General DNR News

Louisiana DNR Leading the Way in GIS at your Fingertips More Data, More Maps Now Online

Today, pinpointing an oil well on a map at its exact location in Cameron parish, Louisiana from your home computer is not too difficult a task. But not so long ago, that just couldn’t be done. At the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), information technology has been a boon, benefitting the private and public sectors, says DNR Information Technology Director Rizwan Ahmed.

"Even more exceptional is the availability of geographic information systems (GIS) mapping from DNR to your home or office, anywhere in the world, via the Internet," Ahmed said. This week, DNR has launched a new and improved SONRIS GIS website with more geographic features and more mineral and coastal information for its users. The original SONRIS 2000 site was unveiled almost three years ago and has served as a valuable resource to those doing business in the state.

SONRIS (pronounced sun-rise) was developed and built by DNR with Internet usage as its central focus. In 1998, DNR drew tremendous interest and praise for making available to the public more that 200,000 oil and gas records. Since then, enhancing and updating the department’s data and maps using state-of-the-art techniques has been a major goal. The SONRIS website has had up to 30,000 "hits" or visits a day.

What’s new on the system — details, details, details. Active state-owned mineral leases, coastal use permits, coastal restoration projects, aerial photos, and improved print features make SONRIS GIS an excellent resource for both the corporate citizen and individuals. "No other comparable agency has completed or presented GIS mapping, remote sensing, relational databases and electronic document imaging like we have, and I’m proud to say DNR is first," noted Ahmed.

For access to SONRIS GIS, go to www.sonris.com

For online help and questions on SONRIS GIS, call (225) 342-4556.

Editors: For a visit and demonstration of the new SONRIS GIS system, call DNR Public Information Officer Phyllis Darensbourg at 225-342-8955.