Cal Water Taps Sanborn to Combat Severe Drought

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the dire consequences of the state's ongoing drought, now in its third consecutive year, the California Water Service Company (Cal Water) selected The Sanborn Map Company (Sanborn) in a competitive bidding process to leverage its geospatial data collection and remote sensing expertise against the severe drought.

In late February 2014, California lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a $687 million drought-relief plan to provide immediate relief to drought-stricken communities. It includes emergency funds for communities running low on drinking water, and farming communities where fallowed fields are contributing to swelling unemployment.

Cal Water serves 1.7 million people in 75 communities, stretching from Chico to Palos Verdes. Sanborn will acquire current aerial imagery of Cal Water's service area, and classify the data into various land cover types, e.g., impervious, tree canopy, grass, water and bare ground, using its proprietary remote sensing analysis and modeling capabilities. The goal is to assess optimum water usage, and educate customers about conservation methods and programs that can reduce outdoor water waste.

"Our proven expertise in water resources will make a huge difference for Cal Water and its massive customer base," says Sanborn CEO John Copple. "We've delivered success on similar water and storm water management projects covering thousands of square miles across the country, and we've worked with communities in California."

Sanborn also has developed a product called H2Observe that helps communities identify over usage of water by combining land cover data with weather and water usage information so that education campaigns can be suitably targeted.

About The Sanborn Map Company
Sanborn is a preeminent leader in the exploding geospatial industry, delivering state-of-the-art mapping solutions to customers worldwide. Using cutting-edge technology, Sanborn specializes in high-quality aerial and mobile LiDAR, aerial orthophotography, 3-D modeling and visualization, oblique aerial imagery, indoor LiDAR mapping, and geospatial software development. The firm currently operates a fleet of 14 aircraft across the United States. Sanborn's technology advantage, innovative image processing expertise, a local presence nationwide and project management proficiency deliver unmatched value to its global customers.

For more information contact:
Jason Caldwell — (719) 264-5547
[email protected]

SOURCE The Sanborn Map Company