Earth Search Sciences' Probe-1 Provides Critical Information to Help Decision-Makers Battle Noxious Weeds.

McCALL, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 5, 1999--

A University of Idaho scientist has established that the Earth Search Sciences, Inc. (OTC BB:EDIS) Probe-1 system has, in an extensive pilot project mapping invasive species, delivered first-of-a-kind information unlocking the spreading habits of the agriculture and range management menace known as noxious weeds.

ESSI Chairman Larry Vance revealed the promising preliminary reports as U.S. Senators Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) prepare to hold a fact-gathering hearing in Nampa, Idaho, this weekend focusing on the spread of noxious weeds and the impact they have on public and private lands, and the agriculture industry.

"The Probe-1 was able to detect noxious weeds from digital images with an exceptional degree of accuracy," said Dr. Larry Lass, the University of Idaho project leader. "What we find encouraging is that the Probe-1 is able to detect weed colonies before they become established in an area, allowing us to address the problem before it becomes wide-spread."

Earth Search adds value to mapping projects using a high technology sensitive instrument capable of taking precision images of species on land. The instrument's ability to determine a species' "spectral signatures" enables clients and other experts to make crucial decisions in land management, mineral exploration, and many other applications. In 1998, ESSI collaborated with a team of scientists from the University of Idaho to test and compare the Probe-1's hyperspectral data with the older multi-spectral technology.

The federal government has already recognized nearly 100 invasive species, or noxious weeds, transplanted here from other countries. Idaho alone has identified 35. In an Executive Order released in early February, President Bill Clinton called for the creation of an Invasive Species Council. By October, 2000, the council must prepare and issue the first edition of a National Invasive Species Management Plan.

Remote sensing, or "hyperspectral" imaging, creates ultra high resolution images of the earth's surface. Analysis of these images can determine the presence of target minerals in geologic formations or evidence of minerals from vegetal "signatures."

"Earth Search wants experts to know that a key new tool to help solve the problem is already on the job. We're looking for other opportunities to help," Vance said. "We have always believed the Probe-1 has enormous potential in protecting our environment and helping our farmers. Delivering more understanding about the spread of noxious weeds is an important new way for Earth Search to prove its value to clients."

Dr. Larry Lass designed the project to test the Probe-1's hyperspectral imaging capabilities to detect small infestations of various plant species in rangeland and forest terrain. A goal of his research is to test modern remote sensing as a viable and cost-effective means to root out the noxious weeds problem in our wilderness, range and farm land. A team of scientists flew 16 different flight lines in Idaho and Oregon with the Probe-1, collecting data for 384 square miles. While the report is not yet complete, here's what Dr. Lass' scientific review has already revealed:

-- Preliminary results utilizing limited ground truth show the Earth

Search Sciences Probe-1 was able to accurately detect the 12

different plant species targeted by the project.

-- The Probe-1 system showed greater accuracy and detection

reliability when compared with older forms of imaging data.

-- Ground truth for spotted knapweed revealed the Probe-1 is able to

accurately depict the weed in small infestations, and ground

truth field work is underway this year on other weed species

targeted by the research such as yellow starthistle.

-- Large masses of noxious weeds were highly recognizable in the

data produced by the Probe-1.

"If we are able to precisely identify and locate noxious weeds using Earth Search imagery, we can make much more efficient usage of herbicides. We will minimize costs as well as the adverse effects herbicidal residues have on the environment," Dr. Lass said. "The maps produced by the Probe-1 will enable us to target specific weeds with very specific treatments, cutting down on herbicide usage."

Vance said Probe-1 information has the potential to save landowners thousands of dollars in weed-fighting costs since early detection is far less expensive to treat than large, fast-growing, established weed colonies.

Better, faster, less expensive than remote sensing technologies that have come before. Earth Search Sciences' Probe-1 offers critical decision-makers the key to successful weed management, enabling scientists and range managers to make the best decision -- the first time.

Earth Search Sciences' officials believe Probe-1 capabilities can deliver authoritative information to clients in many industries, including mining, defense, agriculture and the environment. The cost of data from Probe-1 and its fixed-wing platform, is substantially below that of existing satellite technology, creating a competitive advantage for ESSI's customers in the race to learn the earth's secrets.