SURVEYING BREAKTHROUGH TO BE UNVEILED AT AASHTO FAIR.

BUFFALO, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 1996--TerrainMapper Survey(TM) Co. announced it will unveil TerrainMapper(TM) (an innovative new high-tech surveying and mapping system) at the 1996 Technology Transfer Fair of AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) to be held October 5-7, 1996 at the Buffalo Convention Center, Buffalo, NY. This will be the world premier showing of this new high-productivity survey system!

TerrainMapper, a breakthrough development in surveying and mapping, was developed by an alliance of imagery experts and surveyors to help transportation agencies increase productivity, reduce costs and more effectively address today's needs. This new system overcomes shortcomings in conventional mapping methods (that were originally developed in the 1950s to support the construction of new highways across undeveloped land). Now, needs have changed. Today, the challenge is to redesign and rebuild our aging highways ... to move more vehicles over existing highway rights-of-way. The new need is for timely, accurate mapping of existing highways. TerrainMapper Survey Co. will be using this innovative new survey technology to deliver the following types of benefits to transportation agencies: -0-

-- Eliminate long project lead times
-- Get more consistent design-level accuracy
-- Save rework time and cost
-- Improve decision maker productivity
-- Provide greater flexibility in executing projects
-- Reduce traffic delays
-- Improve survey personnel safety
-- Provide valuable new information
-- Provide needed digital information-0-

No other system has TerrainMapper's unique features and no other system can perform surveying and mapping like TerrainMapper. This innovative new system integrates advanced technologies, including: Global Positioning Systems (GPS), digital imaging, high-speed, high-capacity data recording, low power electronic components, increased computational power, advanced client-server multitasking strategies and softcopy photogrammetry. The creative ways TerrainMapper integrates and uses these technologies sets TerrainMapper apart from any other system.

For example, the TerrainMapper Field Collector(TM) is a three-wheeled non-motorized trailer which is towed by a powered vehicle. This isolates it from the effects of the motorized towing vehicle. The three-wheel triangular base ensures sensor platform stability during data collection. The system's rigid tubular steel frame resists flexing ... contributing to its ability to maintain precise system calibration. It also reduces drag caused by wind created by passing vehicles. The frame design also allows the TerrainMapper Field Collector to be disassembled, packed, and shipped by standard overnight couriers, and then rapidly reassembled at its destination ... all without affecting calibration of its precision data collection systems.

A GPS system, supplemented by a dead-reckoning system, provides location and attitude information for the system's data collectors. A pair of sophisticated digital cameras capture stereoscopic images of areas directly below and beside the Field Collector. A third camera captures forward-looking views for reading highway signs and identifying features.

The TerrainMapper Data Processor(TM) converts the collected field data into design-level surveying and mapping information. The system features a unique client-server processing architecture which permits parallel data extraction ... producing fast project turnaround.

TerrainMapper delivers mapping that meets and surpasses aerial photogrammetric mapping standards, and also delivers more consistent design-level accuracy. It employs many advanced features to maximize accuracy. For example, an object can be selected on multiple images. The system intelligently analyzes the mathematical intersections and selects the one that will produce the highest possible accuracy.

TerrainMapper can deliver a variety of high-value mapping information including planimetric maps, digital terrain models, topographic maps and digital images (terrestrial pictures) showing the scenes along highways. The information can be delivered in both hardcopy and digital formats.

The TerrainMapper system is the result of an alliance of imagery experts and surveyors. Synectics Corporation and two survey firms formed an alliance to develop a system that would more effectively address today's transportation agency needs. Synectics, with more than 25 years of experience developing advanced information technology for the U.S. defense and intelligence community, applied its impressive arsenal of advanced technical expertise to develop TerrainMapper.

TerrainMapper Survey, Co. L.L.P. is a professional survey firm with a mission to deliver higher-value survey services that help transportation agencies (and supporting engineering and surveying firms) increase productivity, reduce costs and more effectively address their needs today. The Company is managed by experienced surveying and mapping professionals.

TerrainMapper Survey Co. will be using this powerful new survey technology to speed the survey process ... delivering timely, accurate design-level surveying and mapping that satisfies the needs of today's transportation agencies. For photos and more information, please call [phone].

TerrainMapper, TerrainMapper Survey, TerrainMapper Field Collector and TerrainMapper Data Processor are trademarks of TerrainMapper Alliance, LLC.

CONTACT: Jerry Robinson

Pathfinder Innovation, Inc.

612/797-9900