For EcoLog ERIS, Canada’s leading provider of environmental risk information, leveraging technology is important to continuously improving services. The company recently replaced its legacy mapping system with Esri’s enterprise geographic information system (GIS) technology. The new Web-based application allows ERIS to automate numerous mapping tasks and produce better quality reports at a significantly faster rate.
“There’s a strong demand for our services as land development activities across Canada continue to increase,” says Carol Bell-LeNoury, Vice President, ERIS. “We needed a robust system that could support our growing business. Esri’s ArcGIS solution allows us to make our processes more efficient, thereby increasing the productivity of our staff. Its advanced capabilities also enable us to introduce new options such as self-serve reports and rich maps for easily visualizing risk information.”
“Mapping is integral to environmental risk assessment,” says Alex Miller, President, Esri Canada. “Having the ability to visualize environmental risk information makes it easier for land developers, insurers, engineers, lawyers, remediators and others to understand the history of property sites and analyze land potential. GIS maps can provide comprehensive and up-to-date information, allowing users to make the best decisions.”
ERIS previously used a desktop GIS that could only be accessed from the office by a few select staff members. The company moved to Esri’s ArcGIS technology, which they used to build the Web application. Now, staff across departments can conveniently access the application anywhere via a Web link. The GIS integrates with the company’s order database, making it faster to fulfill requests.
Powered by ArcGIS for Server, the new application automatically pulls information from over 460 federal, provincial and private sector databases of environmental records to help customers identify potential environmental threats on Canadian properties. It displays information through ArcGIS Viewer for Flex, a configurable map viewer application that allows users to easily add tools and data without programming.
The application has drastically reduced the time spent in compiling reports as staff no longer need to access individual databases to verify addresses and parcel information. They have also automated tasks such as adding labels to map features, typically the longest task in producing a report. The quality of reports has significantly improved with the addition of aerial imagery, distance and elevation information, and interactive map layers.
Customers can now also access a dynamic map on the ERIS Web site that allows them to easily locate the sites they would like information on, as well as view the entire area their report will cover. In the future, customers will be able to order a report and receive it on their desktop within minutes with the addition of a new Self-Serve Instant Report.
About EcoLog ERIS
Since 1997, Environmental Risk Information Service Ltd. (EcoLog ERIS), a division of Business Information Group, has been the leading provider of current and historical environmental risk information for land transactions. ERIS delivers accurate, affordable, on-demand database research services for property sites and neighbouring areas indicating historic and current environmental concerns and supplying corresponding reference materials. For more information, visit erisinfo.com.
About Esri Canada
Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (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, along with a comprehensive portfolio of complementary GIS products and services. 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, as well as one of Computer Dealer News’ Top 100 IT Solution Providers in Canada. Information about Esri Canada can be found at esri.ca.
