Definition: ESRI

(Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., Redlands, CA) The world's leading developer of geographic information systems (GIS) software, including programs that plot ZIP codes and addresses, demographic information and detailed, color-coded data. Founded in 1969 by Jack and Laura Dangermond, the company is still privately held. From two employees and $1,100 in savings, the company became the market leader in GIS technology with products such as ArcView and Arc Cad, which marked the integration of CAD and GIS technologies.