Press Release

RapidMap innovates unique remote deployment of spatial enterprise solutions to help combat global health challenge

The Australian Spatial Information Business Association and the Spatial Science Institute recognizes RapidMap with the Victorian Spatial Excellence Award 2008 for Innovation and Commercialization

Melbourne, VIC, 17 September, 2008 -- RapidMap has won the Innovation and Commercialisation Award of the 4^th Victorian Spatial Excellence Awards (VSEA) 2008 for its work on the Spatial Enterprise Solutions project for the Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD). The award was presented to RapidMap’s Directors, Lynnette Terrett and Peter Terrett at ceremony held at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. RapidMap’s submission demonstrated the background, major enterprise development and the current application of a web-based management and reporting system. The system was constructed around RapidMap’s groundbreaking product, RapidAsset©, with particular reference to the field data capture and activity recording process at OCVCD. The VSEA Awards celebrate the finest achievements of spatial information enterprise and professionalism in Victoria.

Located in California, USA, the OCVCD has experienced increasing risk from life-threatening, mosquito-transmitted diseases, particularly the West Nile Virus. An integrated, efficient and easy to use vector control management system became necessary for the vector control authority of the popular tourist destination. The opportunity for an international collaboration became apparent after initial discussions with the OCVCD on a smaller but similar project that RapidMap has successfully deployed for the Queensland Department of Health in the development of a digital field system to combat Dengue Fever.

RapidMap’s unique solution is based on its core web-based Asset Management and Maintenance System. The solution was developed by RapidMap’s team in Melbourne and delivered “over the web”. The main driver of innovation is not limited to technical excellence but also includes RapidMap’s exceptional capability to utilize existing Internet technologies to break geographic barriers and commercializing services to offshore clients. The Judges said: “The management and control of mosquitoes to alleviate the spread of disease in Orange County required an integrated and easy to use solution for the non-spatial user. Clever use and implementation of spatial technologies, coupled with a strong desire to expand into unconventional markets, led to an outstanding project that showcases Australian spatial solutions to the world.”

OCVCD has fully adopted the new vector control management solution, with approximately 50 field officers using the system. Besides enhanced efficiency in managing day to day operations and rapid response to critical service requests, the system also enables real-time generation of standardized reports, which are critical in effectively managing the public health challenge.

Due to the ease of deployment and support via the Internet, RapidMap’s spatial enterprise solutions are becoming increasingly popular, especially with local government, where keeping costs low is critical. “The basic design of our core product is that of a web-delivered Software as a Service (SaaS). So the next logical step is to leverage our model to other Vector Control organizations. There are about 58 of them in California alone,” said Peter Terrett, Managing Director of RapidMap. The leading Melbourne-based spatial technology company aims to create more jobs for Victorians and to continue to attract export revenue into Australia.