Talk:Esri

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To all this may concern: in regard to some concerns that the overall Esri Wikipedia article contains content that is written like an advertisement, I have been tasked by the company to help it improve the page by removing promotional content and inappropriate external links, and by adding encyclopedic content written from a neutral point of view.

While I am affiliated with Esri in this regard, I am not a company employee and have received no instructions on how to proceed. In fact, I've insisted on operating in a vacuum to ensure objectivity and an absence of company promotion.

Any concerns or suggestions for improvement can be addressed to me through Wikipedia or my personal email, ibram001@gmail.com.Ibram001 (talk) 13:01, 6 January 2018 (UTC) Ian -Ian (talk | contribs) 13:01, 6 January 2018 (UTC)[reply]

190.71.125.149 (talk) 14:27, 3 August 2010 (UTC)ESRI Main: Environmetal System Research Institute. The ESRI in the article is another entity. Unless someone cares to write more about Jack Dangermond, I propose we merge his entry with ESRI (as per an earlier vote on the subject). 14 Dec 05 ucsbalan[reply]

Oppose. Doesn't make sense to me, to merge. The article about Jack Dangermond is more biographical, with details that aren't appropriate in the ESRI article, which is about the company. --Aude 03:39, 15 December 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Oppose. The ESRI article should be separate from the bio article on the owner/founder. --Ray 13:21, 21 December 2005 (UTC)[reply]

I now agree with Aude and Ray. The Jack Dangermond has been expanded; it's appropriate as an independent article. I rescind the MERGE proposal. --ucsbalan

ArcGIS 9.2 has not been released and will probably not be out for another four months. I think this is premature. IRing2s 20:45, 2 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You are right about that, so I have reverted the article back to saying 9.1 is the current version.-Aude (talk | contribs) 21:40, 2 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I've added a sentence on the naming, to include "ArcMap" as this is the name on the application most users will run, the name they see on the splash screen as it fires up. I've been an ESRI user for years, and I am CONFUSED with all the names

It is confusing. I'll give it a try and others can correct my mistakes. When you buy a licences of Arc (either ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo) you actually get three programs, ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox. The level of licence (ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo) determines what level of functionality you get with the programs (ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox). So, if I buy ArcView, I get ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox, just like the person who buys ArcInfo. However, when I open my ArcMap, I will be able to do less analysis on the data than the person who has ArcInfo when they open their ArcMap. So, everyone gets the three programs, ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox, you just get different functions/features with the different licences levels.

Are you more or less confused now? Dodgens 16:35, 1 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

No, I think you've just about cracked it, 3 programs, called ArcGIS collectively. 3 Licence levels that control what each can do. All programs interact with the others. Now to put that into Wiki terms for the article! --C Hawke 18:30, 1 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I've amended the page to update it for the fact that ArcGIS 9.2 shipped in November 2006. I've also clarified the product naming and history a little. I stress that although I work for ESRI, I'm posting here as an private individual with an interest in the GIS and mapping industry, not speaking for the company.

I've amended the page a little to reflect the apparent fact that the preferred pronunciation is to speak the letters. My experience is that an ESRI-ite will upon hearing "ezri" be careful in the reply to spell out the name of the company. I have no idea if this is a request from the company for branding or some other purpose, but it's definitiely the custom. I just re-ordered the two pronunciations to make the preferred one first. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jlhollin (talk • contribs) 18:37, 19 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

---

The external links section lists ESRI homepages for foreign countries. This is the American version of the Wiki. I don't think these links are prudent to this article. --Mjrmtg (talk) 19:49, 2 February 2009 (UTC)[reply]

The conference article had the pronunciation as /ɛzriː/ rather than /ɛsriː/. This one erroneously had a double /ss/ - was that an attempt to avoid the /z/? — kwami (talk) 22:34, 18 November 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In the second paragraph, the line "In 2009 Esri had approximately a 30 percent share of the GIS software market worldwide, more than any other vendor." is cited with article #[3]. Article #[3] is from 2002 and does not include any facts or figures from 2009. There is no revision history indicating that it has been updated anytime after the initial release.

Cited document: 3.>"COTS GIS: The Value of a Commercial Geographic Information System". www.esri.com. http://www.esri.com/library/whitepapers/pdfs/cots-gis.pdf. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.57.144.20 (talk) 14:46, 4 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

In the very beginning where the abbreviation is explained in brackets aka is used. This is highly unsuitable for an article and sadly I have noticed that such expressions are used quite often here.

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• • As of this date, 1/24/18, I no longer an affiliation with Esri, but I have put a significant amount of time and effort into researching materials for an updated Wiki, so I will persist. As is, here's all the copy I intend to apply changes to as well as any new content to be added. **

Introduction

Esri (/ˈɛzriː/, a.k.a. Environmental Systems Research Institute) is an international supplier of geographic information system (GIS) software. It conducts “The Science of Where™”, according to its corporate brand. Esri provides web GIS and geodatabase management applications as well.

The company is headquartered in Redlands, California. It was founded in 1969 as Environmental Systems Research Institute, a land-use consulting firm. Today, its products are used in more than 200 countries by over one million users. Their primary offering is the ArcGIS platform. As of 2014, Esri’s location technology suite held approximately 43 percent of the global GIS software market.[4]

Esri operates 10 separate offices in the U.S. and maintains partnerships across a network of over 80 international distributors.[5] Privately held by the founding ownership throughout, the company employed over 3,200 domestically in 2017.

A 2016 Investor's Business Daily article indicated Esri's annual revenues could be estimated at $1.1 billion, up from $660 million 10 years prior in 2006.[6] The company reports 350,000 clients in their customer base, which makes it the world’s largest GIS vendor.

Esri User Conference

Every year Esri hosts the annual Esri User Conference (Esri UC) in San Diego, California. It does so congregate GIS users from around the world, demonstrate the latest innovations in the field, announce new products and services, provide hands-on training sessions, and captivate attendees with inspirational speakers.

The first Esri UC was held on the Redlands campus in 1981 with 16 attendees. Esri UC has been held at the San Diego Convention Center since 1997. An estimated 20,000 users from 131 countries attended in 2017.[8]

What is GIS?

GIS is location technology designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and display spatial or geographic data. The acronym GIS is sometimes used to refer to the academic discipline that studies geographic information systems[1] and is a large domain within the broader academic discipline of geoinformatics.[2]

In general, the term describes any information system that integrates, catalogs, edits, analyzes, shares, and displays geographic information. Geographic information science is the science underlying geographic concepts, applications, and systems.[5] Esri refers to this scientific process as The Science of Where™.

GIS relates often unrelated information by using location as a common denominator. Given that most data describes an event or information tied to a specific location and a moment in time, the accumulation and visualization of multiple data sources in a single platform reveals insights that may have not have been apparent otherwise.

Modern GIS technologies use digital information, which is primarily created from the digitization of hard copy maps or other static information sources, ortho-rectified imagery from satellites, aircraft, and UAVs (drones), and, increasingly, live Internet of Things (IoT) sensors or inputs.

Esri founder Jack Dangermond has described GIS as follows:

“GIS is about uncovering meaning and insights from within data. It is rapidly evolving and providing a whole new framework and process for understanding.”

GIS applications

GIS applications are tools that allow users to form custom searches, upload geographic information, dissect spatial data, edit data in maps, and visualize the results of these inquiries.

These tools have the potential to positively impact many different types of operations, explaining their presence in fields such engineering, planning, management, supply chains, insurance, telecommunications, and commerce.[4] As such, GIS and location intelligence applications serve as the foundation for many location-based services that rely on its analysis and visualization.

With GIS, users can track the movement of GPS-enabled mobile devices, in real time or over defined periods, to display their location in relation to fixed objects (landmarks, nearby businesses, hospitals, specific gas stations, individual city lights, etc.) or mobile objects (police vehicles, municipal buses, employees conducting work in the field, tracked wildlife). Doing so relays the position, as well as any other information being measured, of objects and assets to an operation for display and analysis through GIS.

Many GIS applications integrate with preexisting technology, such as enterprise software like SAP[34], enhancing the standalone product with increased locational awareness. Examples of GIS apps interoperable with Esri’s platform include Collector for ArcGIS, Survey123 for ArcGIS, and ArcGIS Business Analyst.

Spatial analysis

Spatial analysis concerns the measurement, study, and application of locational geographic, geometric, or topological properties. GIS users increasingly rely on spatial analysis to understand natural and built environments. Given the presence of accurate spatial information, a wide range of real-world data can be analyzed, visualized, and interpreted.[16] If precise, authoritative data can similarly explain past events and inform predictions about the future.

The inclusion of location-based analysis reveals patterns of real-world behaviors that may not be recognized otherwise. Doing so adds with a commercial scope adds a new dimension to business intelligence termed spatial intelligence.

This spatial or location intelligence can be multiplied with the use data mining. Partially automated scans of large databases have shown an ability to uncover patterns in even greater yields. Customized algorithms seek spatial correlation between measured inputs, resulting for more efficient data analysis.[33] This approach lends value to efforts such as logistic or environmental monitoring.

GIS technology and spatial analysis gives researchers the ability to examine the variations in Earth processes over days, months, and years. As an example, the changes in targeted vegetation through a growing season can be animated to determine when factors such as drought were most extensive as well as provide measurements of overall plant health.

Digital transformation

At times, Esri has been linked to the concept of digital transformation. It is worth noting that this is not a product sold by the company though.

Digital transformations entail an organization’s adoption and application of technology and data science to most, if not all, aspects of operations to increase efficiencies and identify opportunities for growth. Simply updating organizational technology alone, such as transitioning from static paper maps to data-rich GIS maps, would not typically qualify as a digital transformation.

More than the use of any technology, digital transformation is catalyzed by executive leadership and a culture of innovation within an organization.

Esri sells software that supports organizational digital transformations by providing location intelligence. It does so with GIS mapping that draws from tied Internet of Things components. The software allows people to view relevant big data spatially and draw conclusions that inform their decision making.

Both publicly and privately, Esri partners with various governments and companies to realize their own digital transformations.

While the company assists in the digitization of an organization’s workflows and internal systems, its aim is to produce actionable intelligence. What an organization does with that intelligence ultimately defines the extent of their digital transformation.

Ownership

Jack and Laura Dangermond founded Esri in 1969. Jack Dangermond remains and has always served as acting president.[9] Laura interviews all prospective full-time hires and manages company finances. Together, the couple co-founded their company in 1969 with $1,100 in personal savings. Today, Jack and Laura are noted philanthropists, contributing millions of dollars over their lifetimes to assorted environmental and charitable causes.

In 2016, they joined the Giving Pledge, created by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. The pledge “asks only that the individual(s) give the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes or charitable organizations either during their lifetime or in their will,” according to its website.

Esri and the history of GIS

Copy currently being developed

Pronunciation of company name

According to the company, Esri is pronounced as a word, 'ez-ree'.[10]

Some distributors outside of the USA such as Esri Canada market themselves with the 'ess-ree' pronunciation followed by the country name.

Products

Product copy to be developed, but not yet addressed. Finding third-party citations for Esri's product line has not been simple.

Data formats

Geospatial data is information detailing geographic locations and stored in data formats that can be used with GIS. Geospatial data can be stored in a shapefile, a coverage, a raster image, file geodatabase, a spatially enabled database not registered as a geodatabase, or as an enterprise geodatabase stored in a database management system.

Esri software uses both proprietary and industry-standard data formats. Some include:

Vector[edit] • Shapefile – Esri's partially open, hybrid vector data format using SHP, SHX and DBF files. • Coverage – Esri's closed, hybrid vector data storage strategy. This format caters to legacy ArcGIS Workstation / ArcInfo platforms with reduced support in ArcGIS Desktop lineup. • Geodatabase – The geodatabase is the native data structure for ArcGIS and is the primary data format used for editing and data management. While ArcGIS works with geographic information in numerous GIS file formats, it is designed to work with and leverage the capabilities of the geodatabase.

Raster[edit] • Esri grid – binary and metadataless ASCII raster formats. • Mosaic - data structure for managing and analyzing multidimensional raster and imagery data, including netCDF, GRIB, and Hierarchical Data Format

Esri Conservation Program

In 1989, the Esri Conservation Program was founded to help change the way nonprofit organizations carried out missions of nature conservation and social change. This program provides nonprofits GIS software, data, and training, as well as assistance coordinating multiorganizational efforts (e.g. The Society for Conservation GIS).

The company continues to promote the preservation of natural spaces by partnering with environmental organizations like the Jane Goodall Institute, emphasizing Geodesign, and philanthropically supporting conservation efforts.

• • • • Flagging any information that seems objectionable, even given the presence of citation from beyond Esri sources (which will be applied in my next steps), would be appreciated. ****

"ArcGIS Pro" redirects to the "ArcGIS" article, but it is a separate product from the traditional ArcGIS suite (ArcMap, etc) of products. –Zfish118^⋉talk 12:53, 20 August 2019 (UTC)[reply]

This edit request by an editor with a conflict of interest was declined.

• What I think should be changed (include citations):

Esri (/ˈɛzriː/;[5] Environmental Systems Research Institute) is an American multinational geographic information system (GIS) software company. It is best known for its ArcGIS products. With about 40% GIS marketshare, Esri is a leading supplier of GIS software, web GIS, and geodatabase management applications.^[1] The company is headquartered in Redlands, California.^[2]

Founded as the Environmental Systems Research Institute in 1969 as a land-use consulting firm, Esri currently has 49 offices worldwide including 11 research and development centers in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific.^[3][4] There are 10 regional U.S. offices and almost 3,000 partners globally, with users in every country and active users in more than 350,000 organizations. These include over 90% of Fortune 100 companies, most national governments, 30,000 cities and local governments, all 50 US States and thousands of universities. The firm has more than 4,000 total employees from 73 countries and is privately held by its founders. Strategic partners include Microsoft, Salesforce, Amazon Web Services, and SAP, among others.^{[5] [6][7][8][9]}. In a 2016 Investor's Business Daily article, Esri's annual revenues were indicated to be $1.1 billion.^[10] Local, state, and federal governments are Esri’s largest customers, accounting for approximately 55 percent of its U.S. revenue. ^[11]Esri invests 30% of its annual revenue to research and development.[8]

The company hosts an annual International User's Conference, which was first held on the Redlands campus in 1981 with 16 attendees. The 43rd User Conference was held in San Diego at the San Diego Convention Center. In 2022, 31,590 users from 142 countries attended either in person or digitally.^[12]

In the 1960s, Jack and Laura Dangermond envisioned technology that could help decision-makers balance human development with environmental stewardship. While Jack attended Harvard ^[13], they both worked in the university's Lab for Computer Graphics and Spatial Analysis. Inspired by the early mapmaking software in development at the lab, the pair conceptualized using computer-powered mapping and analysis for complex problem-solving. In 1969, they cofounded Esri, known then as Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), in their hometown of Redlands, California. ^[14]

In 1982, Esri released Arc/Info, the first commercial GIS program, containing maps tied to a relational database.^[15] Esri re-engineered Arc/Info in the late-90s, developing a modular and scalable GIS platform. Esri moved from being a provider of contract mapping services to a developer of mapping software products. The first ArcGIS software offering (8.1) was unveiled at the Esri International User Conference (Esri UC) in 2000. ArcGIS 8.1 was officially released on April 24, 2001. ^{[16] [17]}

Esri describes the company culture as “collaborative and supportive. It’s an open, friendly environment, and employees are invested in each other and the work they’re doing.”^[18] In an interview Jack Dangermond describes the culture as “customer focused” and a “learning organization.”^[19] The organization is run as a “network of teams” built on respect and collaboration. A majority of Esri employees are hourly based^[20].

The company believes that a diverse workforce is key to helping meet their customer needs. Online reporting metrics suggest that 39.4 percent of Esri staff are women and 50.2 percent are of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Esri was named Fast Company Magazine’s 2017 list of World's Most Innovative Data Science Companies and Forbes Magazine’s 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 lists of America's Best Midsize Employers.^[21][22]

• Why it should be changed:

We would like to suggest the proposed changes to the introduction reflect transparency and accuracy with up-to-date statistics and citations.

Edits: We would like propose adding the history and corporate identity sections to aid prospective hires.

• References supporting the possible change (format using the "cite" button):

Update existing citation six Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).

Citations for History ^{[23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28]}

Citations for Corporate ^{[29] [30] [31] [32] [33]}

JustTheDroid1 (talk) 19:29, 21 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Not done: Reviewing the addition to the history I see issues that need addressed. For instance, " envisioned technology that could help decision-makers balance human development with environmental stewardship" is promotional tone and cannot be added. The reference used for the second sentence (starting with "While Jack attended Harvard" is being used improperly. Yes, it confirms he went to Harvard but is being used as WP:SYNTH by inferring he was in Harvard at the time it was founded the company. The section also uses a reference to the company website which should never be used for content in the article itself. As far as the section "what I think should be changed (including citations)" should point out specifically what is being changed. It currently only shows what you want the content to be. CNMall41 (talk) 01:34, 9 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Hi thank you so much. We can edit the first sentence you mentioned. For the second note about "While Jack attended Harvard" reference can you give direction on how to properly cite this section or examples of an article that would be acceptable for citing this? As far as the the "what I think should be changed," can you provide an example of how to format the request? Is it a line by line ex: "remove this word and replace with this word" scenario? JustTheDroid1 (talk) 19:44, 14 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]

This edit request by an editor with a conflict of interest has now been answered.

• What I think should be changed: Would like to add a sentence after the sentence about Esri revenue in the introduction, second paragraph "Local, state, and federal governments are Esri’s largest customers, accounting for approximately 55 percent of its U.S. revenue"

Why it should be changed: To offer full transparency on the revenue data that is already cited.

• References supporting the possible change (format using the "cite" button):^[1]

JustTheDroid1 (talk) 01:04, 29 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Not done for now The Bloomberg source is paywalled and can't be reviewed. Kindly provide the information from the article which sources the proposed statement via the refnote's |quote= parameter. Regards,  Spintendo  07:29, 29 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]