Rugged and waterproof, MobileMapper CE runs embedded Microsoft Windows CE for ease-of-use and flexibility in asset management and mobile mapping applications

Santa Clara, Calif., July 21, 2004 – Thales today introduced MobileMapper™ CE, a handheld GPS receiver for geographic information system (GIS) and many other data collection applications, which sets a new standard for performance and affordability.  Priced substantially lower than competing systems, the MobileMapper CE GPS receiver offers an impressive array of high-performance features, including real-time, sub-meter GPS positioning, embedded Microsoft Windows CE .NET, Bluetooth wireless technology, removable SD card memory and an all-day removable battery that make it attractive for a wide variety of demanding GIS data collection and mapping applications.

“With the introduction of the MobileMapper CE GPS receiver, Thales further expands the mobile mapping product line and becomes the leader in affordable, high performance, easy-to-use GIS data collection systems that enable a broader range of field personnel to collect and use GIS data,” said Stig Pedersen, GIS Business Director for Thales’ navigation business.   “With embedded Microsoft Windows CE .NET operating system, MobileMapper CE users have the flexibility to choose the field software that’s best for them, and with Thales’ SDK and API, system integrators have a convenient platform to readily develop customized solutions.”

The MobileMapper CE GPS receiver is equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology for cable-free connections to other Bluetooth-equipped devices such as mobile phones and PDAs.  Features such as removable SD card memory and field-replaceable battery make the MobileMapper CE receiver flexible and convenient for long days in the field.  The MobileMapper CE GPS receiver delivers real-time, sub-meter accuracy through the use of DGPS corrections.

“The MobileMapper CE GPS receiver offers a familiar Windows computing environment, an 18-button backlit keyboard and touch-sensitive screen, that users can learn to operate very quickly.  With exemplary ease-of-use and extremely affordable pricing, the MobileMapper CE receiver is well positioned for organizations that have previously been unable to provide cutting-edge technology to field personnel without extensive training and prohibitive expense. The MobileMapper CE GPS receiver will make the benefits of Mobile GIS accessible to a much larger number of people working in the field.” said Pedersen.

The MobileMapper CE GPS receiver is designed to operate in harsh environments where standard consumer-grade pocket computing devices such as PDAs and other less rugged GPS receivers are easily damaged.  Built to withstand a 4.9 foot (1.5 m) drop to concrete and remain waterproof even when totally immersed in water, the MobileMapper CE GPS receiver is expected to have wide appeal for use by field personnel in public safety, civilian and federal agencies, utilities, environmental monitoring, natural resources and a host of other industries and organizations where management and mapping of field assets is desired.

For more information about the MobileMapper CE GPS receiver, visit www.thalesnavigation.com.

About Thales
Thales is an international electronics and systems group serving the defense, aerospace, security and services markets.  The group employs 61,500 people worldwide and generated revenues of €10.6 billion in 2003

Thales’ navigation business is one of the world's leaders in positioning, navigation and guidance equipment with global operations.  Thales markets its Magellan® brand GPS solutions in the consumer electronics, recreation, and automotive markets, and its GPS and GNSS professional products in the survey, GIS/Mapping, and OEM markets.  Through its joint venture with Hertz, Thales has developed the Hertz NeverLost® vehicle navigation system.  Thales key innovations include the first U.S. commercial hand-held GPS receiver for positioning and navigation, and the first handheld GPS with industry standard Secure Digital Memory Card capabilities.

Thales’ navigation business is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. with European headquarters in Carquefou, France.  For more information, visit www.thalesnavigation.com.