NRIS Web Site Hits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Anastasia Burton
February 4, 2003 (406) 444-5357
NRIS WEB SITE RECEIVES RECORD NUMBER OF HITS
(HELENA)---The Montana Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) today announced its web site usage in January 2003 set an all-time record for the program. The site received nearly 1.3 million hits during more than 59,000 user sessions averaging over 13 minutes each. This represents over 410 cumulative hours of use of the NRIS web site per day by its users.
NRIS Director Jim Hill said, “Over the past three years, we’ve seen steady increases in the use of our web site. Site hits in that time period have increased five fold, while user sessions have increased by more than three fold. We’ve worked hard to make the site more and more valuable to our users, and these numbers tell us we’re definitely on the right track.”
In September 2002, NRIS conducted a survey through its web site to evaluate its services. Results showed nearly half of the respondents tap NRIS to research information for a variety of uses and topics; over one-third use NRIS information for planning; and another third for resource management. More than half the users download geographic information system (GIS) data, such as stream and road information, which enables them to make their own customized maps. Over half also use the NRIS TopoFinder, which allows users to search for a topographic map by a variety of criteria. The NRIS Water Information System is consulted by over one-third of users.
Visitors to nris.state.mt.us will find a variety of data, reports, maps, and tools for searching and displaying information. These items help inform users about important issues facing Montanans, including: drought, wildfires, water quality, and plants/animals of concern. Website users can also learn more about fishing opportunities, birdwatching, and wildlife management.
NRIS was established 18 years ago by the Legislature. A division of the Montana State Library, NRIS acts as the state’s clearinghouse for natural resource information. Its staff provides expert assistance to link users with the best available information on natural resource issues.