SpatialNews Press Release

DMTI Spatial Launches SMART, an Innovative Program Designed to Bring Affordable Mapping to Canadian Colleges & Universities

www.dmtispatial.com

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Markham, ON - April 17, 2002 - Canada's leading mapping data and geocoding solutions provider, DMTI Spatial, is pleased to announce the launch of a new education program called SMART - Spatial Mapping Academic Research Tools.

Based on the Data Liberation Initiative (DLI) concept, DMTI Spatial's SMART Program provides participating Canadian Universities and Colleges with access to leading geospatial mapping data products. Participants receive an enterprise wide site license to use the data for teaching and research purposes only.

Academia has been highly supportive and appreciative of DMTI Spatial and their efforts to liberate access to Canadian GIS data. The following testimonies (December 2001) from across the country are a sample of those celebrating this bold initiative.

"The DMTI Spatial initiative to provide high-quality geospatial data to post-secondary institutions across Canada is a groundbreaking achievement for GIS education in this country. Faculty and students will benefit from the best Canadian geospatial data available anywhere. This agreement will most likely be a model for many other educational initiatives to benefit from GIS education in North America", said Marcel A.J. Fortin, John P. Robarts Library, University of Toronto.

"We are excited by this innovative collaboration with DMTI Spatial to provide Canadian geospatial data to educators and students. Using these current Canadian datasets will provide a meaningful and relevant context in which to learn geographic techniques and issues. This is an excellent example of how private industry can partner with educational institutions to mutual benefit.", stated Lynn Moorman, Department of Geography, University of Calgary.

Grace Welch, President, Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives, championed that "The consortia purchase of the five DMTI Spatial national products is a ground-breaking initiative. This is the first time in Canada that a commercial geospatial data provider has recognized the critical importance of affordable access to their data products to support the rapid development of GIS teaching and research in Canadian post-secondary institutions. DMTI Spatial is to be commended for making these valuable resources available to the Canadian education sector."

Doug Banting, Geography Department, Ryerson University was quick to note that "With the access to commercial-grade data such as that from DMTI Spatial, the learning environment is in keeping with professional expectations. Road networks are complete and reference both addresses and the routing information that is key to many GIS applications. This innovative private-sector arrangement for post-secondary institutions is truly welcome and it is hoped the initiative will inspire others in the field to grant access to their data for teaching purposes. It advances the entire GIS community by producing better graduates."

To find out if your University or College is part of the DMTI Spatial SMART Program, please contact: Marcel A.J. Fortin, John P. Robarts Library, University of Toronto at: (416) 978-1958.

About DMTI Spatial:

DMTI Spatial is a leading North American spatial solutions data provider. Our data helps users to better understand their customers, optimize resources, realize opportunities, maximize profitability, and make informed business decisions. DMTI Spatial is the publisher of CanMap®, a suite of precision-built street map, rail and routing data; GeoPinpoint™, innovative geocoding software; and a comprehensive portfolio of enhanced points of interest, census data and boundaries, postal geography, topographic maps, marketing databases and a wide range of GIS services. To find out more about DMTI Spatial, visit www.dmtispatial.com or call toll free: 1-877-477-3684.

For further information please contact:
Don DeGenova
Vice-President, Business Development and Strategic Alliances
DMTI Spatial
ddegenova@dmtispatial.com
Toll Free: 1-877-477-3684 x2011

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Apr 18, 2002 Jun 26, 2002