World's Largest Mapmaking Agency Selects Esri's Cartography Finishing Software

NIMA Acquires Maplex Site License

The National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) recently acquired Maplex automated text placement and cartographic design software for cartography finishing. One of the world's largest mapping organizations, NIMA will be using Maplex across the agency for automated cartographic name placement. The award was given after an extensive evaluation by NIMA.

"Maplex will help NIMA work more quickly and effectively in its very important mission of providing timely, accurate maps and information," says Jack Dangermond, president, Esri.

NIMA, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is responsible for providing the most advanced imagery and geospatial analysis and information to the United States' national security and civil communities and America's global allies. Established in 1996, NIMA was created to centralize responsibilities for imagery and geospatial information, archive synergies across agencies and fields of expertise, and exploit tremendous potential of enhanced collection systems and digital technology.

As a defense and intelligence agency, NIMA is under the authority of both the Secretary of Defense and Director of Central Intelligence. As a combat support agency, NIMA works closely with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As the leader in the imagery and geospatial fields, NIMA directs, coordinates, and supports activities throughout the defense and intelligence communities.

Using Maplex, NIMA will have an advanced, flexible solution for text placement and cartographic design. The Maplex intuitive graphical user interface and its powerful conflict resolution capabilities make it easier for NIMA users to create labels and symbols for map features. Previous methods included mostly manual techniques that were highly accurate but time consuming. Maplex will help NIMA cut cartographic label production time from months to weeks in some cases.

"It was a competitive situation, and Maplex performed extremely well on a list of tasks that NIMA specified," says Clark Swinehart, Maplex product manager.

One of the fundamental reasons for the contract award was Maplex's ability to easily integrate into NIMA's existing work flow. "Maplex not only fits into that work flow," adds Swinehart, "but also replaces some of it. That, coupled with the ease of use, was compelling for our software."

For more information, contact Clark Swinehart, Maplex product manager, Esri (tel.: 909-793-2853, ext. 1-2105; e-mail: cswinehart@esri.com). For more information about Maplex, call Esri at 1-800-447-9778 or visit www.esri.com/maplex. To purchase Maplex, contact your Esri regional office, or call Esri at 1-800-447-9778. Outside the United States, please contact your local Esri distributor.

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