The Twenty-second Annual Esri International User Conference--the largest GIS conference in the world--is less than three months away. More than 11,000 GIS professionals from around the world are expected to gather at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California, July 8-12, 2002.

The conference offers an excellent opportunity for users of Esri software at all levels of expertise to share their real-world GIS experiences. The conference is and always will be a "users" conference where you, our users, are the reasons why we do what we do, and why we spend the year preparing and organizing the agenda and activities to support you in the important work you do with GIS to make a real difference in the world.

Users will prepare and display maps, demonstrate user applications, and present papers covering a wide range of subjects such as implementation, organizational issues, project results, or lessons learned. Hands-on labs with guided instruction will give attendees a close look at new software and new strategies.

On Monday, July 8, Cynthia Moss, a naturalist and director of the Amboseli Elephant Research Project in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, will speak to a crowded hall. Born and educated in the United States, she worked as a journalist for Newsweek, Time, and Life magazines, then moved to Kenya in 1972 where she started the now famous Amboseli Elephant Research Project in Amboseli National Park. Since then, she and her research associates have identified and followed the lives of more than 1,800 elephants. Without formal scientific training, but armed with a passion for learning, she has become the world-leading expert on African elephant social organization, life cycle, and behavior. Her research efforts have also contributed significantly to the conservation of elephants in Africa and to the welfare of captive elephants. During her 30 years of research in Kenya, Moss has collaborated with BBC films, published numerous articles in science journals, and authored Portraits in the Wild: Behavior Studies of East African Mammals (1975), Elephant Memories: Thirteen Years in the Life of an Elephant Family (1988), and the children's book Little Big Ears: The Story of Ely (1997).

Special Exhibit on GIS in Sustainable Development

For the past five years, we have featured a special exhibit spotlighting a unique and fascinating aspect of the world of GIS. In the past, we have seen exhibits highlighting "GIS and the Oceans," complete with an undersea research vehicle; "GIS in the Nation of Qatar," presented within an authentic replica of a typical Arabian house; and "The World of Mapping," in which we were privileged to see a wonderful collection of historical maps from the Library of Congress. This year, we are planning a large special exhibit focused on the topic of "GIS in Sustainable Development" (see cover article) that will bring together the work of many organizations from around the world including several United Nations agencies, International Aid organizations, many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) involved in relief efforts, and several private companies working in the field of humanitarian assistance. Participants will include the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP), U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Resources Institute (WRI), among many others.

The special exhibit will also highlight the work of schoolchildren from around the world who are participating in the global GIS initiative called "My Community--Our Earth" (MyCOE). Taken together, this year's special exhibit on GIS in Sustainable Development should provide User Conference attendees with a fascinating and enlightening view of just how much GIS is affecting the lives of people all over the globe and should remind us all of the tremendous potential we have to effect global changes in the future for a better world!

User Paper Presentations

More than 900 papers will be presented by users from around the world. Paper sessions address more than 30 industries and countless applications of GIS in real-world situations. The moderated sessions and individual presentations make up one of the most comprehensive collections of GIS papers in the world.

Technical Workshops

Technical workshops, led by knowledgeable staff from many departments at Esri, provide an excellent opportunity for you to learn new techniques for using a wide range of Esri software from the people who develop and support them. These workshops take a technical approach to using and extending Esri software tools.

Map Gallery

The Map Gallery and evening reception will feature an amazing collection of maps created by Esri users for display during conference week. All attendees are invited to submit posters as well as to attend the Esri Map Gallery and reception.

Exhibit Pavilion

The Exhibit Pavilion--a complete trade show with hundreds of hardware, software, and technology companies--will be expanded to be even bigger and better this year.

Esri Showcase

Esri staff will be on hand at the Esri Showcase to answer your technical and marketing questions; demonstrate the latest software; and provide assistance with technical support, application development, and educational services.

Preconference Seminars

Get warmed up for the User Conference! More than 2,000 people are expected to attend more than 30 preconference seminars on practical subjects the weekend prior to conference week, Saturday and Sunday, July 6-7, 2002. You may choose from several half-day or full-day workshops on specific technical topics and areas of interest. Registration for these seminars is separate from User Conference registration and requires additional action. Sign up for one or more seminars by visiting www.esri.com/uc on our Web site. The registration deadline is May 10, 2002.

Esri Education User Conference 2002

Educators from around the world will gatherJuly 5-7 for the Second Annual Esri Education User Conference (EdUC). Last summer more than 400 K-12 teachers, college and university instructors, school administrators, librarians, and museum professionals from more than 20 countries shared their experiences of using GIS in the classroom for research, public access, and planning and administration. For 2002, even more attendees are expected to participate in nearly 200 presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. Dr. Michael Goodchild of the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) is scheduled to present the opening keynote address. This year's event also includes a special track focused on the upcoming bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark expedition and the geospatial education and research activities associated with this important commemoration. Gerard Baker, superintendent of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery II Project with the National Park Service, will provide the closing address. For more information, visit www.esri.com/educ or e-mail educ2002@esri.com.

Oktoberfest Celebration

On Thursday, July 11, there will be a colorful Oktoberfest microbrew festival. It features nonstop music with great "oom pah pah" and local bands, traditional German food, and a variety of acts. Please join us Thursday evening on the harbor waterfront in the Embarcadero Park South adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center.

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