columbians. A key element in fulfilling the organization's mandate is maintaining and providing access to a large data repository known as the Land and Resource Data Warehouse (LRDW).

"The Award of Excellence is going to a very deserving organization that is dedicated to the advancement of GIS within government through the development and distribution of spatial data applications," said Mr. Miller. "The ILMB's effort in making an enormous amount of data available to the BC government and the public sets an example for other governments across Canada."

"One of government's key goals is to lead the way in providing service when and where needed," said Minister of Agriculture and Lands Pat Bell. "This award for the iMapBC application is a testament to the technical ability of our staff and partners, and the effort they have put in to furthering that goal."

The iMapBC application is an ambitious, web-based discovery and access tool that provides staff and the public with a rich set of tools to interact with a over 300 spatial data sets from a number of different organizations. iMapBC is based on ESRI's ArcIMS technology and the Internet Mapping Framework (IMF) developed by the BC government (in collaboration with Moxi Media Inc.). It includes functionality and access to data that goes far beyond a typical internet based mapping application. From the internet browser, users are provided with a base map and can select map layers to add to the map. Additionally, users can upload their own data and add it to their map for on-the-fly visualization. iMapBC also provides users with extensive analytical and mark-up toolsets, printing templates, and the ability to save and restore map user sessions.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of iMapBC is its comprehensive behind the scenes mechanism for adding layers on demand. The list of layers is determined by a security policy framework that can restrict a layer's access to a single user or make it available to the general public. iMapBC is integrated with the BC Data Discovery Service that also provides metadata to assist users with understanding map content.

For more information on the iMapBC website visit,
www.nric.ca

About ESRI Canada:
Established in 1984, ESRI Canada is a Canadian owned company specializing in geographic information systems (GIS) solutions. We distribute the world's leading GIS software solutions from ESRI Inc., Miner and Miner, and Azteca. In order to provide organizations with complete industry-specific solutions we have established an extensive business partner program that includes more than 125 Canadian organizations. ESRI Canada also provides professional services including consulting, training, technical support, and enterprise GIS implementation. We are leaders in providing world-class enterprise GIS solutions for many industries including local government, utilities, public safety and defence, business demographics, education, natural resources, and transportation. ESRI Canada has thirteen regional offices across the country, with headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, please visit www.esricanada.com or call 1-800-447-9778.

Media Contacts:
Matt Down
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ESRI Canada
T: 416-441-6035 x6308
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