Highlights for July 13, 2001

I. Key Department/Bureau News

• GAPServe Unveiled at ESRI Conference: Mike Mulligan, USGS/Center for Biological Informatics (CBI), will present a paper, 'GAPServ Making GAP Data more Accessible', at the 21st ESRI User's Conference in San Diego, July 12, 2001. The presentation documents current efforts to develop and deploy Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcSpatial Database Engine and Arc Internet Map Service for the web for the display and delivery of GAP data sets to a broad audience. This is a joint project of CBI, the Office of Biological Informatics (BIO), and the Gap Analysis Program (GAP). The mission of GAP is to promote conservation of biodiversity through information. Gap analysis is a scientific method for identifying the degree to which native animal species and natural communities are represented in our present-day network of conservation lands. Those species and communities not adequately represented constitute gaps in conservation lands and efforts. ESRI's annual User Conference is a central event in the GIS community, with 11,000 attendees from around the world. (Susan Fayad, Denver, 303-202-4224)

II. Agency Work on Presidential Initiatives
Nothing to report this week.

III. Notable Congressional Activity
Nothing to report this week.

IV. Press/Media Inquiries
Nothing to report this week.

V. Key FOIA Requests
Nothing to report this week.