Ashtech unveils the Z-Surveyor and Z-SuperStation; Systems totally integrate features into one complete package.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 1997--Ashtech Inc., the leader in precision solutions for global positioning, has announced the introduction of a powerful new dual-frequency GPS surveying systems, the Z-Surveyor and Z-SuperStation.

Designed to incorporate many technological advances in microprocessor design, data storage and power management, these systems represent a powerful yet affordable alternative to conventional surveying equipment. The Z-Surveyor and Z-SuperStation Systems will support an expanding variety of surveying applications, including control surveys, topographic surveys, land/boundary/cadastral surveys, route surveys, construction surveys, as-built surveys and others.

Built on the reputation of its world class Z-Tracking technology, Ashtech has boosted the Z-Surveyor's features and capabilities while significantly shrinking its size, weight and power consumption. It weighs less than half of the Z-12 and requires just 7.5 Watts of power. The Z-Surveyor includes an internal battery capable of approximately 4.5 hours of continuous operation. The Z-Surveyor has an internal memory, which is expandable from 2 Mb to 85 Mb, and is contained on a removable, PC card. To support the rapidly growing requirement for real-time centimeter-level surveying solutions, an optional spread spectrum radio has been integrated into the receiver providing the lightest, most portable, fully integrated real-time GPS surveying system available.

The Z-SuperStation is comprised of two Z-Surveyor systems with built-in radios, one hand-held controller, WinPRISM, Ashtech's new Windows version of its proven post-processing software and a choice of TDS or GPSTopo software. It can be used as a real-time system or as a post-processing system. With this combination, precise centimeter-level real-time surveying applications are easily achievable.

Because of an integrated, optimized keyboard/display, both systems can collect and post-process static, rapid static, kinematic and pseudokinematic data without the using an external hand-held display/controller. The Z-Surveyor can be used as a base station or rover for real-time carrier phase differential GPS. In addition to these standard features, many optional capabilities are supported, such as code/carrier RTCM differential GPS, Point Positioning, Event Marker and External Frequency.

"By offering a full compliment of advanced features including communications, integrated in a smaller, lighter package, the Z-Surveyor and Z-SuperStation systems provide the surveying community with the next generation tools, compact enough to be used in a wide range of applications," said Bill Martin, Marketing Manager for Ashtech Surveying Systems. "The Z-Surveyor and the Z-SuperStation fits with Ashtech's commitment to provide powerful, technologically innovative instruments to both new and seasoned GPS users alike.

Ashtech Inc., a telecommunications company, is the leading provider of precision solutions for global positioning and is ISO-9001 certified. Incorporated in 1987, Ashtech manufactures and markets GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver systems, GPS+GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers and related subsystems which utilize Navstar and GLONASS satellites to determine position and time information for users worldwide. Revenues for 1995 were $35.5 million and for 1996 were $47.4 million. Ashtech is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA with sales offices domestically in Belgrade, Montana and Reston, Virginia. Ashtech maintains a European sales office in Oxford, England and a far east sales office in Hong Kong as well as research and development facilities in Moscow, Russia. More than 60 international and domestic dealers represent Ashtech products worldwide. Ashtech's main number is 408-524-1400. -0-

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CONTACT: Ashtech, Inc.

Sally Kenvin, 408/524-1460

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Miller/Shandwick Technologies

Ann Stowe, 415/962-9550

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