The award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contributions and long-standing commitment to the geospatial industry.

 A geospatial professional of international stature, Shinoaki has been a leader in introducing and implementing geographic information system (GIS) technology in his native country of Japan. He was a central figure in the development of Japan’s first successful utility GIS implementation at Tokyo Gas Company. He was also the central member of Japan’s ROADIS development committee, which initiated a project that has been deployed in 12 major cities and is perhaps the most utilized and complex implementation in the world.

In his capacity as an educator, Shinoaki is responsible for the educational enrichment of several generations of GIS students, educators, practitioners, and international colleagues.

 Also responsible for the formation of GITA-Japan in 1990, Shinoaki has served as chair of the GITA international affiliate since 2002.

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 The mission of the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is to provide excellence in education and information exchange on the use and benefits of geospatial information and technology in business, utility, and government applications worldwide. Visit GITA on the Web at www.gita.org.