Designed for 3D Machine Control and Site Management Applications

KÖLN, Germany — October 11, 2010 — Carlson Software Inc. has released a new line of GNSS receivers that address most machine types and most machine control and site management applications. The new products are available October 1 as part of Carlson’s 3D machine control system product line.

Carlson has chosen Ashtech GNSS Technology as the engine to power the new receivers. There are four Carlson-branded receivers to address various applications: Carlson MC Pro 500, MC Pro Lite, MC Pro Lite Duo, and MC Pro GS. Specifications will be posted shortly on this site.

“It’s a natural partnership for Carlson to be working with Ashtech to offer this single source, branded system for our clients,” says Randy Noland, V.P. of Business Development for Carlson Positioning and Machine Control. “Not only is Ashtech a leading GNSS manufacturer and a pioneer in the GNSS industry, but Carlson and Ashtech have a long partnership history of bringing integrated solutions to mutual customers.”

The fully integrated system is available from Carlson machine control dealers. It includes Carlson’s technologically advanced machine control software, Carlson Grade; the Carlson Commander™ control box, to be used in a machine or pickup truck or on a GPS rod; plus Carlson branded receivers driven by the Ashtech GNSS technology.

Carlson will still be offering its “Open Position Architecture” (OPA), allowing those utilizing Carlson Grade to use either a GNSS system they already possess, or another brand of their choice. Carlson Software has the largest, most flexible GNSS library in the world supporting receivers from all major manufacturers.

“I believe it is important to offer a single source solution to our dealers and customers while fully supporting OPA,” Noland adds. “We are committed to supporting open standards where possible for all GNSS receivers as well as other sensor technology. We strongly believe that the customer should have the freedom to choose. Now those choices will include a turnkey Carlson branded solution from Carlson Machine Control dealers.”

The Carlson Commander is a rugged, handheld, Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) adaptable for field and in-vehicle operations. It features a simple and easy-to-use interface, powerful yet low power consumption components, and wireless communications. It is designed to provide unprecedented power in the automated machine guidance 3D control box space.

The newest version of Carlson’s popular 3D machine control software, Carlson Grade 4.0, was recently released and can be configured for most grading, compaction and mining applications. The new release features many improvements, including additional GNSS/GPS support, layer management and the all new on-demand in-cab video support system.

Carlson’s 3D machine control systems are available through its extensive dealer network. For more information, call 800-989-5028 and ask for the machine control team or email Email Contact.

About Carlson Software/Carlson Machine Control & Positioning.

Carlson Software develops technically advanced software and integrated hardware providing full project life cycle solutions to the land development professional. The industries served include land surveying, civil engineering, construction/machine control, mining, and agriculture. Carlson’s Machine Control & Positioning division develops and provides comprehensive 3D system solutions to answer the growing needs of the construction, landfill, and mining industries. Carlson provides free technical support and has the highest dedication to customer service.

About Ashtech.

Recognized as an industry innovator, Ashtech (formerly Magellan Professional) has been developing GNSS technology for more than 25 years. Ashtech is the creator of BLADE technology, which introduces a unique patented method to the market using multiple GNSS constellations for high-accuracy positioning. Ashtech has also introduced the MobileMapper® series of products for GIS and mapping, as well as the ProFlex 500 and ProMark series, including the ProMark 500,ProMark3 RTK and ProMark 3, a well-recognized GNSSLand Survey product line currently on the market. Ashtech S.A.S. is privately held and headquartered in Carquefou, France, with offices in Beijing, China, and Singapore, as well as affiliates in Santa Clara, California (Ashtech LLC) and Moscow (Ashtech A/O LLC). For more information on Ashtech, visit www.ashtech.com.