Aerial Mapping Volcanoes With Earth Search's Hyperspectral Technology Could Prevent Deaths and Property Destruction.

Business Editors, High-Tech Writers

KALISPELL, Mont.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2002

Earth Search Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB:EDIS), announced that a recently completed two-week scientific project in Ecuador by a world-renowned team of volcanologists demonstrated that aerial mapping using Earth Search's hyperspectral remote sensing technology could prevent deaths and property destruction when volcanoes erupt.

An Earth Search crew, a film crew and a team of scientists headed by State University of Buffalo Professor Michael Sheridan flew the company's Probe-1 sensor over Ecuador's towering 15,000-feet-high Tungurahua volcano. Using the hyperspectral data combined with a 3-D visualization system developed by Professor Sheridan, the scientists will produce maps that predict the likely paths of destruction from an eruption.

ESSI chairman Larry Vance said that civil authorities around the world could use this new system to map areas around active and potentially active volcanoes to determine how lava flows and mud flows from the volcano will affect nearby residents, and what would be the safest route out of the region should evacuation become necessary.

Professor Sheridan is working on this project with Earth Search and volcanologists Menard Hall and Patty Mothes of the Geophysical Institute of the National Polytechnic School in Quito, Ecuador.

"This is the first time that hyperspectral information is being used in direct connection with a volcanic crisis for hazard mitigation," said Sheridan.

ESSI Chairman Larry Vance said, "Thanks to our hyperspectral capability, the world can receive immediate information on the likely paths of lava flows, the likely places other than the crater where an eruption may occur, the possible distribution of harmful ash, and the potential for mudslides from melting snow and ice. If necessary, the data can be processed in minutes, so that people's lives can be saved."

He added that Earth Search plans to offer its hyperspectral imaging capability as a cutting edge tool in mapping hazardous volcanic zones on an ongoing basis and was looking forward to any documentaries resulting from the film footage taken in the flight.

The Earth Search sensor Probe-1 gathers detailed data about solar energy absorption and reflectance on a volcano's surface. From that information, the scientists can identify the mineral composition of analyzed areas, revealing, for example, if a certain spot is altered or composed of fresh rock. Areas of altered rock are weaker and have potential for collapsing and generating destructive, high-speed debris flows. The system to be used in this study allows for the simultaneous visualization and integration of data, which can be overlaid on digital topographic models, then rotated and analyzed.

Professor Sheridan likened the system to 3-D glasses. "Each pair gives you a different view," he said, "allowing you to see the ground as it exists beneath the vegetation."

"By putting these layers on top of one another, we can then extrapolate where flows and avalanches are likely to start and how far and fast they will travel," he added.

"This is the first such study of an active volcano using tools that may provide civil protection authorities with better means to protect the public," Professor Sheridan said.

This news release includes forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The information reflects numerous assumptions as to industry performance, general business and economic conditions, regulatory and legal requirements, taxes and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Similarly, this information assumes certain future business decisions that are subject to change. There can be no assurance that thee results predicted here will be realized. Actual results may vary from those represented and those variations may be material.