Baker to Release Geolink Version 6.1.

Business Editors, High Tech Writers

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 8, 2001

Michael Baker Jr., Inc., will release the patented GPS/GIS mapping software GeoLink(R) version 6.1 on March 19, 2001. This latest version of GeoLink is a significant addition to the company's premier GPS mapping and GIS data management software package. For over a decade, the patented GeoLink Mapping System has been the state-of-the-art GPS/GIS field mapping, asset management, and mobile computing application. Michael Baker Jr., Inc., is a unit of Michael Baker Corporation (AMEX:BKR).

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 such as maintenance and verification. GeoLink 6.1 is the tool of choice for building and manipulating GIS feature databases consisting of descriptive attributes attached to GPS derived spatial coordinates.

GeoLink 6.1 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, eXternal Data Source(TM) (XDS), Laser XDS, DMI XDS, Aerial Sketchmapping, Methane Gas Survey, and PowerTrak(TM) vehicle tracking (AVL) for increased GPS/GIS data collection and management capabilities.

Availability

GeoLink 6.1 for Windows 95/98/NT, priced at $1,195, is shipping March 19, 2001. For more information or to order GeoLink Version 6.1, or to order upgrades under a maintenance contract, contact Baker at [phone] or visit Baker on the Web at www.mbakercorp.com/gis.

GeoLink 6.1 enhancements include the following:

Feature Backspanning: GeoLink 6.1 supports snapping sketched lines to points for increased productivity during stake out and red-line data collection. Back-spanning techniques are enhanced for data collection into rules based GIS systems.

Raster Image Splittiff(TM): GeoLink 6.1 includes a breakthrough utility to split large images files into manageable pieces for faster regeneration and manipulation on a mobile computer. Field computers are not constrained by image size for display and mapping purposes.

Programmable Keypad Feature Buttons: The GeoLink Sketchmapping module lets users program feature buttons with picklist attributes for extremely fast, efficient data collection.

GPS Optional: In response to the industry movement toward Mobile GIS, GPS is optional. Data collection and management sessions can be performed with or without a GPS receiver active.

Delete Shapefile Features: GeoLink 6.1 includes the capability to delete shapefile features while logging.

Offset Line Feature Collection: GeoLink 6.1 is able to collect offset line features parallel to your direction of travel. Full GeoLink attribute collection is supported.

3-D ArcView Shapefiles: GeoLink 6.1 includes support for logging altitude for translation to 3-D ArcView shape files.

New GPS Receiver Support: Added to the already extensive list of GPS receivers supported are the Leica TCA1102 Robotic Total Station, the Trimble 4700 survey grade receiver, and the Trimble TNL2000 receiver.

Expanded Datum and Projection Support: GeoLink 6.1 supports additional datum and projections, including the Albers Equal Area Conic projection.

Expanded Raster Format Support: GeoLink 6.1 supports the display of additional registered raster image formats including JPEG, BMP, PCX, TGA, and PNG.

Image Auto-Cropping: Several images can be tiled together with GeoLink's cropping feature designed to enhance edge matching and border alignment of image files such as USGS scanned topographical images. Accurate cropping is accomplished by specifying X and Y minutes of extent.

eXternal Data Source (XDS) Devices: The XDS Module for GeoLink 6.1 includes support for the Nitestar NS-60 distance measuring instrument and Baker's Dead Reckoning inertial navigation system.

Laser Only XDS Module: GeoLink XDS 6.1 is available in a "Laser Only" version which supports laser rangefinders from Leica, Laser Atlanta, and Laser Technology.

Michael Baker Corporation (www.mbakercorp.com) provides engineering and energy expertise for public and private sector clients worldwide. The firm's primary services include facilities design, engineering design for the transportation and civil infrastructure markets, operation and maintenance of oil and gas production facilities, environmental services, and construction management for building and highway projects. Baker employs more than 3,600 in over 30 offices across the United States and internationally.