24-MAR-2004, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tripod Data Systems releases SOLO Field 3.3
Upgrades make popular GIS mapping software more logical and intuitive

Contacts:

Amy Urban
Tripod Data Systems
541-753-9322
amyu@tdsway.com

Julia Oliver
Sanda Communications
503-445-2400
jo@sandacom.com

Corvallis, Ore.—March 24, 2004—Tripod Data Systems (TDS) today released SOLO Field^TM 3.3. This latest version of TDS' popular GIS mapping software allows users to add GPS metadata to the GIS database, classify basemap data based on attributes including an on-screen legend, and output MapInfo MIF data without the separate SOLO Office^TM program.

"This latest version of SOLO Field incorporates several enhancements our users have been asking for," said Matt Lehman, GIS products manager. "For example, in previous versions, users could only access GPS metadata through text output. With SOLO Field 3.3, this data can be included as attribute data. Changes like this make SOLO Field more logical and intuitive."

Other new features of SOLO Field 3.3 include:

• Thematic display for logged data, based upon attribute; users can classify their logged data based on an attribute with a color and size coded display.
• Labeling of logged data with attribute values; users can select an attribute to use as a label for their logged data.
• The ability to create user-defined symbols for logged data.
• Save Log files for demonstration/training as well as diagnostics purposes; users can create a GPS log file that can then be replayed for training, demonstration or diagnostics.
• Map Layers dialog box includes logged data, redlining, map grids, basemaps and images; this groups all map data controls more logically under a single menu.
• Enhanced support for Trimble Pathfinder series GPS receivers.

Pricing and Availability

SOLO Field 3.3 is a free upgrade to SOLO Field 3.x. Registered users of SOLO Field 3.x can download upgrades from www.tdsway.com/SOLO3.3 (registration required). For new users, SOLO Field 3.3 is available for purchase now through authorized TDS dealers. For a free 30-day demo of SOLO Field 3.3, please e-mail your request to gis@tdsway.com, or visit the above Web site.

About Tripod Data Systems

Tripod Data Systems (TDS) produces rugged handheld computers for extreme outdoor and industrial environments, software for land surveying and construction applications, and GIS systems for field data collection and automation. TDS GIS systems benefit from the company's 15 years of field data collection experience. Through tight integration with GPS receivers, TDS GIS systems provide utility operators, natural resource professionals and city, state and federal government agencies with easy-to-use systems that allow novice and experienced users alike to collect data easily and accurately.

TDS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Trimble. The company is headquartered in Corvallis, Ore., and was founded in 1987. For more information about TDS, visit www.tdsway.com, e-mail gis@tdsway.com or call 541-753-9322.

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Tripod Data Systems, SOLO Field and SOLO Office are trademarks of Tripod Data Systems. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.