Established in 1989 by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Norwegian Ministry of Environment, GRID-Arendal is an international information center providing high quality environmental information for practical use. Arendal is one of thirteen centers that together comprise the Global Resource Information Database, a "network of environmental data centers facilitating the generation and dissemination of key environmental, geo-referenced, and statistical data-sets and information products..." To that end, in 1998 GRID-Arendal significantly upgraded its maps and graphics section. The interface contains detailed color maps and graphics (browseable by subject or region), with new additions scheduled monthly. This impressive database covers "environment related topics including Agriculture and Fisheries, Atmosphere and Climate Change, Biodiversity, Demography, Economy, Energy, Freshwater, Hot spots/Trends, Human Health, Land Degradation, Pollution, Protected areas/Forests, Socio-economic and Topographic maps." For students, teachers, and researchers alike, this site has much to offer.