GlobeXplorer teams with ESRI to provide Open, Interoperable foundation datasets used in OpenGIS Consortium’s Testbed and Prototype Initiatives

GlobeXplorer’s Image Server and ESRI’s ArcIMS platform are integrated

to deliver nationwide aerial and satellite images

HOUSTON (April 13, 2003) – GlobeXplorer LLC, a subsidiary of   Stewart Information Services Corp. (NYSE-STC) , and ESRI have developed a key application for the critical sharing of information between federal, state, local and private agencies.   By combining online geographic information system technology from ESRI’s standards-based and interoperable ArcIMS software with the highly scaleable online image delivery system created by GlobeXplorer, OpenGIS Consortium (OGC) members and others in the industry are able to demonstrate more robust applications, such as Homeland Security, in rapid fashion.

“GlobeXplorer’s online image service is the nation’s most detailed and comprehensive commercial library of map-corrected aerial and satellite imagery,” said Rob Shanks, president of GlobeXplorer.   “In response to the challenges of the modern world, GlobeXplorer and ESRI have collaborated on a unique web service that is second to none when it comes to the delivery of critical geospatial information.   GlobeXplorer’s nationwide imagery and our mutual technology products allow for the dynamic integration and sharing of information in a way that was not possible before this time.”

“Through combined technologies that are open, standards based and interoperable, including compliance with OGC’s Open Web Services specifications, we are delivering key decision makers and end users the ability to view, analyze, share, and report activities faster and more completely than ever before,” stated S.J. Camarata, director, Corporate Strategies, ESRI, Inc., and a member of the board of directors for OGC.   “The ability to fulfill image requests from any application such as Homeland Security, Environmental Planning and Analysis, Land Planning, Business and Demographic Analysis, Forestry, Utility Management, as well as dozens of others is extremely easy with this new service.”   

The Office of Homeland Security has called GIS data an essential resource in efforts to improve the ability to respond to emergencies, and officials have highlighted the need for an interoperable network that will allow interactive sharing of such critical data among all levels of government.

To gain access to GlobeXplorer’s 300 terabyte, nationwide library of map-corrected aerial and satellite imagery, users simply type the URL of the web service, and any application is instantly connected to the proper image and map information.   An example using ESRI’s free ArcExplorer viewing software, fully compliant with OGC’s Open Web Service specification,   is shown here.

Fact: One terabyte of imagery is equivalent to four million printed books.

About ESRI

For more than 30 years, ESRI has been the leading developer of GIS software with more than 300,000 clients worldwide. ESRI software is used in all 200 of the largest cities in the United States and in more than 60 percent of counties and municipalities nationwide. Headquartered in California , ESRI has regional offices throughout the United States , international distributors in more than 90 countries, and more than 1,400 business partners. ESRI's goal is to develop comprehensive tools that enable users to efficiently manage, use, and serve geographic information to make a difference in the world around them. ESRI also provides consulting, implementation, and technical support services. ESRI can be found on the Web at http://www.esri.com/ .

About GlobeXplorer

GlobeXplorer is a leading geographic data integration and publishing company providing online access to the world's largest commercial library of geo-referenced digital earth imagery.  The company's image library is distributed over the Internet using a proprietary platform that dynamically searches, retrieves, and delivers high-quality images from an online database within seconds.  Using this technology, GlobeXplorer provides fast and affordable access to aerial images and associated database content to thousands of businesses and consumers on a daily basis. Through web applications, desktop application extensions, custom GIS portals, and Internet-enabled devices, access to this dynamic archive of aerial imagery is available via flexible subscription services. The company is headquartered in Walnut Creek , California , and its products are available worldwide. For further information, contact GlobeXplorer at info "at" globexplorer.com , or visit http://www.globexplorer.com on the Internet.