Acquisition of EarthData International by Fugro Signals Commitment to Global Geospatial Leadership

EarthData International, Inc. founder Bryan J. Logan announced
today that he has signed an agreement in which Fugro NV, a global
provider of geotechnical, survey, and geoscience services, will
acquire 100 percent ownership of the EarthData group of companies,
including Horizons, Inc. The agreement culminates years of planning to
ensure the long-term growth and stability of the EarthData
organization.

"Joining the global Fugro family is a natural next stage in
EarthData's evolution as a leading provider of airborne mapping,
remote sensing, and geographic information services worldwide," Logan
stated. "With Fugro's established and loyal international customer
base and a goal to add geospatial services as a core offering, Fugro
provides an ideal platform to provide services such as GeoSAR (radar
mapping) services in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America,
and Asia." To that end, Logan, whose background includes 38 years in
international mapping, will work with Fugro to help guide the
development and execution of a global geospatial business strategy.

Success on the global market will mandate continued investment in
new technologies, which has been a cornerstone of the EarthData
organization. Widely credited with a number of industry firsts,
EarthData is also the only company to offer an airborne dual-band
radar mapping system. "As I considered various options to ensure the
long-term success of EarthData, the commitment and resources to
continue our 'legacy of firsts' was paramount to me," Logan explained.
"Sharing a vision for technology innovation, Fugro's strong track
record of successful risk management on major capital investments will
ensure the next generation of advanced airborne sensors and processing
systems."

While the acquisition holds much promise for global market
expansion and technology development, EarthData President Anne Hale
Miglarese noted the company's continued focus on the federal, state,
and local US governments, as well as the US private sector. "Our
commitment to supporting national security, environmental, and
infrastructure needs remains steadfast, as does our desire to expand
the value of geospatial information for commercial applications," she
said. Miglarese, who will continue her role as President of EarthData,
also emphasized the commonalities that already exist between the two
organizations noting first-class corporate values, a dedicated and
talented workforce, and a long record of strong business performance.

The acquisition marks a major milestone for EarthData, which,
owned by Logan for the past 22 years, traces its origins back to 1955.
Under his leadership, EarthData has grown from a small conventional
mapping company (formerly Photo Science, Inc.) to its present position
as an industry leader recognized for customer service, its ability to
successfully manage large and complex airborne mapping projects, and
most notably, a commitment to geospatial technology innovation. In
addition to developing the global geospatial market for Fugro, Logan
will serve on EarthData's new board of directors. About this new era
in the history of the company, Logan stated, "I'm very optimistic and
excited about the potential this transaction holds for the company's
customers and employees. I firmly believe Fugro is the foundation upon
which we will continue to expand our services, develop new geospatial
technologies, broaden our geographic reach, and better serve our
existing and future customers."

EarthData International was assisted in this transaction by Mr.
Laurent Ohana and Ms. Singari Seshadri, principals with Parkview
Ventures (www.parkviewventures.com), a New York-based merchant banking
firm investing in and advising companies in the information technology
sector. Over the past several years, Parkview Ventures worked closely
with EarthData's executive management team to enhance the company's
performance and successfully position it for the development and
execution of this strategic transaction.

About EarthData International: EarthData provides a full range of
mapping and GIS services to support customers' needs in a wide variety
of natural resource management, urban planning, economic development,
national defense, and engineering activities. With its fleet of
aircraft, the organization collects aerial photography, uses airborne
laser (lidar) and imaging radar (GeoSAR) systems 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 the United States and China use this
data to create and supply photogrammetric, lidar, radar, and digital
orthophoto mapping and GIS applications and services, worldwide.
(www.earthdata.com)

About Horizons: Horizons has provided high-quality photogrammetric
mapping services since 1968. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, with
an office in Minnesota, Horizons serves public- and private-sector
clients in government, mining, oil and gas, and engineering, among
other vertical markets. Capabilities include a large aircraft fleet
configured for aerial acquisition of imagery, lidar, and other
sensors; data processing for the creation of orthophoto,
topographic/planimetric maps; and GIS services. (www.horizonsinc.com)

About Fugro: Fugro collects, processes, and interprets data
related to the earth's surface and soil composition and provides
advice based on the results. As an extension to these activities,
Fugro provides services such as precise positioning, construction
materials testing, reservoir engineering and data management. Fugro's
operations have been organized into three divisions: Geotechnical,
Survey, and Geoscience. Fugro is listed on Euronext N.V. in Amsterdam
and is included in the Amsterdam Midkap Index. Fugro has over 275
offices, approximately 10,000 staff and a permanent presence in over
50 countries (www.fugro.com)