Project Involves Designing a National Framework for Leveraging Geographic Information and Geospatial Technology to Monitor Development Outcomes in the African Nation

Kampala, Uganda and Toronto, Canada – September 27, 2010 – Geo-Information Communication (GIC) Limited and ESRI Canada today announced that the companies won a contract to provide consulting services for the Republic of Uganda's Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) project.  This will help Uganda develop a framework for broader and more effective use of spatial data and geographic information systems (GIS) to monitor the country's progress in achieving its development goals.  The project is being undertaken through funds from the Korean Trust Fund on ICT4D, administered by infoDev as part of a World Bank initiative.

“Building a national spatial data infrastructure will help us establish standards for collecting, maintaining and sharing geographic information,” said Bernard Justus Muhwezi, Principal Geo-Information Officer for the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. “This will increase efficiencies in government processes and promote innovation to support economic growth and sustainable development.”

“Developing countries, such as Uganda, stand to benefit significantly from the efficiencies and cost savings provided by an SDI,” said Alex Miller, president, ESRI Canada.  “It helps governments reduce duplicate data collection, improve the quality of data and make geographic data more accessible to the public.  More importantly, it allows for increased collaboration among all levels of government, business and the academic community, leading to better planning and decision making.”

As part of the project, GIC and ESRI Canada consultants will conduct an assessment of the current state of geospatial information management in Uganda, identify issues and obstacles that need to be addressed and compile best practices.  Based on the findings, they will provide recommendations on the technology, policies and people required for the successful development and implementation of an SDI.  The project is expected to be completed in 2011.
 
“In combining our strengths with ESRI Canada, we are bringing the best in local and international GIS and SDI expertise to help Uganda effectively manage its spatial information,” said Amadra ori-Okido, managing director, GIC.  “We look forward to working with the government of Uganda in creating a framework for consistent sharing of geographic information that will allow it to increase data availability, maximize the use of available data and extend its benefits to partners and citizens.”

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About infoDev
infoDev is a global partnership program in the World Bank Group of international development agencies that helps donors and developing countries use innovation and information and communication technologies (ICT) to achieve economic growth, sustainable development and poverty reduction.  For more information, visit www.infodev.org.

About Geo-Information Communication
Geo-Information Communication (GIC) Limited is an information technology-based company focused on providing high-quality and cost-effective Geographic Information Systems (GIS) solutions and services.  GIC provides expertise in GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS surveying and mapping, and natural resources and environmental management.  The company's experts attained professional training from international institutions and have vast working experience in national and international organizations.  In addition, GIC draws upon a number of consultants with specialized skills from partner companies.  Based in Kampala, Uganda, the company was incorporated in 2002.  For more information, visit www.gic.co.ug.

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, Telvent, Azteca Systems and other technology partners. Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada and has been named as one of the top 250 Canadian IT companies and top 25 IT professional services providers in Canada by the Branham Group.  Information about ESRI Canada can be found at esricanada.com.

Media contacts:
In Uganda:
Amadra ori-Okido
Managing Director
Geo-Information Communication
+ 256-414-288-058
Email Contact
www.gic.co.ug

In Canada:
Joy Chan
PR Specialist
ESRI Canada
+1-416-386-6488
Email Contact
esricanada.com