Esri Headlines

Highlighting Esri technical topics, news, and updates.

What’s new in ArcGIS Enterprise 10.9:
ArcGIS Enterprise 10.9 has now become available for ArcGIS users, as of Q2 2021! Some of the features in this release include shared editing using distributed collaboration, simultaneously publishing a vector tile layer and associated feature layer, the ArcGIS Solutions application, and much more. To find out more about this new release and what that means for your organization read the article on Esri’s blog here.

Location Tracking Analysis with ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Velocity:
With employees in the field, organizations have a need for real-time monitoring of their locations for reasons like proof of work, health, and safety of employees, efficient workforce management, and more. ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Velocity are two great tools to assist with these matters and keep track of your organization’s location tracking data and valuable insights. Visit here to learn more about these tools and how they could be beneficial to your organization.

What We’re Working on

How we implement Esri functionality into our applications.

Our Zoning and Permitting Application is Officially Rebranded With a New Name… SmartPermit!

NPGS developed SmartPermit to eliminate hand-written permit applications and allow public users to apply and pay for their land use permits online with an easy-to-use application process.

SmartPermit will officially be listed on the Esri Marketplace in the near future. To learn more about this application and its capabilities visit our Permitting Solutions page or contact us at [email protected].

GIS Tips & Tricks

When we learn something new or helpful, we like to pass it along. 

Deep Learning with Esri’s Living Atlas.

If you were unable to attend our Geospatial Lunch & Learn webinar on May 18th, hosted by NPGS’s GIS Web Developer, Kray Freestone, demonstrating a Deep Learning of Esri’s Living Atlas,  find it here on our YouTube page!

How to Add Water Marks to Your ArcGIS Pro Map!

Struggling to ensure most or all of your maps on ArcGIS Pro don’t get snagged by an unprincipled viewer or sold as pirated prints? Watermarks can help solve this problem! To learn more about this tip and how to integrate it, visit Esri’s blog here.

Stay Up-to-Date

Stay in the loop with NPGS and the latest GIS topics.

Follow Us on Social Media!

Keep in the loop with NPGS projects, client shoutouts, and events happening in and around the Duluth area.

Have a local Duluth Business that you love and want to give a shoutout to? Or do you know of an Esri partner doing innovative work? Contact us and we will give them a shoutout on our social channels!


If you haven’t done so already, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn! North Point will keep you updated with GIS news and exciting things we are working on!

Events and Conferences

Events of interest for our GIS and web development folks.

MnCCC Bee Buzzworthy Conference
June 7th-10th, 2021


This year’s Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative Bee Buzzworthy Conference was hosted on June 7th-10th. NPGS participated by presenting on “Online Permitting Application Solution” and “Address Point Editor & Adress Collector Application” at this conference. To learn more about this virtual event visit here!

Esri User Conference
July 12th-14th, 2021


The annual Esri User Conference will be hosted virtually again, July 12th-15th. Attend the Plenary Session, technical workshops, and connect with other GIS professionals. Register here now!

South Dakota Geospatial Conference
June 16th-17th, 2021


This statewide conference will be held as an online event and will highlight and share information related to Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, Global Positioning Systems, and digital mapping applications. NPGS will be presenting at this conference on “Using Esri Javascript API to Extend Survey123 Capabilities” and on EDGE, a network of individuals working to support diversity and inclusion in all geospatial fields.

MN GIS/LIS Conference 
October 13th-15th, 2021


The 31st Annual Conference and Workshops will be in St. Cloud, MN at the River’s Edge Convention Center. With session presentations, exhibitors, and other networking events, this conference is a great opportunity to dive deeper into the GIS topics like remote sensing, data management, and GIS leadership opportunities. 

North Dakota Geospatial Summit 
October 12th-13, 2021


Dates for this conference are still pending and more information is soon to come! The planning committee is meeting on a regular basis in hopes of a decision on an in-person or virtual event in early June. To read more about this event and stay in the loop on more information visit here.

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