Environmental Systems Research Institute, more commonly known as Esri, is a global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping technology. Founded in 1969 by Jack and Laura Dangermond in Redlands, California, the company was initially established as a land-use consulting firm. Inspired by the potential of computer-powered mapping and spatial analysis, the founders pioneered some of the first commercial GIS tools, fundamentally changing how organizations approach problem-solving through a geographic lens. Today, Esri's technology, centered around its flagship platform ArcGIS, is utilized by hundreds of thousands of organizations across the globe, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies, national and local governments, universities, and non-profits. The company's mission is to help users unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results, a concept Esri terms 'The Science of Where'.
Esri remains a privately held company, a decision that has allowed it to maintain a long-term vision focused on customer needs, research, and sustainable growth, reinvesting a significant portion of its annual revenue back into research and development. This customer-centric philosophy has been a cornerstone of its success, fostering a dedicated user community that gathers annually at the Esri User Conference, one of the largest GIS events in the world. The company's software provides a comprehensive suite of tools for spatial analysis, data management, and visualization in 2D and 3D. ArcGIS operates across desktop, server, and mobile platforms, and integrates with other enterprise systems, enabling organizations to address complex challenges such as climate change, public health, supply chain management, and social equity. Esri's work supports critical operations worldwide, from disaster response and environmental conservation to urban planning and business intelligence, empowering users to make data-driven decisions that shape a more sustainable and prosperous future.
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