PCI Geomatics Wins Canadian Space Agency Contract

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Kimberly Haddow
Business Development Officer
PCI Geomatics Inc.
Tel: (819) 770-0022, Ext 249 
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Anthony Melihen
Corporate Communications
PCI Geomatics Inc.
Tel:  (905) 764-0614, Ext.242 
Email:  melihen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PCI Geomatics Wins Canadian Space Agency Contract for Hyperspectral Software Development

Richmond Hill, Ontario - February 20, 2001: PCI Geomatics is pleased to announce the award of a contract with the Canadian Space Agency under the Earth Observation Application Development Program (EOADP) which will develop new hyperspectral capabilities. These capabilities are to be developed within PCI Geomatics' new Geomatica(r) product line.

PCI Geomatics is one of nearly fifty contracts to be awarded during the first round of endowments by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for both the Earth Observation Application Development Program (EOADP) and the Space Technology Development Program (STDP). The sum total of all contracts awarded during this phase of the programs is estimated to be close to $12 million.

The new hyperspectral capabilities being implemented are derived from the Imaging Spectrometer Data Analysis System (ISDAS), a research system developed by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS). The ISDAS capabilities will be enhanced using new CSA hyperspectral Vector Quantization compression techniques. PCI Geomatics has recently acquired a license to commercialize ISDAS technology and foresees providing their customers with an improved environment that supports the rapid development and implementation of hyperspectral data processing algorithms. 

Funding received from the Canadian Space Agency for this contract amounts to just over $150,000, or roughly 45% of the estimated total cost of $340,000. The remaining 55% of the project costs have been committed through in-kind contributions by PCI Geomatics, working in partnership with Noranda Inc., a leading international mining and metals company with operations and offices in eight countries. Noranda is a recognized leader in the use of hyperspectral technology for mineral exploration applications.

"It can not be emphasized enough how the successful combination of such enthusiastic scientific visions shared by the CSA, CCRS, and many other committed Canadian organizations have contributed to Canada's high international standing in all matters pertaining to space-based research." 
Dr. Robert Moses, President and CEO, PCI Geomatics.

PCI Geomatics seeks to provide users of hyperspectral data with a software package that will not only enable them to better analyze and view their hyperspectral data, but also be able to integrate it with other geospatial data. Over time, the development of this system will greatly contribute to providing even more advanced visualization and analysis tools for use with hyperspectral data.

PCI Geomatics has been a long-time supporter of and contributor to the advancement of the international space program and Canadian research in space. Dr. Robert Moses, president and CEO of PCI Geomatics, currently sits on several committees in various capacities. These include Chairman of the Centre of Research for Earth and Space Technologies (CRESTech, Ontario Center of Excellence) and Co-Chairman of the Minister's National Advisory Board on Earth Sciences (MNABES). Dr. Moses is also a member of the Council of Science and Technology Advisors for the Government of Canada.

The Earth Observation Application Development Program (EOADP), a new program managed by the Canadian Space Agency, supports innovative uses and applications of space-based Earth observation data generated by Canadian supported missions. This data is being used in areas as diverse as monitoring forestry and agricultural resources, management of coastal regions, and science education in schools. 

"Space Technologies have evolved considerably since the beginning of the space age. Through the development of new space applications and technologies, the Canadian Space Agency will continue to support our leading role in niche areas such as space robotics, remote sensing, synthetic aperture radar and satellite communications."
Dr. Jha, Director General of Space Technologies, Canadian Space Agency.

These applications illustrate the widespread need for Earth observation data, both in Canada and around the world, and the effectiveness of partnerships combining resources and expertise from the public and private sectors.

About the Canadian Space Agency (CSA):

Established in 1989 and situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development business line, the CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human Presence in Space; Satellite Communications; Generic Space Technologies; Space Qualification Services and Awareness. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.  
For more information, visit www.space.gc.ca.

About PCI Geomatics:

PCI Geomatics (www.pcigeomatics.com) is a world leading developer of geomatics software and solutions based on its remote sensing, digital photogrammetry, spatial analysis, and cartographic editing programs. PCI Geomatics has grown from the union of four high-tech geospatial software companies: PCI Enterprises, TYDAC Research, PCI Pacific Geosolutions, and PCI Carto. PCI Geomatics has over 11,000 licenses installed in over 100 countries, a result of its commitment to supply leading edge software, customer support, and service worldwide. PCI Geomatics has been in the geospatial software business since 1982 and each software generation has been created with their customer's present and future needs in mind. 

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Geomatica is a registered trademarks of PCI Geomatics (www.pcigeomatics.com).