North River Geographic Systems, Inc. started as a part time project back in 2006. The idea behind the business is that there is a need for a competent GIS company. In other words, all that company did is to work with Geographic Information System and with data. The company doesn't sell software or hardware and doesn't specialize in any one discipline. The belief is that GIS is enough of a science that it can hold it's own with engineers and surveyors. Better yet it doesn't duplicate what they do but enhances it. After all, whether it's building utility infrastructure or cleaning up an environmental disaster, it's all combining information and locations and making that accessible to the experts.

After a long internal debate on whether this would actually work I, (Randal Hale) started North River Geographic Systems, Inc. I brought into the company about 14 years of mapping experience from TVA's Maps and Surveys department. That experience included data collection techniques, data interpretation, and extensive experience with different GIS software packages. Probably the most important skill of all is the people onel. I had to work with a lot with engineers, surveyors, and the general public. At any one moment during a project I would have to communicate with industry professionals to a person who needs a good looking map - most likely this happened within the same project on the same day.

After the company started , I started by acquiring customers and equipment. In 2007, NRGS became an ESRI Authorized Business Partner. In 2008, I began offering ESRI Authorized Training Classes. So as a small business it's all about the money - except in the case of NRGS it isn't. In addition to our growing list of services I began offering free or discounted services to non-profit organizations or causes that caught my attention. The job or the group has to give back something to the community or to the environment. In most cases I've been able to do this work for free. In some I've had to charge a little to recoup expenses. GIS is more than just a service that turns a profit. As I am fond of saying, map it like you give a damn. 

To remain rooted in the industry NRGS began working with GIS users groups, particularly URISA, GA URISA, TNGIC, and others. In 2008, it became a full time endeavor. In 2009, the plotter appeared. So far into 2010, I Survive and Thrive.

In the last three years the client list has grown. Clients have been wide ranging: engineers, environmental firms, foresters, and federal agencies. The services list has also grown. From simple map production, NRGS has grown into project management, spatial analysis, cartographic products, and other technical services. With all of that the company has grown into a we - from 1 full time employee to 1 full time employee some floating part time employees. Instead of a Geographic Information Systems company, we're calling ourselves a geospatial services company.

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