The ‘BVI Open for Business’ map has been selected to receive a Special Achievement in Geographic Information System (GIS) (SAG) Award at the 2018 Esri User Conference.

The map, which was developed by the Town and Country Planning Department, is a crowd sourcing application which is built on a platform that allows its users to populate as updated information becomes available.

Chief Planner for the Town and Country Planning Department, Mr. Gregory Adams said the user-friendly application is a detailed map that outlines the precise location based on the geographic and special arrangements of the businesses.

He said it includes the present location of businesses, contact details, their operating hours and virtual representation of the business location on a map.

Mr. Adams also added that he is extremely proud and grateful for the opportunity to be selected to receive such a prestigious award.

He said, “My staff has worked hard especially in the wake of hurricane Irma on many GIS mapping applications to assist with the recovery effort. It is indeed gratifying to see their hard work being acknowledged by this prestigious origanisation.”

The SAG Award ceremony will be held at the annual Esri International User Conference. Recipients of the Special Achievement in GIS award were submitted by Esri staff from thousands of organisations worldwide, then personally reviewed and selected by the organisation’s President, Mr. Jack Dangermond.

In addition to receiving an award, Esri will showcase the department and its important contributions to GIS online at the SAG Award Ceremony from July 9 through 13 in San Diego, California.

The Chief Planner is encouraging businesses that are currently operating and are not included on the map to visit https://goo.gl/g1HRFc and enter their information so that people know where they are.

He explained that the application is easy to use and when making an input, information sharers can click on the map to add their establishment. The app will sync with the GPS on their device, and three simple drop-down menus will appear prompting the user to input the name, contact and operation hours of the business.

Mr. Adams further added, “The application serves as a convenient information source for users, while businesses are able to advertise their services, which helps the economy by making information available for both residents and visitors so that they can patronise these businesses.”

The map is compatible with all electronic devices with location and GPS functions. To access the BVI Open for Business application, the public should visit https://goo.gl/g1HRFc.