Baker GeoResearch Announces GeoLink Version 6.0; Latest Release Unleashes the Power of GPS/GIS.

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 6, 1999--

Baker GeoResearch, Inc., a unit of Michael Baker Corporation (AMEX:BKR), announced today the release of the GeoLink(R) GPS/GIS Mapping System Version 6.0.

For over a decade, the patented GeoLink Mapping System has provided state-of-the-art GPS/GIS field mapping and mobile computing applications.

The GeoLink technology enables enterprise-wide Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) use in a single, open systems environment. With GeoLink Mapping to Manage(TM) solutions, organizations can efficiently create geographic databases, update existing databases, and use GIS datasets for field operations. GeoLink 6.0 is the tool of choice for building GIS feature databases of descriptive attributes attached to GPS derived spatial coordinates.

GeoLink 6.0 is available as a standard "Core" version for GPS/GIS data collection and live map display or with add-on expansion modules including the Raster, GeoPhoto(TM), Sketching, XDS(TM), and PowerTrak(TM) vehicle tracking (AVL) modules for increased GPS/GIS data collection and management capabilities.

Availability

GeoLink 6.0 for Windows 95/98/NT, priced at $1,195, is available and shipping now. Customers with active GeoLink Software Support Agreements will receive the Version 6.0 upgrade automatically. For GeoLink clients without active Agreements, GeoLink 6.0 will be provided free as an upgrade upon enrollment into an annual Software Support Agreement. For more information or to order GeoLink Version 6.0, contact Baker GeoResearch at 1-800-GEOLINK or visit Baker GeoResearch on the Web at www.bakergeoresearch.com.

GeoLink 6.0 enhancements include the following:

Polygon and Multi-point Sketching: The GeoLink Sketching Module for GeoLink 6.0 now includes tools for sketching polygons and multi-point features in addition to lines and points. Sketching is a powerful tool for accurately representing offset features and quickly building a GIS coverage.

Map Display Enhancements: GeoLink 6.0 includes background image and map rotation improvements to enable users to easily navigate and reference themselves to background raster images and vector coverages. Display speeds were also accelerated and overall memory management was significantly improved for faster operations. Other display enhancements include large ArcView Shapefile support, user defined zoom scales, and user selectable GPS positioning cursor for added data collection and management usability.

On-Screen Feature Collection "Quick" Buttons: GeoLink 6.0 enhancements include graphical feature collection buttons for fast, efficient attribute data collection. Quick buttons include on-screen display of feature symbols and names which, when clicked with a mouse or pen input device, trigger the collection of a user-defined feature. Users will benefit from faster, more efficient data collection and management.

Large Toolbar Buttons: New large toolbar buttons make data collection easy in high sunlight conditions by improving outdoor visibility. Tool bar buttons also now include drag and drop features and adjustable button sizes. The custom screen tool bars increase user access to GeoLink functions.

Picklist Expansions: GeoLink 6.0 extends the handling of picklists of standard feature attributes in several ways, including, automatic drop down lists, alphabetical search, and management of large lists. Users benefit from quicker data entry and easier operations with large, complex pick lists.

eXternal Data Source (XDS) Devices: The XDS Module for GeoLink 6.0 includes support for many more devices such as laser rangefinders, gas detection equipment, hydrographic depth sounders and salinity sensors. In the laser rangefinder interface, backsight and foresight functions were added for enhanced data collection in obstructed situations. With GeoLink XDS, sensor data is automatically geo-referenced for sophisticated GIS applications.

Expanded Table of Datum Transformations: GeoLink's coordinate system tools for 6.0 include 46 additional geodetic datum transformations to enable users to accurately collect data throughout the world. The expanded list includes several geodetic datums of significance for Asia, Africa, eastern Europe and South America.

Y2K and GPS Rollover Compliance: GeoLink has been successfully tested for Y2K and GPS rollover compliance.

Baker GeoResearch, Inc. (www.bakergeoresearch.com) provides GeoLink GPS/GIS integrated products, mapping services, and GIS consulting services. Michael Baker Corporation (www.mbakercorp.com) provides engineering, construction management, and operations and technical services through its five global business units: Buildings, Civil, Energy, Environmental, and Transportation.