CORVALLIS, Ore. - May 17, 2004 - Tripod Data Systems(TM) (TDS) today announced version 4.0 of its flagship Survey Pro(TM) data collection software. Survey Pro 4.0 includes a number of new features and workflow enhancements to help surveyors work more productively in the field.

"Since we introduced Survey Pro more than a decade ago, we've continually improved it," said TDS survey products manager Eric Hall. "Surveyors are our greatest source of ideas-they tell us what they want the software to do or how it can work better for them, and we incorporate their feedback into new Survey Pro releases."

Survey Pro 4.0 includes 13 new features along with 12 enhancements. A full list of Survey Pro 4.0 improvements is available online at www.tdsway/surveypro4. Among the highlights are:
. A new Instrument Manager that makes it easy to pre-configure
settings for total stations, GPS receivers, levels and other field instruments. After initially entering settings, users simply choose an instrument and Survey Pro is ready to work with it. And once settings are entered it's easy to switch back and forth between instruments. Users can also copy an instrument profile to other data collectors.
. Basemaps that let users import a drawing or graphic to use as a
background of a map for reference. This makes it easier to identify landmarks and staking points. Basemaps can be imported in both GeoTIFF and DXF file formats.
. An editable Quick Pick list for Survey Pro on the TDS Recon(TM)
and Ranger(TM) that creates shortcuts for frequently used functions and routines.
. Survey Pro 4.0 now works with Land XML files on data collectors,
eliminating repetitive or manual data input. Users can import and export points, alignments, polylines and parcels.
. A new Start Survey Wizard on Survey Pro GPS(TM) that takes users
through a streamlined GPS setup procedure for easier, more reliable GPS connections. Digital cell phones can now be used in place of a radio data link for GPS communications.
. With Survey Pro Robotics(TM), users can aim a robotic total
station remotely from a Recon or Ranger. Survey Pro 4.0 adds fine-turning routine with a unique graphical interface allows remote aiming for even precise turns.
. With a new optional leveling module, Survey Pro 4.0 can now work
with most types of digital levels, recording level loop data to help eliminate repetitive or manual data input.

About Tripod Data Systems
Tripod Data Systems (TDS) develops hardware and software for mobile computing applications. 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 is also the U.S. distributor for NikonR survey products. TDS software has been the #1 choice of surveyors since 1995-more surveyors use Survey Pro software than all other competitors' software combined.1

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 541-753-9322. 1Business News Publishing Company, "Surveying and Mapping Industry Study" 1995-2003. Includes TDS software sold by dealers and TDS partner companies.

###

Tripod Data Systems, Survey Pro, Survey Pro GPS, Survey Pro Robotics Recon and Ranger are trademarks of Tripod Data Systems. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.