Frederick, MD (17 October 2005) – EarthData, a leading mapping, remote sensing, and GIS organization, announced the acquisition of operations from LJT & Associates’ wholly-owned remote sensing unit, Emerge Remote Sensing Services, Inc. (Emerge), an Andover, MA-based provider of digital orthorectified mosaic imagery products. Assets conveyed as part of the acquisition include digital aerial sensors, computer hardware, mapping backlog, and a business portfolio that encompasses both government and private sector customers.

EarthData CEO Anne Miglarese hailed the asset acquisition as beneficial for both parties and the customers they serve in markets that include forestry, agriculture, transportation, energy, and public utilities. “Emerge developed a refined production operation and efficient workflow management tools,” said Miglarese. “For example, we experienced the value of using their orthorectification software and process as we supported Hurricane Katrina rapid response mapping.” Miglarese added that she looks forward to diversifying EarthData’s sensor suite with Emerge’s DSS digital aerial sensors.

As part of the agreement, EarthData will complete Emerge’s project backlog and provide a full range of services to their existing customers. “We look forward to getting to know Emerge customers and we promise them a high level of customer service backed by the capabilities of the EarthData group,” emphasized Miglarese.

About EarthData

EarthData is an airborne data collection, mapping, and GIS services organization that provides clients with customized products, services, and GIS applications to support a wide range of land-use, resource management, and engineering activities. With its fleet of aircraft, the organization collects aerial photography, uses an airborne laser system (lidar) and imaging radar (GeoSAR) to produce 3D terrain models, and develops or deploys other remote sensing technologies to detect thermal and multispectral information about the earth’s surface. EarthData offices in Florida, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, and Washington, DC, use this data to create and supply photogrammetric, lidar, radar, and digital orthophoto mapping and GIS applications and services. EarthData also owns a mid-west mapping and GIS company, Horizons, Inc., with offices in South Dakota and Minnesota. (www.earthdata.com)