Web-Based Application Provides Detailed Information on Road Closures due to Construction and Special Events, Helping the Public Make Better Travel Plans and Avoid Disruptions

TORONTO – July 8, 2010 – ESRI Canada today announced that the City of Toronto has created an online Road Restrictions map application ( map.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions) using ESRI's geographic information systems (GIS) technology. The application provides an accessible and easy-to-use tool for communicating road restrictions to the public and helps them find the best routes around the city and avoid disruptions. This is expected to be particularly useful this summer, as Toronto undertakes numerous road repair and construction projects and hosts several special events and festivals.

“The City of Toronto developed their road restrictions map application using existing data, systems and resources,” said Alex Miller, President, ESRI Canada. “In creating this new application, they've expanded the value of their GIS investment and demonstrated how they're effectively using technology to enhance communications and deliver better services.”

The application was built in six weeks. It integrates information from several data sources including traffic monitoring cameras and delivers a visually-rich map that displays information on ongoing and emergency road construction, road conditions, traffic flow and special events taking place in Toronto. Previously, this information was made available in tabular format. The application provides the City with an interactive and effective means of communicating information to the public and contributes to more even traffic distribution throughout the city.

The City has received positive feedback from users since the application was launched in May 2010. In the future, the City plans to integrate additional data and functionality into the system and make it accessible through mobile devices.

About ESRI Canada
Founded in 1984, ESRI Canada provides enterprise geographic information systems (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission-critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography. The company distributes the world's leading GIS software from ESRI, Telvent Miner and Miner, Azteca Systems and other technology partners. Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada and has been named as one of the top 250 Canadian IT companies and top 25 IT professional services providers in Canada by the Branham Group. Information about ESRI Canada can be found at esricanada.com.

Media contact:
Joy Chan
PR Specialist
ESRI Canada
416-386-6488
Email Contact
esricanada.com