Esri, the worldwide leader in GIS software and technology, announced last month that PDS’ Planning and GIS departments will be honored this summer with a 2017 Special Achievement in GIS award. PDS’ ongoing use of innovative ideas and multi-media methods to communicate stories, comprehensive planning initiatives, and site-readiness selections for economic development prompted the award.
PDS will be recognized in July during the 37th Annual Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) International Users Conference in San Diego.
PDS was selected from more than 150,000 organizations worldwide. Esri bestows the Special Achievement Award to organizations in each state that have made extraordinary contributions to the global society and set new precedents throughout the GIS community.
“The organizations winning this award have used GIS to produce profound work that benefits their businesses as well as the world around them,” said Jack Dangermond, Esri president. “They deserve to be recognized for the dedication and diligence apparent through their work with GIS.”
“We’re very proud to have earned this recognition from Esri,” said Dennis Gordon, FAICP, PDS’ executive director. “It speaks to the long and distinguished history our staff has earned for collaborating to the benefit of the communities we serve. This is our second such award from Esri for our GIS system.”
Trisha Brush GISP, Director of GIS Administration, commented, “When elected officials, planners, or development professionals work on regional projects, it’s imperative that they use the most accurate information possible.”
“By working with numerous stakeholders in the community, we’ve been able to be creative and innovative while keeping the integrity of our good works,” remarked Emi Randall, AICP, RLS, Director of Planning and Zoning.
To see some of the collaborative efforts that led to the award, visit the mapLAB gallery on the agency’s GIS website.