Telogis Introduces Telogis Fleet 9

 Telogis, the platform for location intelligence, introduces Telogis Fleet 9: the industry’s most reliable and scalable fleet management software. Telogis’ Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) fleet management system drives rapid return on investment for fleets of all sizes through improved productivity and operational streamlining. Telogis Fleet 9 provides businesses with new configurable reporting and alerting options designed to allow the fleet manager to tailor the system to their specific needs, as well as advanced asset utilization and security capabilities that ensure the productivity and protection of high-value assets.   These new elements build on a platform that already offers a wide range of tools to better manage a compay’s mobile assets, including real-time traffic and weather, fuel card management, advanced compliance reporting, extensive vehicle histories and personnel management functions. Telogis Fleet 9 supports a variety of vehicle and equipment types, and integrates seamlessly with Telogis Route, Telogis Progression and Telogis Mobile to providestrategic and dynamic routing, real-time work order management, telematics and mobile integration on a single platform. 

“The next generation of Telogis Fleet is designed to give the user a completely unique fleet management experience that best aligns with their business needs,” says Sean McCormick, product manager, Telogis. “Other applications on the market provide more rigid reporting and alerting mechanisms that leave the organization confined to the functions that the system offers. With Telogis Fleet 9, we are putting that power into the user’s hands by providing tools that allow easy and fast customization, and offer visually relevant information and data.” 

Telogis Fleet 9 features new configurable reporting functions and settings designed to tailor the system to each unique business model. Key new capabilities include: 

• Ad Hoc Reporting—Telematics systems gather data that is not always relevant to every organization. Telogis Fleet 9 and Ad Hoc Reporting allow the user to define the data elements that they want to see and to organize them in a way that is the most logical way for their operation. Backed by the massive computing power of the Telogis Cloud, Telogis Fleet 9 is able to create and run these reports in real time. 
• Terminology Module—Every organization has its own jargon and terminology. Telogis Fleet 9 lets the user go into the system and rename key terms to match internal nomenclature (“driver” becomes “field technician,” “Van 1” becomes “Regional Route 1,” etc.). 
• InSight Alerting Engine—The new Telogis Fleet 9 InSight alerting engine allows the user to create unique alerts based on almost every piece of data that the system collects. For instance, when a vehicle’s windshield wipers are turned on, an alert can be sent to the fleet manager that it is currently raining at the vehicle’s location. 
• Layers—Layers allows organizations to quickly and easily integrate unique GIS layer data into Telogis Fleet. This means that users can easily locate relevant locations in their company infrastructure that do not appear on standard maps, such as power poles, oil wells, gas and water lines, land use grids, and forestry and parcel data. 

Telogis Fleet 9 also benefits from the new advanced features of Telogis Asset, including asset-specific alerts and reporting functions that provide greater visibility as to how each asset is being used in the field. Users have the ability to view all assets in a single view, customize data by asset type and integrate that information into larger fleet-wide reports — an especially important feature in large, mixed fleets (trucks, heavy equipment, trailers, site equipment). Advanced loss prevention and utilization monitoring tools also protect assets from theft and misuse.

“Telogis’ asset solution not only ensures the security of your high-value assets, it also helps eliminate replacement costs, damages, and higher insurance premiums,” says Jeffrey Cohen, vice president, Asset & Security Solutions, Telogis. “It also allows companies to maximize asset utilization and optimally deploy resources based on real-time information that shows how vehicles, equipment and tools are being used in the field.”

For more information on Telogis Fleet 9 visit www.telogis.com or call 1-866-835-6447.About Telogis

Telogis Inc., the platform for location intelligence, is dedicated to enhancing the value of its customers’ businesses through intelligent integration of location technology, information and services. Telogis was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., with offices in Europe and Latin America as well as development centers in Austin, Texas and Christchurch, New Zealand. Telogis’ products and services are used and distributed in more than 60 countries worldwide. To learn more about Telogis visit www.telogis.com or call toll free at 866-TELOGIS (866-835-6447).

Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District Maps, Manages Network with Esri ArcGIS

Redlands, California - October 10, 2011 - The Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District is taking advantage of the Esri Small Utility Enterprise License Agreement (SU-ELA) program to obtain ArcGIS technology for mapping and managing its underground network. The Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District serves more than 55,000 customers in 21 counties of the state's rural middle region.
"ArcGIS provides the ability to efficiently and accurately map our natural gas system, and gives us detailed basemaps," said Sean Flatt, GIS mapping coordinator at Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District. "Also, all of our personnel now have access to an internal web mapping application, using the ArcGIS API for Flex, which provides maps of our system and allows basic GIS tools and functionality."
ArcGIS is now deployed throughout several departments in the utility, including planning, construction, and engineering. Utility operators are relying on ArcGIS capabilities to perform ad hoc analysis of many company-wide objectives.
In the coming year, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas plans to expand its ArcGIS technology into mobile applications using ArcGIS for iOS. This app will provide field access to maps and data and will enable field-based reporting and data collection for yearly system maintenance projects. Operators in the utility home office will be able to monitor the progress of projects, and updates will no longer require manual entry into the database.
"The Esri small utility ELA has helped our GIS program take a huge leap forward," said Flatt. "With the ability to use the full ArcGIS system, we have been able to not only investigate but actually implement many products that we would have previously not even considered. The ELA makes it possible to let even the most occasional user have access to ArcGIS software."
Esri's SU-ELA program is open to utilities with 100,000 meters or fewer. Through the program, these small utilities receive unlimited deployments of ArcGIS software, as well as maintenance and support for products, staff training, passes to the Esri International User Conference, and Esri data models.
For more information on the Small Utility ELA program, including a webcast and podcast, visit esri.com/suela. To speak to an expert, call 800-447-9778, extension 2990.

About Esri
Since 1969, Esri has been giving customers around the world the power to think and plan geographically. The market leader in GIS technology, Esri software is used in more than 300,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. Esri applications, running on more than one million desktops and thousands of web and enterprise servers, provide the backbone for the world's mapping and spatial analysis. Esri is the only vendor that provides complete technical solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. Visit us at esri.com/news.

Esri to Demonstrate Its Geospatial Technology at GEOINT 2011

Defense, intelligence, and national security professionals will get the opportunity to watch demonstrations of Esri's complete geospatial system for intelligence at the GEOINT 2011 Symposium in San Antonio, Texas, next week.

The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation hosts GEOINT, which will be held

October 16–19, 2011, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

ArcGIS technology from Esri turns intelligence data into geographic knowledge that informs decision making for a wide range of missions. ArcGIS is a system for working with maps and geographic information that agencies use to fuse, analyze, visualize, exploit, and disseminate complex intelligence data.

"Esri's geospatial technology is uniquely qualified to handle many forms of intelligence such as data from satellite imagery and information collected using handheld devices," said Jack Dangermond, Esri president. "When analyzed and displayed using ArcGIS, subtle geographic patterns emerge from the intelligence that would otherwise be difficult to detect."

ArcGIS is an Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) compliant system designed and engineered with interoperability in mind. It can be used on a variety of technology platforms including mobile devices, desktops, servers, and web browsers.

During GEOINT, Esri will demonstrate Portal for ArcGIS, a repository for geospatial content that operates behind a secure firewall or in a private cloud. It's similar to Esri's publicly available ArcGIS Online, the cloud-based geospatial content management system for storing and managing maps, data, and other geospatial information.

Portal for ArcGIS lets you access maps, templates, workflows, datasets, services, tools, and other geospatial content. You can also use the resources in the portal to create and share maps that others can access through a variety of platforms, such as mobile devices or custom applications.

"Portal for ArcGIS provides the same collaboration and sharing tools as ArcGIS Online but in a secure environment," Dangermond said. "Users inside an organization can quickly access the authoritative content and create intelligent maps and apps using templates and web mapping APIs."

Esri will be at booth #539. Stop by for briefings and demonstrations on how to

• Manage, visualize, analyze, and distribute geospatial intelligence using Esri's complete, open OGC-compliant enterprise geospatial system.
• Use ArcGIS to seamlessly process and incorporate imagery as an integral part of the geospatial enterprise.
• Exploit the latest in cloud, mobile, server, desktop, and online capabilities.
• Work with robust geospatial tools to manage and analyze data for field operations and situational awareness.
• Use ArcGIS technology to support Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response (HADR) operations launched after hurricanes, major earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
• Learn how ArcGIS technology provides a powerful analytic platform for understanding human geography.

GEOINT is considered the premier geospatial intelligence conference in the United States. The symposium drew more than 4,000 attendees last year.

Visit esri.com/intelligence to learn more about GIS in defense and intelligence.

About Esri

Since 1969, Esri has been giving customers around the world the power to think and plan geographically. The market leader in GIS technology, Esri software is used in more than 300,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. Esri applications, running on more than one million desktops and thousands of web and enterprise servers, provide the backbone for the world's mapping and spatial analysis. Esri is the only vendor that provides complete technical solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. Visit us at esri.com/news.

GE Joins Western Power Distribution to Help Design Cleaner, More-Efficient Power Grid for UK

 GE (NYSE: GE) announced a Low Carbon Network Fund (LCN Fund) project with Western Power Distribution (WPD). The research initiative is revealing how carbon-reducing technologies, like distributed solar panels, can impact the electricity network. Study results will create a set of “reusable network templates” to help utilities plan more efficient, more reliable, lower-carbon networks worldwide.

The project has been awarded by United Kingdom’s Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) LCN Fund. The LCN Fund is sponsoring £500 million of low-carbon research over the next five years to spur the radical change electricity networks need to make the low-carbon energy sector a reality.

“We’re making the real world our research lab and learning what really happens when we add new generation and consumption technologies to our power grid,” said Peter Aston, innovation and low carbon networks manager at WPD. “Building new power network designs based on remotely accessible, accurate views of actual usage gives us a powerful advantage over computer models and simulations. We’ll know the true effects of system changes because we will be able to collect and analyse the low voltage network data in a way we haven’t been able to do before.”

Key to the project’s success is GE Energy usage sensors that will be distributed throughout Southwest England and South Wales. Sensors at 1,000 substations will record demand and voltage data, while sensors at 8,000 homes will record voltage profile data. The information will be compiled and analyzed by researchers at the University of Bath. The Bath research team will apply engineering and statistical analysis methods to the network patterns to create “network templates” to guide optimal power grid design and upgrades around the United Kingdom.

“Today we’re using the power grid in ways that were not even conceivable when the system was originally designed,” said Keith Redfearn, general manager—digital energy in Western Europe for GE Energy. “With GE sensors transmitting network data, we can help create the roadmap to lower energy’s carbon footprint and incorporate innovation more effectively and efficiently.”

Carbon-saving technologies, such as rooftop solar panels distributed throughout the network, create challenges for a system originally designed to accept electricity from large, centrally located power plants. GE’s sensors will report the voltage, network status, capacity and network stress as new technologies are deployed. Researchers will be able to determine the best ways to smooth loads, lower stress, optimize performance and maximize the energy-delivery capacity of the entire network.

“We’re creating network templates in order to build a more reliable, more efficient and less carbon-filled energy future,” added Aston. “Our greater knowledge of the way the network operates will help us with all aspects of our business, helping us to improve the service to our customers.”

Sensor installation will commence late summer 2011.

About Western Power Distribution

Western Power Distribution is the electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, South Wales and the South West.

The company delivers electricity to more than 7.6 million customers over a 55,300 sq km service area. The network consists of 216,000 km of overhead lines and underground cables with 184,000 substations.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Management and GE Oil & Gas—work together with more than 100,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry, including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid-modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.

Rugby2GO Application Makes it Easy for Fans to Locate Traffic Congestion

The free Rugby2goNZ mobile app for Android, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad devices is the perfect companion for the rugby tourist. It contains detailed information on how to get to the rugby stadiums, the Transport Management Plans, Fan Zones and the more than 1000 REAL NZ Festival 2011 events throughout New Zealand.

The paid version of the application can display LIVE traffic information on accidents, incidents, road closures and traffic congestion which is updated every couple of minutes (exclusive to the Rugby2GoNZ app) to help the user get to where they want to go.

Utilising the GPS in the mobile device to locate the user, Rugby2GoNZ has the whole of New Zealand covered in terms of mapping and Points of Interest for tourists along with direction and routing features.

Bargain hunters can view the location of locations offering discount vouchers from Arrival Magazine.

SOS features of the free Rugby2GoNZ mobile app include AA Roadside Assistance support, locations of the nearest hospital A&E services, pharmacies, Police and even embassy & consulate details.

Rugby2GoNZ Mobile App: The Most Detailed Rugby Stadium and Location-Based Traveller Information Available
Visit www.rugby2go.co.nz

iOS free version for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPad.

iOS paid version for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPad
(Includes live traffic subscription for one month.)
Android version for Android version 2.2 and later.
(Live traffic subscription may be purchased in-app @ $2.50 per month.)

Rugby2GoNZ may be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rugby2GoNZ/157320591016115?ref=ts and Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/rugby2gonzfor daily tips on local attractions near your location.

Company History

Rugby2Go is a project partnership formed by GeoSmart, Ethermedia and Paycre8.

Paycre8
Paycre8 is an independent payments consultancy company founded by a group of senior payment specialists, with many years of experience in the creation of payment solutions.
The Paycre8 team is experienced across all forms of electronic and card payment solutions having worked on assignments with banks, service providers, retailers, mass transit providers and mobile operators in over 30 countries.
These professionals have extensive experience from both a business as well as a technology perspective, and blend these two elements to develop considered and innovative solutions.
They are among an elite international group with extensive experience stemming from their involvement as business development experts, strategic advisors, solution architects and integrators, plus project managers in payment deployments on all the major continents.

Ethermedia
Ethermedia specialises in innovative digital and mobile marketing & engagement solutions.
Over time Ethermedia has developed and provisioned a comprehensive range of advanced digital and new media marketing and sales solutions specifically relevant to mobile in an every growing range of areas.
Ethermedia can provide a range of powerful mobile products with capabilities which include SMS, MMS, mobile direct marketing, and location based services, global gateways, along with mobile application development for most mobile operating systems and mobile website development.

GeoSmart

GeoSmart is New Zealand’s premier mapping company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the New Zealand Automobile Association. GeoSmart provides the mapping data for the leading car navigation brands including Navman and TomTom. GeoSmart is also New Zealand’s mapping leader in printed maps and data supplier for Fleet Management / Vehicle Tracking companies.
GeoSmart provides web mapping API’s and Web Services for web sites and mobile applications. It has also built and maintains AA Traffic and provides real time traffic services to web sites including www.roadwatch.co.nz and www.aamaps.co.nz as well as to car navigation brands including Navman, TomTom and Garmin Asus.

Disposable RFID Bracelet for Children Loss Prevention in Parks

DAILY RFID has recently released disposable RFID bracelet-27 specially designed for children loss prevention in public where children like to go, such as parks and zoos. Made with a one-off bottom, this RFID bracelet is broken for sanitary and privacy once it is taken off.

The disposable RFID bracelet enables the work staff in parks to reunite lost children with parents. And it reduces lots of time and labors to find the losing children. With a unique ID code in each wristband, parents and parks’ staff would no longer worry about children loss in the parks. Since if the children run off, the parks’ staff will easily be able to track them down and alert the parents.

Complying with the ISO15693 or 14443 standards, this disposable RFID bracelet is readable and writable within a range from 2cm to 10cm. With chips sealed in silicone housing, it is waterproof and heat-resistant. And with practical and simple design, it is customized to be adjustable to suit as small as a baby’s wrist or as large as an adult’s.

This RFID bracelet is ideal for children tracking to prevent children from losing in parks and zoos, and it can be used as access control, security and ticketing issues in other fields. Apart from this disposable bracelet, other reusable RFID bracelets are available.

Please visit http://www.rfid-in-china.com/products_669_1.html for more information about this RFID bracelet. For sales inquiries please contact: 86-15817191372.

About DAILY RFID CO., LIMITED

DAILY RFID CO., LIMITED ( http://www.rfid-in-china.com ), a subsidiary of PAN Group Co., ltd, is the leading company focusing on the RFID LF/HF/UHF/ readers, tags in China.

DAILY RFID specialize in producing arguably the world's most extensive line of RFID Tag, RFID Label, Smart Card and RFID Reader, which are suitable for any vertical markets, and have obtained the National Integrated Circuit Card Register Certificate, IC Card Manufacture License and ISO9001 Quality Management System Certification. And we own a factory covering an area of 26,000 square meters.

Through ease of use, wide-reaching functionality RFID tags, RFID readers and RFID solution, DAILY RFID is hoping to have a solution for serving the large variety of needs in the expanding RFID market.
For more information, visit: http://www.rfid-in-china.com

Nigeria’s New Satellite Demonstrates Stunning High Resolution Capability

The first high resolution satellite imagery is today released from NigeriaSat-2, as engineers from the Nigerian space agency (NASRDA) and the satellite’s manufacturer Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) continue in the successful commissioning of the new satellite from NASRDA’s headquarters in Abuja. Testing of all the systems on-board the satellite has been successfully completed, and calibration of the imaging payloads is ongoing with outstanding results already being produced.  

This 2.5m resolution pan-sharpened example shows the airport at Salt Lake City, USA with the terminal buildings, runway layout and surrounding roads all clearly visible.  

In the full resolution terminal buildings extract, aircraft can be seen at the stands as well as cars in the parking lot. In the runways extract painted numbers can clearly be read on the tarmac and there is sufficient detail to count the engines on larger aircraft. In another extract of a highway interchange, vehicles are readily discernable on the road.   

NigeriaSat-2 is the first SSTL 300kg class satellite, and represents a significant step forward for NASRDA from  its 100kg predecessor, NigeriaSat-1.  The main reason for its increased size is that imaging at 2.5m resolution demands a larger camera – but the increased capability doesn’t end there.  The distinctive heptagonal SSTL-300 platform is highly agile enabling it to roll off-centre to acquire images in a variety of modes to suit the application and the response times required and the data handling and power system are also significantly enhanced to provide greater throughput as well as quality of imagery.   

During disasters, NigeriaSat-2 will complement its fellow Disaster Monitoring Constellation satellites by using its high resolution imager to “zoom in” on areas of interest and determine if individual buildings are damaged, bridges destroyed or roads impassable.  It is also the first satellite in the African Resource Management (ARM) constellation. 

Nigeria’s national space agency (NASRDA) also plans to harness the satellite’s new capabilities and fast image downloading to map the entire country in detail every four months.  The high resolution and geo-location accuracy of the satellite make it possible to monitor urban development in sprawling cities such as Lagos, and for planning infrastructure such as roads.  Geospatial data will also be used to update the land registry with accurate and current information. 

There are also benefits for commercial imaging campaigns.  NigeriaSat-2’s smaller pixel size improves the accuracy of the maps used for applications such as precision agriculture.  In this case more granular data improves fertiliser application maps, meaning that fertiliser can be applied more efficiently.    

At next week’s International Astronautical Congress in Cape Town, NASRDA and SSTL will present a selection of impressive high resolution images from NigeriaSat-2 collected in these early stages of the mission.   

NigeriaSat-2 adds new, higher resolution imaging capability to the Disaster Monitoring Constellation, a fleet of separately owned small satellites, coordinated by DMC International Imaging Ltd (DMCii) for daily global monitoring.

About SSTL

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is the world's leading small satellite company, delivering operational space missions for a range of applications including Earth observation, science and communications. The Company designs, manufactures and operates high performance satellites and ground systems for a fraction of the price normally associated with space missions, with over 400 staff working on turnkey satellite platforms, space-proven satellite subsystems and optical instruments. 

Since 1981 SSTL has built and launched 36 satellites – as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services, and mission studies for ESA, NASA , international governments and commercial customers, with its innovative approach that is changing the economics of space. 

Based in Guildford, UK, SSTL is owned by EADS Astrium NV.

Cadcorp GIS selected by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has selected UK based software developer Cadcorp to provide a corporate Geographic Information System (GIS). The solution includes both desktop and web applications, as well as links to various existing GMFRS systems. It will be available to users across the county, and will support data sharing and exchange not only within GMFRS, but with other authorities and other Fire and Rescue Services.

A key application of the solution will be to help GMFRS proactively target the more vulnerable and at risk communities in Greater Manchester, and assist in the implementation of preventative measures.

‘Following a thorough competitive tendering process, we chose the Cadcorp solution because it offered the best overall fit with our requirement’ commented Eugene O'Brien, Data Centre Manager, GMFRS. ‘Cadcorp has extensive experience of providing GIS to UK Fire and Rescue Services and we look forward to working with them on another successful installation’.

‘Fire and Rescue Services are not immune to the pressures to make cost savings’ noted Mike O’Neil, CEO, Cadcorp.‘By sharing spatial data more widely and by linking to existing systems using open standards, GMFRS are maximising their return on investment. We are proud to have been recognised for our capabilities in these respects.’

The decision of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to standardise on Cadcorp GIS technology brings to forty the number of Fire and Rescue Services in the UK using Cadcorp SIS in their operations.

About Cadcorp 

Cadcorp® is a UK based developer and supplier of industry leading GIS and web mapping software. From its headquarters in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Cadcorp's sales, support, distribution and partner network stretches worldwide.

Cadcorp SIS® - Spatial Information System® software suite – is an integrated family of standalone, web, developer and mobile GIS products. Our cost-effective solutions help organisations in the public and private sectors maximise their investment in geographic information by making it easier to share spatial data between people and between systems.

As a long-standing technical member of the Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc® (OGC), Cadcorp has been at the forefront of the application of open technologies and standards-based solutions. Cadcorp is an ISO9001:2008 and ISO/IEC 27001:2005 certified company and an Oracle® Partner. In the UK, Cadcorp is an Ordnance Survey® Developer Partner; Northern Ireland Land & Property Services® (LPS) Licenced Partner; corporate member of the Association for Geographic Information (AGI) and a corporate member of the British Cartographic Society (BCS).

About Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is the second largest Fire and Rescue service in the country covering an area of approximately 500 square miles, and a population of over 2.5 million. It discharges its duties from 41 fire stations located in the ten Local Authorities that form the county of Greater Manchester.

For more information please visit: www.manchesterfire.gov.uk

‘X’ Marks the Spot: ASPCA Receives $230,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities, to Expand GIS Project

NEW YORK - The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today announced it has received a $230,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, Inc. The funds will aid in expanding and developing new programming using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology by hiring a full-time GIS expert and a data liaison dedicated to the collection and analysis of community animal data in an effort to strategically save the lives of more homeless dogs and cats.

The ASPCA currently gathers and analyzes shelter data from its Partnership communities* to help guide strategic planning and effective program evaluation. The addition of the GIS specialists will enable the ASPCA to increase the number of communities it works with, as well as expand on the types of data that are plotted and analyzed within these given communities.

Using GIS technology, the specialized staff will analyze the gathered data and allow the ASPCA to more effectively direct targeted spay/neuter programs toward animal populations that are most at risk of entering shelters and track their progress over time. Communities that will participate in GIS targeted spay/neuter projects during the next year include: New York, N.Y.; Erie County, N.Y.; Portland, Ore.; Miami, Fla.; Buncombe County, N.C.; and Pierce County, Wash.

“Through our work with our partner communities, we have witnessed firsthand how focusing on key data can help improve shelters’ strategic planning, helping them work even smarter than before,” says Dr. Emily Weiss, vice president of shelter research and development for the ASPCA. “When it is evident that significant improvement has been made, it provides great motivation for staff, volunteers, donors and the community as a whole. The funding provided by PetSmart Charities, Inc. for this project will help us save even more lives and further our progress with shelters nationwide.”

Using GIS technology to gather information--such as the locations with the highest rate of intake resulting in euthanasia, locations with the highest rate of intake resulting in live release**, areas with the highest saturation of spayed/neutered animals entering the shelter, and where those who are adopting animals reside--will help these communities evaluate the effectiveness of live release programs, as well as the spay/neuter programs. Based on the results of this GIS project, PetSmart Charities, Inc. intends to provide grants to additional animal-welfare organizations to promote spay/neuter efforts targeted to areas of most need.

*The ASPCA Partnership is a unique collaboration with communities nationwide to increase the live release rate by saving those animals most at risk through sustainable data-driven plans and programs. These engage the community to reunite lost animals with their families, increase adoptions, target spay/neuter and support feral cats and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives. Current ASPCA Partnership communities include: Austin, Texas; Buncombe County, N.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Cleveland, Ohio; Miami-Dade County, Fla.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Sacramento, Calif.; Shelby County, Ala.; Spokane, Wash.; and Tallahassee, Fla.

**Live release rate refers to the number of pets exiting the sheltering system alive, whether through adoption, return-to-owner, or transfer to a shelter partner or rescue group where adoption is guaranteed.

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.

Interior Report Assesses Scientific Water-Monitoring and Modeling Systems

water monitoring

The Department of the Interior today released a report that assesses the status of scientific information available to help understand the impacts of climate change and other stressors on U.S. freshwater resources and calls for modernization of systems to help monitor and sustain water supplies.

The report to Congress reviews the state of existing science and identifies strategies for improving systems to collect climate-related data and water monitoring information. The improvements are intended to help water managers predict, respond and adapt to the effects of climate change on the nation’s freshwater supplies so that they can help ensure adequate water quantity and quality.

“Assessing and modernizing the tools that help us understand climate change is a critical step in helping decision makers and water resource managers ensure that current and future generations will have sufficient supplies of clean water,” said Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Anne Castle. “Sustainable supplies of water will never cease to play a critical role in public health, as well as irrigation, recreation and other activities that sustain our local communities and power our economies.”