USDA maps new course
The USDA selects ESRI for work on a landmark geographic information system that will change how the government manages map data
The Agriculture Department is getting into the map data business to help
farm, conservation and rural development services across the country.
The USDA selected Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. to provide
$2 million in software and services to develop a landmark geographic information
system that will change the way the government manages map data.
The USDA said the technology would help increase farm productivity and
customer service by using geographic data related to soil, water, air, plants
and animals. It will help USDA scientists better calculate soil erosion
rates, protect wetlands and determine what crops to plant, among other things.
The new technology is part of USDA's business modernization process
and will be used by service center agencies, including the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency and rural development agencies.
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