Prince George’s County is gaining national recognition for its use of advanced data and technology to support smarter planning and long-term economic resilience.
A recent announcement from Business Wire highlights that a collaborative project between Sanborn, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), and Prince George’s County has earned a Geospatial Excellence Award from MAPPS, the national association for geospatial firms. As reported by the journalist and the news source, the award recognizes innovative use of geospatial data to analyze and manage tree canopy across the County.
The project delivers a “comprehensive, top-down view of tree cover,” identifying areas for expansion and preservation, according to Sanborn’s Chief Strategy Officer.
At its core, the initiative goes beyond traditional mapping—leveraging high-resolution data to provide actionable insights that support planning, sustainability, and equitable investment across communities.
More Than Environmental Data—An Economic Strategy
While tree canopy analysis may appear environmental in nature, its economic implications are significant.
As outlined in the report, tree canopy plays a critical role in:
Reducing urban heat and improving livability
Managing stormwater and infrastructure strain
Enhancing community health and quality of place
These factors directly influence business attraction, workforce retention, and real estate development, making environmental data a strategic economic tool—not just a planning resource.
The project is designed to deliver “actionable information that supports informed planning and equitable investment.”
Positioning Prince George’s County for Smarter Growth
This recognition signals a broader shift in how Prince George’s County approaches growth—through data-driven decision-making and forward-looking infrastructure planning.
By investing in geospatial intelligence, the County is:
Improving how land and resources are managed
Identifying high-impact areas for future investment
Strengthening resilience in the face of climate and development pressures
National recognition through the MAPPS award underscores that these efforts are not only effective—but leading-edge.
Economic Development Takeaway
The takeaway is clear: data is infrastructure.
Counties that leverage high-quality, actionable data are better positioned to:
Make smarter investment decisions
Enhance quality of place
Compete for businesses and talent
For Prince George’s County, this project demonstrates how integrating technology, planning, and sustainability can drive both environmental and economic outcomes.
Read the Full Story
Explore the full announcement from Business Wire to learn more about the award-winning project: