The website of the Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS) Technical Center, a division of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning’s University Research Center, has been selected as one of the Best Educational Resources on the Web by Study Sphere, one of the internet’s fastest-growing educational resource sites for students, teachers and parents. MARIS’ GIS Application Specialist Craig A. Johnson serves as the site’s architect and administrator.

“MARIS is excited to be recognized by Study Sphere as one of the best educational resources on the web,” said MARIS GIS Operations Manager Steve Walker. “We strive to provide data and information in a format applicable to both experienced users as well as the general public. MARIS is constantly trying to add information that is up-to-date as well as usable, including coastal data in preparing for this hurricane season.”

Established by the state legislature in 1986, MARIS is proving the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to manage and apply geographic information to a wide range of natural and cultural resource programs in Mississippi. MARIS promotes coordination through sharing of the resources, funds and talents required to develop a unified, comprehensive approach to geographic information technology. MARIS also manages the GIS/remote sensing site license for Mississippi’s eight public universities and 15 community and junior colleges.

Additionally, MARIS continues to serve as the state government clearinghouse for natural and cultural digital geo-spatial data about Mississippi. This is an ongoing process that continues to build and enhance information in the State Geographic Data Base. Examples of data applications include:

• Agency planning for the needs of Mississippi's infrastructure;
• Environmental assessment and modeling applications;
• Forest management;
• Engineering applications in areas such as transportation and utilities;
• Socio-economic/census data applications; and
• Emergency management programs.

For more information about MARIS, email Steve Walker, call (601) 432-6149, or check out the award-winning website at http://www.maris.state.ms.us/.

Under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, IHL governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

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