We are honored to announce that Mapping Specialists received a “Special Achievement in GIS” award from Esri, the world's leading developer of geographic information system (GIS) software, at the annual Esri User Conference held in San Diego in July. MSL received the award for our extensive implementation of GIS technology within the company and our leading use of GIS for cartographic database development, including our work on The Ultimate United States Road Atlas, published last fall by HEMA Maps.

MSL was among a select group of organizations honored as a result of a nomination process that started with recommendations from Esri staff to a company awards committee, which then forwarded a select group of entries for personal review by Esri founder Jack Dangermond. Eligible organizations include federal, state, and local governments, as well as private companies, universities, and non-profits from around the world that use GIS to produce their map products. Winners had no knowledge of their nominations until notification of their selection for the award by Esri staff.

The Ultimate United States Road Atlas is the first seamless, continuous-scale road atlas of the United States created using ArcInfo® software from Esri, incorporating an extensive GIS database to power the map while implementing Esri tools to replace old manual workflows. The result has been improved cartographic quality and quicker map production, all while maintaining data integrity.

Implementing new tools to replace old cartographic processes is not new at MSL. We were among the first in the industry to convert to computer-only cartography, when we saw how new software and hardware could increase productivity, decrease costs, and help us better serve our clients. We are now working with Esri staff to help them review and improve their exporting, printing, and cartography tools.

MSL also received a second honor at the User Conference, an Esri Map Gallery award for “Best Cartographic Design: Map Series or Atlas—Press Copy.” An expert panel of cartographers and map designers reviewed hundreds of maps on display by invitation in the annual Esri Map Gallery at the User Conference. A PDF with the complete set of this year's winners, including MSL's entry, is available at the link below.

Information about The Ultimate United States Road Atlas:

MSL Store

HEMA Maps

More about MSL's “Special Achievement in GIS” award:

2010 ESRI International User Conference -- SAG Award Winners -- MSL

And the entire list award winners:

2010 ESRI International User Conference -- SAG Award Winners