SpatialNews Press Release

Organizations Select GDT Data to Build Community-Based Efforts with ESRI's ArcIMS Route Server Extension

www.geographic.com

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Geographic Data Technology, Inc., (GDT) a developer of premier map databases, today announced that the Environmental Working Group and the Fannie Mae Foundation have selected GDT data for use within ESRI’s ArcIMS Route Server Extension to provide superb routing, geocoding and map display for web applications. The Environmental Working Group will use ArcIMS software and GDT data to create an informational web site identifying hazardous waste transportation routes. The Fannie Mae Foundation has used the tools to create an Intranet-based application that helps its program officers learn more about the communities they serve.

The ArcIMS Route Server extension, coupled with GDT data, allows ArcIMS users to add high-performance routing and directions to web sites. By integrating GDT’s premier street and address data with the ArcIMS and ArcIMS Route Server technology, users have access to superior map display, geocoding, driving directions, and route calculations. GDT has optimized the routing and geocoding capabilities of its Dynamap® products to offer unsurpassed performance within ESRI’s ArcIMS Route Server extension. With more than 6.9 million miles of roadways mapped in North America, GDT offers comprehensive, seamless coverage of the continent’s central cities, rural areas, and fast-growing suburbs. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) uses GDT’s Route Server data pack, Dynamap®/Display and ArcIMS Route Server on the web site, www.MapScience.org. MapScience.org identifies the proximity of homes to routes proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to transport nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Users of the site enter their address and get a customized map identifying the proposed nuclear transport route along with schools, hospitals and one-, two-, and five-mile buffer zones. State and major metro maps are also available and the application will calculate the impact zones in the event of an accident along the transport route.

"By understanding the personal impact of public policy decisions, citizens are more empowered to participate in the debate over hazardous waste disposal," said Ken Cook, President of the Environmental Working Group. "The accuracy of GDT’s geocoding and routing information along with their supplemental products allow us to provide the most current and accurate information to keep citizens better informed."

The Fannie Mae Foundation uses GDT data with the ArcIMS Route Server extension in FMF-MAPS, an Intranet application that provides community-level data for affordable housing and community development programs. With FMF-MAPS, foundation program officers can navigate through a map interface to identify areas of specific interest. The user can then generate maps and summary reports and data at the neighborhood level. The information is used in the evaluation of grant applications and to help target Foundation programs and outreach services.

"Using the ArcIMS Route Server technology and GDT’s data, our program officers are able to access detailed community-level data and maps about the areas where they work," said Kristopher Rengert, Ph.D., Director of Urban and Metropolitan Research for the Fannie Mae Foundation. "While our current implementation focuses on the metropolitan areas where we have offices, we plan to expand the application to include the entire U.S. GDT’s ability to link to census block groups and its consistent nationwide coverage are critical to the success of our program."

About Environmental Working Group

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a not-for-profit environmental research organization dedicated to improving public health and protecting the environment by reducing pollution in air, water and food. Based in Washington, DC, and with an office in Oakland, California, EWG conducts groundbreaking, computer-assisted research on a variety of environmental issues. Recent EWG research topics have included pesticides in foods, air, and weather; the cutback in energy conservation programs by California utilities; and toxic substances in beauty products.

About Fannie Mae Foundation

The Fannie Mae Foundation creates affordable homeownership and housing opportunities through innovative partnerships and initiatives that build healthy, vibrant communities across the United States. The Foundation is specially committed to improving the quality of life for the people of its hometown, Washington, DC, and to enhancing the livability of the city’s neighborhoods. The Foundation, a private nonprofit organization supported solely by Fannie Mae, has regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Pasadena and Philadelphia. More information about the Foundation can be found at http://www.fanniemaefoundation.org.

About GDT

Geographic Data Technology, Inc. develops premier map databases that provide the foundation for location-based applications. With more than 20 years experience in data management and compilation, GDT excels at bringing together a myriad of data resources to create spatial products and services that help businesses and consumers manage, understand and analyze geographic relationships. GDT provides cartographic data to major GIS vendors and is the data provider for leading software and web mapping programs. GDT data is used for routing, web mapping, emergency response, site selection, risk analysis, facilities management, and a host of other applications. With a focus on nationwide coverage, GDT offers customers complete, current and comprehensive geographic products for North America, Brazil and Argentina. Rated one of the fastest growing private companies in New Hampshire, GDT employs more than 500 people at its Lebanon, NH headquarters.

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Jul 8, 2002 Jul 8, 2002