1-NOV-2000, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tripod Data Systems Adds Road Layout to New Survey Pro CE 2.0
Two new functions make road surveying more flexible and simple

Contacts:

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

Julia Oliver
Sanda Communications
503-517-8555
jo@sandacom.com

CORVALLIS, OREGON—November 1, 2000—Tripod Data Systems announced today the release of Survey Pro for Windows CE version 2.0. This version adds road layout and slope staking routines to the program. Road layout gives surveyors the ability to enter road definitions and then stake the road based on those definitions. Slope staking allows users to locate and stake catch points given a center line and a slope.

"With the graphical viewing tools that we have added, Survey Pro's road layout provides functionality that no other road staking tool can match," said TDS Product Manager Eric Hall. "We have also simplified the road definition rules and at the same time made the road tools more flexible. I think the results will please our customers."

Road Layout gives surveyors editors for entering horizontal and vertical alignments as well as templates that describe the road cross-section, widenings and super elevations. Because of the big screen and road viewing tools of the Ranger handheld computer running the Windows CE operating system, surveyors can easily visualize the road. The graphical viewers make road entry and editing easier to understand and act as a valuable error checking system. Once the road is defined, Survey Pro provides a complete set of road staking tools that use the road file for guidance. Staking the road is easier because the road file contains the complete definition of the road. Any station can be staked or slope staked. Offset values are automatically set by the templates.

The slope staking routines take an alignment definition and let the user slope stake at any station along the alignment. Unlike the road slope staking routine, the slope staking routine requires the user to enter an offset for the hinge point and to define the slope to use for the operation. This form of slope staking is extremely useful for simple operations where a complete road definition is not required.

Survey Pro CE version 2.0 also includes many other enhancements to GPS and Robotic functions.

For current Survey Pro for Windows CE users, the new road layout and slope staking routines are a free upgrade. Survey Standard users can purchase an upgrade to Survey Pro to get the new routines as well as all the advanced tools that Survey Pro provides.

About Tripod Data Systems
Founded in 1987, Tripod Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) produces software for platforms including programmable calculators, advanced rugged handheld field computers, and complete office software applications used by Cable Network Operators, Utility Operators, and City, State and Federal Government agencies. TDS software integrates with a wide range of measurement tools including optical instruments, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, and laser rangefinders. TDS can be reached by telephone at 541-753-9322, by fax at 541-757-7439, by email at sales@tdsway.com or on the web at www.tdsway.com.

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