Stereo Analyst Extension for ArcGIS Announced

Atlanta, Georgia, USA, July 3, 2002 - Leica Geosystems' GIS & Mapping Division announced that it will release Stereo Analyst® Extension for ArcGIS, a fully integrated ESRI ArcGIS software extension that allows users to collect, update, interpret and visualize 3D geospatial information using stereo imagery. The Stereo Analyst Extension for ArcGIS is the first system to bring the concept of an oriented image into the ArcGIS world, enabling the GIS user to create and update geo-spatial data stored within the Geodatabase using accurate stereo imagery as reference backdrop.

The software is expected to ship in the Fall of 2002. A demonstration of the software's power can be viewed at booth # 1737, ESRI User Group, 8-12 July, San Diego, Calif., USA.

"Stereo Analyst's ability to directly transform up-to-date, high-resolution images into a map-accurate database of geospatial information eliminates tedious digitizing and merging of multi-source data, significantly improving the reliability of a GIS while also reducing the steps and time associated with populating and creating a GIS with data" stated Brad Skelton, Vice President, Core Software Development & Integration, Leica Geosystems, GIS & Mapping Division.

"The real and unique power of Stereo Analyst for ArcGIS is its ability to create features from imagery as a direct transaction on a database. This significantly improves work flow productivity and enhances enterprise data sharing," said Jack Dangermond, President, ESRI.

The result of collaboration between development staff at Leica Geosystems and ESRI, Stereo Analyst Extension for ArcGIS features the ability to create oriented images based on direct support of existing SOCET SET® and IMAGINE OrthoBASE® aerial triangulation data as well as high resolution imagery obtained from IKONOS and QuickBird. In addition, the system includes intelligent photogrammetric functions that enable the customer to use this product without advanced training and education in photogrammetry and 3D feature collection.

For more information about Leica Geosystems GIS & Mapping Division or its products and services, contact: +1 404 248 9000, toll free: +1 877 463 7327.

### ### ###

A long-standing leader in the GIS market, Leica Geosystems is a dependable partner for 3D data acquisition, processing and visualization. With the recent integration of ERDAS and LH Systems, Leica Geosystems has expanded its product areas to offer four ranges of GIS and mapping solutions - airborne data acquisition, geographic imaging, GPS/GIS, and land information systems. Leica Geosystems' sensors, field data collectors, workstations and software allow users to create and update GIS databases rapidly, accurately and cost effectively.

Stereo Analyst and IMAGINE OrthoBASE are registered trademarks of ERDAS, Inc.; and SOCET SET is a registered trademark of BAE Systems Mission Solutions Inc. All other product names are properties of their respective owners.

If news like this is important to you, sign up for our weekly  GIS MONITOR Newsletter.

 ---------

Source: Material used in press releases is often supplied by external sources and used as is.