Pictometry Announces Seven Counties in Ohio License Software and Imagery

Counties To Use High-Resolution Oblique and Orthogonal Digital Images To Aid GIS Professionals, Property Appraisers, and First Responders

ROCHESTER, NY (PRWEB) March 24, 2004 --- Pictometry International Corp., provider of a patented information system that captures digital aerial oblique and orthogonal images, as well as related software, announced today that it has secured seven licensing agreements in the state of Ohio. Counties in Ohio that have signed license agreements with Pictometry are Delaware, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, and Warren counties. Working with technology business partners Pictometry will be part of an overall solution in a number of county property appraisal applications and 9-1-1 dispatching technologies for public safety.

Pictometrys industry leading software enables users to quickly and easily access up to 12 different high-resolution views of any property, building, highway, landmark, or other feature in a county. The software also enables end users to obtain measurements directly from the georeferenced imagery, as well as insert GIS content, and other data. The company has a growing customer list with over 80 counties and the State of Massachusetts and expects to double this number by the end of the year.

Lake County was the first county in Ohio to contract with Pictometry and was delivered in the summer of 2003. Lake County GIS Director Richard Kotapish has overseen the deployment of the imagery, software installation, and training for eight separate Lake County agencies that use the system. Pictometry has provided our GIS staff with an invaluable tool, complementing our GIS applications that further enhance our services for the public," said Kotapish. Our Appraisal Staff and Planning Commission GIS users have dramatically reduced their number of site visits, in some cases by 70%, by using Pictometry. Specific property details are visible using Pictometry that you cannot obtain from orthogonal imagery. Weve had projects that normally would take weeks that we can accomplish in a day."

Additional uses for Lake Countys Pictometry system include the SWAT Team and Narcotics Agency that use the system to assist in preplanning the execution of raids and warrants. The visual information from the images allow for better understanding of entries, exit points, topography, and structural factors such as building height, for optimum placement of officers during operations that help keep the public and officers safe. Weve heard more than once that when Pictometry is used to preplan for these situations, potential escape routes are more easily identified. So when suspects try to escape, they are practically stumbling right into our waiting officers," said Kotapish.

Geauga County recently approved its licensing agreement with Pictometry and is scheduled to receive their imagery in the spring of this year. The installation will include the GIS and Assessors department, the Sheriffs Department, six PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points where 9-1-1 calls are received), local law enforcement agencies in the county, as well as in-vehicle usage via laptop computers. The county GIS department co-funded the purchase of Pictometry in conjunction with the Countys Terrorism Task Force that received funding from a Homeland Security Grant.

Geauga County GIS Director Louis Marion noted that Pictometrys licensing agreement enables them to share imagery and enhance interoperability between other counties who also have Pictometry, such as Lake County. The ability to have a seamless flow of information across county borders by using Pictometry is priceless. We dont have to worry about cross-platform issues such as integration complexities, mapping translations, or differing measurement units that normally arise in these situations. This will only enhance our service and responses to our communities."

Delaware County GIS Director Shoreh Elhami said, "For the fastest growing county in the state of Ohio and 10th fastest growing county in the nation, having access to current and accurate data is of utmost importance. Pictometry's technology will provide that base to the county and its municipalities. Various departments from the Sheriff Department to Emergency 9-1-1, and the Auditor's office will be able to utilize Pictometry's products to keep track of this rapid growth in a variety of ways. Additionally, with an accurate visual data source such as Pictometry we could achieve a high level of accuracy in determining the number of the county's housing stock and its occupancy status which could then translate into securing hundreds of thousands of dollars of population-based grants and other similar funding."

Pictometry Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dante Pennacchia said, We are very pleased to be selected by these counties as we continue our expansion throughout the U.S. We look forward to delivering the remaining counties imagery and information systems this year as well as adding additional counties and states to the family of satisfied Pictometry customers."

About Pictometry
Pictometry International is a rapidly growing software company that provides visual intelligence information systems. The companys patented imaging process captures georeferenced, high-resolution oblique (at an angle - natural view) and orthogonal (straight down) digital images of counties and states. Combined with the companys interactive software solution, users can see everywhere, measure anything, and plan everything. Pictometry is a second order visualization tool that does not produce authoritative or definitive information (surveying) from its aerial images. The companys customer base includes a growing list of county, state, and federal government organizations as well as private business users. Applications include 9-1-1, appraisers, assessors, planning officials, GIS, transportation, law enforcement, homeland security, fire departments, insurance, real estate, engineering, and utilities. For more information on Pictometry, visit www.pictometry.com.

###