OTTAWA — Four companies will receive Government of Canada funding to help Canadians access and use geographical information through the Internet. David McGuinty, Member of Parliament for Ottawa South, today announced this boost to the development of innovative geomatics technologies in Canada. He made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

 Geomatics is the science and technology of managing geospatial information — information about the geography, environment and natural resource base of a country — to promote sound decision making on developmental and other initiatives. Government of Canada funding for the projects comes from the GeoInnovations program of GeoConnections — a national partnership initiative led by NRCan that makes Canada’s geospatial databases, tools and services readily accessible on-line through the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI).

 “Canada is a world leader in geomatics, and these projects will allow our partners to remain at the forefront of the industry,” said Mr. McGuinty. “By providing innovative tools and services that can be adapted to many needs, these projects will enhance our understanding of the physical world. This contributes to the quality of life in our communities and helps us build a prosperous and sustainable economy for Canada.”

 These projects will support the industrial development of innovative geospatial technologies, tools and services, and the delivery of Canadian geospatial information. For example, one project is developing and deploying a commercial geospatial infrastructure product that will provide security for CGDI Web resources. Another project will create an open-source tool to make viewing, editing and printing geospatial data simple for ordinary computer users.
 
  Mr. McGuinty made the announcement at an event at the University of Ottawa commemorating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day. This international celebration is an opportunity for geospatial data users and companies to showcase real-world applications of this technology in schools and businesses, and to the general public.

 The Government of Canada, through GeoConnections, has contributed $750,000 to the four projects. GeoConnections’ funding helps geomatics projects leverage other contributions 

and get off the ground. Since its beginning in 1999, GeoConnections has provided more than $11 million to Canada’s geomatics industry through its GeoInnovations program. That funding, combined with contributions from other partners, has resulted in technology projects valued at more than $32 million.

 GeoConnections enhances the quality of life of Canadians by supporting knowledge, innovation and technology in the natural resources sectors, which are vital to Canada’s economy and society. It also supports the Government of Canada’s agenda of strong social foundations, a strong economy for the 21st century and ensuring our role of pride and influence in the world.

Further information on GeoConnections is available at www.geoconnections.org.