International Society for Conservation GIS: GCS’s Role in ArcGIS Explorer Implementation

Introduction to GeoWiki

GCS was selected by Esri as a subcontractor to implement ArcGIS Explorer for the International Society for Conservation GIS (ISCGIS). This collaboration positioned GCS as an early adopter of ArcGIS Explorer, allowing them to work with a beta release prior to its public launch.

What is GeoWiki?

The Esri-funded application, GeoWiki, was designed to empower the conservation community by enabling users to easily share and access conservation GIS data. Key features of GeoWiki include:

• Data Publishing: Users can publish GIS datasets related to conservation efforts, enhancing collaboration within the community.
• Data Discovery: The platform facilitates the discovery of valuable GIS datasets shared by peers and organizations focused on conservation.

Key Features of GeoWiki

• Integration with Esri Basemaps: GeoWiki includes new Esri basemaps, improving the visualization of conservation data.
• 3D Visualization: Users can visualize data in various 3D globe applications, such as Google Earth and NASA WorldWind, providing an immersive experience in exploring conservation data.

Launch and Significance

GeoWiki was officially launched at the Society for Conservation GIS conference, marking a significant advancement in the sharing and utilization of GIS data for conservation initiatives.

Conclusion

The partnership between GCS and Esri for the development of GeoWiki highlights the crucial role of innovative GIS applications in conservation efforts. By facilitating efficient data sharing and visualization, GeoWiki supports global conservation initiatives.

About Society for Conservation GIS: A Global Community for Conservation Through Geospatial Technology

The Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS) is a U.S.-based, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to leveraging geospatial technology for conservation efforts worldwide. Our mission is to advance conservation GIS by fostering a dynamic community of practitioners and enthusiasts.

At SCGIS, we are committed to:

• Building a Global Community: We support and connect conservation GIS practitioners from around the world, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Promoting Conservation GIS: We advocate for the use of GIS technology in conservation planning and management, helping organizations and individuals utilize geospatial tools effectively.