Environmentalist recognized for advancing the use of GIS in conserving Canada’s wetlands

WINNIPEG, Esri Canada User Conference – April 21, 2015 – Esri Canada today presented Brian Kazmerik, director of information systems and GIS at Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), with the Roger F. Tomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to advancing the use of geographic information system (GIS) technology in the conservation of Canada’s wetlands.

The award was created as a tribute to Dr. Roger F. Tomlinson O.C., a visionary geographer who conceived and developed the first GIS and became known as the ‘father of GIS’.  The recognition is given to individuals for their outstanding achievement and contribution to the GIS community during their career.

“Brian’s work in conservation mapping is truly invaluable,” said Alex Miller, president, Esri Canada. “In his nearly four decades of service at Ducks Unlimited Canada, he has led the development of numerous GIS applications and systems, such as the Canadian Wetland Inventory, which will help improve the  management of our country’s water resources and support sustainable development.”

Mr. Kazmerik began his career in 1979 at DUC. Over 36 years, he progressed from systems analyst to national manager of GIS; he is currently the director of information systems and GIS. During his tenure, he has played a key role in applying GIS to support DUC’s business operations and improve cost-effectiveness and service quality. As well, he has built exceptional partnerships at the provincial, national and international level and has been instrumental in conducting extensive wetland mapping across Canada. In 2002, Mr. Kazmerik, together with several partners, co-founded the Canadian Wetland Inventory (CWI) project, which is building a GIS-based inventory of all wetlands across the country.

Canada is estimated to have approximately 28 per cent of the world’s wetlands, which are critical sources of clean drinking water, flood and drought relief and habitat for wildlife. These wetlands are being depleted at an alarming rate. With the CWI, Canada will have an effective system for monitoring the quantity and quality of wetlands. The system will provide easy access to digitally mapped and classified wetland information in support of better conservation decisions. Mr. Kazmerik’s team created this interactive map – ducks.ca/cwi – to illustrate the progress of the project.

“Through his strong leadership and vision, Brian has ensured that geographic knowledge plays a role in nearly every decision made at DUC – from choosing project locations, to targeting markets, monitoring waterfowl movement and tracking landscape changes. His achievements reflect his innovative spirit and passion for the environment, and effectively demonstrate the positive impact GIS delivers to our world,” noted Mr. Miller.

Mr. Kazmerik holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Computer Science from Brandon University and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from the Schulich School of Business at York University. He also shares his expertise through leadership and active participation in several professional associations.

About the Roger F. Tomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award
The Roger F. Tomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award was instituted in 2014 and is awarded periodically by Esri Canada to an individual for outstanding contributions to the GIS community over the course of their career. The award is named after GIS pioneer Dr. Roger F. Tomlinson O.C. (1934 – 2014), who conceived and developed the first geographic information system (GIS) for the Canadian federal government in the 1960s. He initiated, planned and directed the development of the Canada Geographic Information System to create the Canada Land Inventory, a geographic database still used today by municipalities for land planning. His innovation has enabled the development of modern mapping technology and techniques, and established a multibillion-dollar industry employing thousands of people worldwide.

About Esri Canada
Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (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, Schneider Electric, Cityworks – Azteca Systems, Inc. and other technology partners.  Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada.  Esri Canada has joined the elite rank of Canada’s Best Managed companies and has been named to the Branham300.  Information about the company can be found at esri.ca. Follow Esri Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. 

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