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Kongsberg Spacetec is doing a major upgrade on the Ship Detection System based on SAR/Radar data.

The project is a cooperation between the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI), NORUT IT and Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT).
New features will include usage of SLC products, super-resolution, ice/ship discrimination and tracking. The upgraded is planned available Q1 2008.
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Name Change

Saab AB (publ) (“Saab”) as of September 1, 2006 has acquired forty (40) percent of the shares in Saab Ericsson Space AB (the Company”) from Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ) tp the effect that Saab noe owns all of the shares in the Company. As consequence of said transaction the Company has changd its name to:
Saab Space AB
The ownership and name chane will not in any impact our ongoing or potential future business relationship
(Source Saab Space AB)

Infoterra France, PREVIEW project coordinator, announces promising first phase results for this 45 month programme. In the frame of GMES programme, PREVIEW aims to improve, enhance and develop geo-information services, based on satellite monitoring and other observation techniques, for risk management users to manage natural and man-made disasters.

The latest progress meeting, which took place on November 29-30, 2006 in Toulouse’s Cité de l’Espace, gathering representatives from several European countries, confirmed that first phase objectives, which included defining service specifications based on user needs, developing Products and Services tested by civil protection users in real-world regional platforms, were all completed on time and with great satisfactory results.
Preliminary findings were presented by user groups that started evaluations this past summer and who will continue until April 2007, which will officially mark the beginning of phase two. Early user-driven participation, comprised of 8 selected test sites in Europe, was essential to this development programme as feedback will be continually applied to improve and refine services in the programme’s second phase that also aims to streamline operational systems.
By employing an iterative development procedure, the large consortium (58 partners from 15 countries), of individuals working on this project including the scientific community, service operators, industrial companies and user’s themselves, aims at producing the most advanced information services reflecting realistic and accurate civil security needs that can be expanded throughout Europe and eventually the whole world.
“With PREVIEW services integrated within existing civil protection systems, we are better armed to approach all the essential phases of risk management, from prevention to post-crisis and recovery in a harmonized and Page 2 2 / 2 coherent manner “, says Colonel Nardin, Chief of International Relations of the French Civil Security Services based in Paris that coordinates the user group for the PREVIEW project. “ This programme greatly improves cross-border interoperability which is a huge advantage for international interchanges. Although we speak different languages, the ability to use the same efficient services, data and programmes will immensely facilitate communication in joint efforts like battling cross-border fires for example “, he added.
“This is a major risk management project for the European Commission as it possesses an enormous potential in terms of human, economic and environmental protection and conservation. It is fully supporting the development of services as realised through the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security initiative” says Mrs Bernot European Commission Project Officer. “We are very optimistic about the prospect of exporting these same solutions to extra-European countries, thereby responding to a strong and growing demand for security and safety systems worldwide. “PREVIEW will be a leading element by contributing to the competitiveness of the European industry on global export markets” concluded Mr Darroy Chief Executive Officer of Infoterra France coordinator of the PREVIEW consortium.
About Infoterra France
Infoterra France is specialising in the production of cartographic data and development of applications and services using Earth Observation imagery. The company deliver services to a wide range of users in various economic sectors, such as government and local authorities, defence, telecommunications, agriculture and environment, and develops dedicated cartographic solutions (data and RISKFRAME GIS application) for risk and crises management.
Infoterra France is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS Astrium. The company is part of the Infoterra Group, which comprises companies in France, Germany and the United Kingdom with over 300 employees.
EADS Astrium and Infoterra are strongly involved in the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme, a major initiative of European Commission (EC) and the European Space Agency (ESA). As coordinator of the RISK-EOS and PREVIEW projects, Infoterra France is leading the service activities supporting risks management and response to emergencies.
More information on : www.infoterra-global.com
About PREVIEW
PREVIEW is a research and development project, co-funded by the European Commission and by the project participants, looking for new techniques to better protect European citizens against environmental risks and to reduce their consequences. It is addressing floods, forest fires, storms, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and chemical pollution. PREVIEW is part of GMES (Global Monitoring Environment and Security) 1 , a concerted effort to bring data and information providers together with users, to make environmental and security-related information available to the people who need it through enhanced or new services.
REVIEW gathers 58 partners (end users, industry, public institutes, research centres and universities) from 15 countries.
More information on : www.preview-risk.com

PCI Geomatics, a world-leading developer of image-centric software and solutions for the geospatial industry, is pleased to announce that it will support the upcoming German radar satellite TerraSAR-X for image processing, correction, and analysis.

The satellite is set to be operational in mid 2007, and PCI Geomatics software will support the sensor’s data as it becomes available. Infoterra holds the exclusive commercial exploitation rights for TerraSAR-X data and will supply radar data, as well as a variety of radar-based geo-information products, via a dense distribution network which ensures reliable and efficient data distribution worldwide.

“Because PCI Geomatics provides the world’s leading SAR image processing software, it was an obvious choice for Infoterra, the exclusive commercial provider of high resolution TerraSAR-X data, to establish close cooperation with them,”
said Joerg Herrmann, Managing Director of Infoterra GmbH. “We are sure that TerraSAR-X Services will benefit from this cooperation, as PCI Geomatics is not only known for its established partner network and strong contacts in the SAR user community, but also for its high innovation potential with regard to SAR modules.”
“We look forward to working with Infoterra to support TerraSAR-X data products,” said Brad Schmidt, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at PCI Geomatics. “Our Geomatica RADAR processing suite will soon support TerraSAR-X data for image processing, rectification, and single- and dual-polarization analysis.”
About Infoterra GmbH
Infoterra GmbH was launched in 2001 for the purpose of exclusively pursuing the commercial exploitation of the new German radar satellite TerraSAR-X. This satellite will provide daylight and weather independent, high resolution (1m) radar data with operational flexibility. This allows the company to offer to its clients an extensive portfolio of TerraSAR-X based products and services, ranging from basic radar imagery to sophisticated geo-information products and thematic applications, as well as including data access services. Infoterra GmbH has established a leading role in providing land services within the European GMES Initiative of European Commission (EC) and European Space Agency ( ESA). Infoterra GmbH is part of the Infoterra group which comprises companies in France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
For more information, visit www.infoterra.de

About PCI Geomatics

PCI Geomatics is a
world-leading developer of geospatial software, specializing in remote sensing,
digital photogrammetry, spatial analysis, cartographic production, and, more
recently, automated production systems. Today, with our trusted Geomatica®
brand, PCI Geomatics provides all the image-centric solutions necessary to meet
the expectations of a large and expanding industry. Since 1982, the company and
its reputation have continued to grow as a result of innovative leadership,
strong technology partnerships, active geomatics community involvement, and a
dedication to earn the trust of customers who use PCI Geomatics technology.

For more information, visit www.pcigeomatics.com

PCI Geomatics® is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Key Laboratory of Information in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing (LIESMARS) in China. The MoU outlines plans for cooperation in a variety of areas including the introduction of emerging image-centric geospatial technology in China and outlying regions. It also highlights plans for further promotion of Geoinformatics along with a better understanding of the earth and space.

LIESMARS is a unique key-state laboratory specializing in Geoinformatics, and represents the country’s best level of research in this field. With a faculty of over 75 members, the lab’s major research directions include remote sensing, image processing, spatial information, GIS software and more. As a state key lab serving the country’s research forefront, LIESMARS keeps a tight connection with the international research community, as well as the geospatial industry. Prof. Gong Jianya, Director of LIESMARS said, “To create a formal relationship with PCI, one of the largest enterprises in this field, will further enhance our research focus on the global industry demands on geomatics.”
The memorandum of understanding aims to identify areas of common interest including facilitating research work with LIESMARS and brand recognition for PCI Geomatics within the Chinese geoinformatics community. PCI Geomatics is a world-leading developer of image-centric software and solutions for the geospatial industry.
“PCI Geomatics is pleased to be associated with LIESMARS and Wuhan University,” said Michael Agnes, Director Software Sales PCI Geomatics. “We look forward to a strategic alliance that will include expanded research and ideas based upon PCI technology.”
About PCI Geomatics
PCI Geomatics is a world-leading developer of geospatial software, specializing in remote sensing, digital photogrammetry, spatial analysis, cartographic production, and, more recently, automated production systems. Today, with our trusted Geomatica® brand, PCI Geomatics provides all the image-centric solutions necessary to meet the expectations of a large and expanding industry. Since 1982, the company and its reputation have continued to grow as a result of innovative leadership, strong technology partnerships, active geomatics community involvement, and a dedication to earn the trust of customers who use PCI Geomatics technology.
Press Contact
Alysia Vetter
Marketing
Communications Specialist
Tel: 819-770-0022, Ext. 233
Fax: 819-770-0098
(Source PCI Geomatics)

PCI Geomatics®, a world-leading developer of image-centric software and solutions for the geospatial industry, is pleased to announce a series of events in India including New Delhi (January 17), Chandigarh (January 19) and Hyderabad (January 22) to showcase the success of the first phase of the Agricultural GeoCapacity Network (AGCN) project.

New Delhi, India – January 16th, 2007: PCI Geomatics®, a world-leading developer of image-centric software and solutions for the geospatial industry, is pleased to announce a series of events in India including New Delhi (January 17), Chandigarh (January 19) and Hyderabad (January 22) to showcase the success of the first phase of the Agricultural GeoCapacity Network (AGCN) project.
In partnership with the Punjab Remote Sensing Center, PAU, Info-Electronic Systems (Montreal and New Delhi) and CIDA Inc, the AGCN phase I project provides a proof of concept that illustrates how information on crop yields and trend analysis can be automatically generated and delivered to scientists, government officials and the general public via a simple web browser.
Developed in conjunction with Indian experts, the AGCN provides an automated way to take complex satellite and geospatial data, and transform it into easily interpreted, deliverable information pertaining to crop, soil, irrigation, pollution and socio-economic factors that will assist in decision making and agricultural productivity.
“Agriculture is key to India’s economy,” said Trevor Taylor, Director of Solutions Sales at PCI Geomatics. “The Agricultural Geocapacity project with its on-demand information will be able to assist Indian officials to act on any indications of stress or disaster related damages to crops, providing increased vigilance in the agriculture sector for all of Punjab State.”
While in India, PCI Geomatics will be attending a Government of Ontario trade mission, along with local partners, to begin moving forward with the next phase of this project.
In addition to showcasing Agriculture, PCI Geomatics will also demonstrate its groundbreaking image-centric Mapping Centre during Map World Forum, January 22nd to 25th in Hyderabad.
About PCI Geomatics
PCI Geomatics is a world-leading developer of geospatial software, specializing in remote sensing, digital photogrammetry, spatial analysis, cartographic production, and, more recently, automated production systems. Today, with our trusted Geomatica® brand, PCI Geomatics provides all the image-centric solutions necessary to meet the expectations of a large and expanding industry. Since 1982, the company and its reputation have continued to grow as a result of innovative leadership, strong technology partnerships, active geomatics community involvement, and a dedication to earn the trust of customers who use PCI Geomatics technology.
For more information, visit www.pcigeomatics.com
Press Contact
Alysia Vetter
Marketing Communications Specialist
Tel: 819-770-0022, Ext. 233
Fax: 819-770-0098
(Source PCIgeomatics)

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that it has been selected by DigitalGlobe, Inc., provider of the world‘s highest resolution commercial satellite imagery, as the exclusive supplier of ground station solutions offered by DigitalGlobe to international customers for its upcoming high resolution satellite program called WorldView.

As part of the agreement, MDA will provide DigitalGlobe‘s international customers with ground systems capable of programming, receiving and processing imagery from the WorldView satellites.
These systems will be offered both as additions to existing satellite ground stations and as completely new ground stations. MDA is currently developing the system and the first installation is planned soon after the launch of WorldView 1.
About MDA
MDA provides advanced information solutions that capture and process vast amounts of data, produce essential information, and improve the decision making and operational performance of business and government organizations worldwide.
Focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, MDA delivers a broad spectrum of earth and space based information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.
MDA employs more than 3,000 people in locations across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The Company‘s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA.
About DigitalGlobe, Inc.
Longmont, Colo.- based DigitalGlobe (www.digitalglobe.com) is the clear leader in the global commercial Earth imagery and geospatial information market. The company‘s technical superiority and innovation, unparalleled commitment to customer service, extensive business partner network and open systems philosophy make DigitalGlobe the preferred supplier of imagery products to government and commercial markets.
DigitalGlobe‘s QuickBird satellite is the world‘s highest resolution commercial imaging system. The company‘s next-generation WorldView 1 is scheduled to launch in mid-2007, and WorldView 2 is anticipated to launch in 2008. The company‘s updated and growing ImageLibrary contains over one hundred eighty million square kilometers of global imagery for countless mapping and planning needs.
Related Websites: www.mdacorporation.com www.digitalglobe.com
Forward-Looking Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. with respect to future events and financial performance. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and MDA‘s actual results of operations could differ materially from historical results or current expectations. Additional information on these and other potential factors that could affect MDA‘s financial results are detailed in documents filed from time to time with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities.
The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.
For more information, please contact:
Wendy Keyzer, External Relations
MDA
Telephone: 604-231-2743
(Source MDA)

Image Acess Solutions and Getting Imagery to Distant Forces

Deliver Images faster: Image Access Solutions.
IAS revolutionizes the access, management and delivery of large geospatial images – so you can get the information you need faster. Using “intelligent streaming technology”, IAS delivers image information to remote user much faster than traditional dissemination methods, even when there are significant network bandwidth constraints. As a result, the time between collecting an image and delivering it is dramatically reduced, allowing you to make informed, accurate decisions faster.
IDL Analyst
Integrated Numerical Analysis & Data Visualization Solution. The developers of IDL introduce IDL Analyst – a new, premium IDL product that integrates the comprehensive mathematical and statistical routines of the IMSL™ C Numerical Library with the advanced data visualization and analysis capabilities of IDL.
ITT Provides Air Force Better Way To Get Imagery To Distant Forces
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., January 2, 2007 — ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT) announced that as part of an Air Force-sponsored program, ITT has developed and delivered an advanced imagery management and dissemination solution for the Air Force that provides high-resolution, large-file imagery at high speed over low bandwidth to combat forces.
The new system incorporates the Advanced Geospatial Imagery Library Enterprise (AGILE) technology developed by ITT. Adhering to National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) NITF/JPEG2000 imagery standards, the system receives processed and unexploited imagery from various Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) sources, while providing the framework necessary for managing hundreds of images collected daily . This allows combat forces to quickly locate and access current imagery.
Based on original image sensor metadata, the solution incorporates a Web-based Search and Discovery feature to facilitate a user’s ability to rapidly find and retrieve desired images. A key feature of the system is its ability to disseminate imagery in near real time to users in the field at low bandwidths – even below 10Kbps. This is accomplished through dynamic access of the full frame image, This dynamic access makes the imagery readily available to tactical users where limited communications inhibits access to imagery and reduces the time for tactical decision making from days/hours to minutes/seconds.
“Our challenge is to significantly shorten the time it takes for critical users to obtain this high-resolution imagery,” said Bruce Wald, Vice President and Director, Image Information Solutions, ITT Space Systems Division. “Prior systems were slow because of difficulty sending large volumes over a small bandwidth. Our solution, which uses a non-proprietary architecture based on open standards for advanced compression and wavelet dissemination, allows the Air Force to deliver imagery far more rapidly.”
The core component of the system is the Image Access Solutions (IAS) commercial software product from ITT. It is the engine that provides data conversion, compression and dynamic image access. IAS software allows you to deliver, visualize, and integrate imagery with geospatial data for time-sensitive surveillance and reconnaissance missions. For more information on IAS software, visit http://www.ittvis.com/ias
Follow-on efforts with the Air Force will integrate ITT technology into the Distributed Common Ground Station Integrated Backbone (DIB) and Global Command and Control System architectures. This will dramatically extend the numbers of users who will be able to benefit from the technology.

About ITT Corporation
ITT Corporation (www.itt.com) supplies advanced technology products and services in several growth markets. ITT is a global leader in the transport, treatment and control of water, wastewater and other fluids. The company plays a vital role in international security through its defense communications and electronics products; space surveillance and intelligence systems; and advanced engineering and related services. It also serves the growing leisure marine and electronic components markets with a wide range of products. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, the company generated $7.0 billion in 2005 sales. In addition to the New York Stock Exchange, ITT Corporation stock is traded on the NYSE Arca, Paris, London and Frankfurt exchanges.
About ITT Visual Information Solutions
ITT Visual Information Solutions (formerly Research Systems, Inc./RSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ITT Corporation, provides integrated software solutions that help scientists, engineers, researchers, and medical professionals turn complex data into useful information. The company’s 150,000 customers from more than 80 countries use IDL, ENVI and IAS to analyze data and imagery and deploy imaging applications. ITT Visual Information Solutions’ products are used in a variety of industries, including remote sensing, engineering, earth sciences, aerospace, defense and intelligence, medical imaging, oil and gas exploration and biotechnology. Combined with a host of support services including training, consulting and technical support, ITT Visual Information Solutions offers the most complete data visualization, image analysis and image delivery solutions available. For more information visit: www.ittvis.com.
Media Contacts
Bernice Borrelli
585.269.5060
Tom Glover
7
03.790.6334
(Source www.ittvis.com)

Infoterra Ltd has today announced it has been appointed to provide technical assistance to the Government of Vietnam in the development of a proposal for the first phase of the Vietnam Land Administration Project (VLAP), for more effective land utilisation and resource management aimed at alleviating poverty and encouraging stable economic development.

Appointed by SIDA/The Swedish Embassy in Hanoi, Infoterra’s highly-experienced team will work in close co-operation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) and other Government of Vietnam agencies.
VLAP is key to the development of an effective, efficient and transparent Vietnam-wide land administration system. The project’s main components include: improvements to the land administration system, awareness building and management support.
Dr. Giles D’Souza, project consultant of Infoterra Ltd said: “This project comes at a very exciting time in the development of land administration systems and national spatial data infrastructures around the world. It further demonstrates the ability of land administration systems to underpin more effective land utilisation and resource management so aiding rural poverty alleviation and stable economic development.”
MoNRE, formed by the incorporation of several former government departments, has responsibility for the management of land, water and mineral resources, environment, and hydrometeorology, as well as surveying and mapping for the whole country.
SIDA is the Swedish Government Agency for bilateral international development cooperation and has a lot of experience in the field of land administration in Vietnam.
About Infoterra Ltd.
Infoterra Ltd. is a leading provider of geographic information products and services. Its portfolio of geographic information solutions includes airborne and satellite data acquisition, geo-information creation, database management and outsourced hosting. Infoterra provides geospatial knowledge to companies worldwide to help them make informed decisions. The company has major customers in communications, utilities, engineering, agriculture, defence and oil, gas & mineral exploration.
Infoterra Ltd. is part of the Infoterra group which comprises companies in France, Germany and the United Kingdom, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Astrium Ltd, an EADS company.
For more information contact
Sarah Haslam, Infoterra Ltd,
+44 (0)116 273 2300
(Source Infoterra Ltd)

Spot Image has entered into an agreement with Google in order to improve the available resolution of Google Earth products over wide areas of the world. Under a multi-year agreement, Spot Image will provide Google Earth with 2.5 meter resolution imagery taken from the SPOT5 satellite.

As of January 22, users will be able to see new high resolution satellite images on Google Earth for various European areas including France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Spain and Portugal.
“We always look to work with the best satellite imagery providers and are very pleased to be working with a French company. Giving our users access to the highest quality images is very important for us. We hope this will help them explore more of our planet from above”, says Mats Carduner, Head of France and Southern Europe for Google.
“This cooperation with Google is a great opportunity to enlarge the community of people who enjoy the images taken by the SPOT satellites, and to show all the benefits of earth observation from space. I am convinced it will contribute to growing public interest for this technology. We are very enthusiastic at Spot Image about this cooperation.”, says Hervé Buchwalter, President & CEO, Spot Image
Spot Image‘s wide range of products and services makes it a leading supplier of geo-spatial information. Over two decades, the company has perfected the ability to harness space- and ground-based systems to meet customers’ needs. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, with subsidiaries and offices in Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, Singapore and the United States, the Spot Image group leverages a global network of ground receiving stations, partners and distributors to bring geographic information to public- and private-sector decision-makers worldwide.
For further information :
Spot Image
Corporate Communications
Tél : +33 (0)5 62 19 40 10
Google
Emmanuelle Flahaut-Franc
Anne-Gabrielle Dauba-Pantanacce
Press line : 01 44 88 88 23