2-FEB-1999, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TDS enhances ForeSight surveying software to ease transfer of files from field to office

Contacts:

Eric Hall
Tripod Data Systems
541-753-9322
eric@tdsway.com

For press information,
Julia Oliver
Sanda Communications
541-752-7080
jo@sandacom.com

For Release February 2, 1999

CORVALLIS, Oregon—Feb. 2, 1999—Tripod Data Systems (TDS) today announced a new plug-in module for its ForeSight COGO and drafting program that closes the loop between field and office. The Foresight Transfer module enables users to move all the files for a project, including CR5, RW5, road and template files, directly between ForeSight and TDS data collectors in one step. No additional software is needed.

"Moving data from the office to the field and back again multiple times during a project used to be a cumbersome task," said Eric Hall, TDS PC products manager. "The Transfer module streamlines this process, making it faster and more accurate. It also reduces costs by eliminating the need for other transfer software. With ForeSight and the new Transfer module, our customers have a tightly integrated data system that allows them to work more efficiently."

The Transfer module also makes it easy to combine multiple days of site work into one project. Users can import and merge new or updated data collector files into an existing ForeSight project. The Transfer module spots conflicts and allows the user to accept or reject changes-or to renumber incoming points on the fly.

The Least Squares Adjustment Module
TDS also announced a Least Squares Adjustment module for ForeSight that enables users to adjust field data to conform to statistically likely coordinates. The new module provides an intuitive interface that steps users through all least squares parameters. Each point in the network can be fixed, free, or weighted for horizontal or vertical positions. Users may also edit observations for a precision level or ignore flawed observations. ForeSight provides comprehensive reports before and after adjustment so the user always knows what is being done. Configurations may be saved for use on later projects.

Both modules ideal for mobile use
TDS customers will be able to use the new Transfer module to download recently collected data onto a laptop in the field and then use the Least Squares Adjustment module to check their work before leaving the site.

"With prices for laptop computers capable of running ForeSight falling to the $2,200 range, it makes sense to use ForeSight in the field to check and review projects immediately after downloading," said Hall. "You can perform a least squares adjustment right in the truck and ensure that you have the data you need before driving off the site. It should reduce, maybe eliminate, go back time."

Previously released modules include the Contouring and Digital Terrain Modeling module and the Road Layout module. The Contouring and Digital Terrain Modeling module enables users to generate contours, calculate volumes and view three-dimensional digital terrain models. With the Road Layout module, users can perform alignment work and generate road files for use in TDS data collectors as well as generate points for staking operations.

Price, Availability and Requirements
Both the transfer module and Least Squares Adjustment module are available now from TDS or TDS dealers. The Transfer Module is priced at $150, and the Least Squares Module at $295. International prices may vary. ForeSight is priced at $995 and requires a PC running Windows® 95, 98 or NT, a 256 color monitor with 800 x 600 resolution, 16 MB RAM (32 MB with NT) and 23 MB free disk space.

About Tripod Data Systems
Tripod Data Systems, Inc., (TDS) is recognized as the leading developer of data collection and PC software for geomatics professionals. TDS is dedicated to bringing to market the most innovative, easy-to-use programs for field professionals who are involved with collecting and processing spatial data. Tripod Data Systems provides integrated and comprehensive hardware and software solutions. This eleven-year-old company has its headquarters in Corvallis, Ore.

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