In the late 1960's survey engineering professor, Dr. Masry, from the University of New Brunswick Department of Geodesy and Geomatics (Fredericton, New Brunswick) began research into data structures and computer-aided cartography.

Working from the basement of his home, alongside some of his students, Masry's research evolved into a state-of-the-art system to support digital mapping programs and handle rigorous topology for GIS applications.

This research into digital charting systems continued into the 1970's and eventually lead to the founding of CARIS in 1979.

In the years that followed, the company completed the development of its first commercial software product, CARIS (Computer Aided Resource Information System) in 1983, which offered the unique capability of incorporating both charting and photogrammetric mapping.

Soon thereafter, Dr. Masry moved his company to new offices in Fredericton and the first commercial sale of CARIS was made to LRIS (Land Registry Information Service), an inter-provincial agency responsible for digital base mapping and cadastral mapping in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

In 1986, the first international sale was made to the Royal Netherlands Navy followed closely by sales to Australia and Germany.

Advancement in CARIS technology was accompanied through the years by expansion into other market segments including agriculture, geology, forestry and transportation. By 1988 CARIS software was installed in every Province in Canada.

With positive recognition of CARIS spreading internationally, CARIS expanded its marketing efforts in 1989 to focus on developing strategic partnerships with other companies willing to support, utilize and market the CARIS product line worldwide. In 1994, the company opened its European Office, CARIS BV, in The Netherlands.

In late 1998, CARIS reorganized the company to better focus on its key markets. Utilizing this structure, CARIS would be better able to focus on and develop its key markets. These key markets were Land and Marine. The success achieved to-date clearly indicates that CARIS made the right move.

Today, the company offers a comprehensive line of software for all anticipated geospatial data collection, processing and production needs of our customers.

Through our revolutionary internet-mapping technology, database production environments, open and flexible core technology... CARIS is poised for the future.