Taylor family behind new geospatial institute in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis leaders on Thursday announced plans a new institute designed to make the region a major player in geospatial technology. Andy Taylor, executive chairman of the rental car company Enterprise Holdings, is providing financing for the Taylor Geospatial Institute, along with eight St. Louis-are research institutions. Organizers say the institute will provide funding for research and program development and expects to attract leading scientists to St. Louis. Taylor says in a statement that he hopes the institute “will cement St. Louis as the world’s true center for geospatial excellence.” A news release says research and training will focus on topics such as food security, improving health care systems, and national security.