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Evans & Sutherland Introduces Unique New Features in E&S RAPIDsiteSALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 19, 2000 - Version 1.1 Delivers Major Improvements to Modeling Efficiency and Ease of Use For Land Development ToolEvans & Sutherland (E&S(R)) (Nasdaq: ESCC), Wednesday released an upgraded version of E&S RAPIDsite(TM), the company's new land development visualization tool. Version 1.1 offers significant enhancements to this unique visualization software, including the new Cutout Modeler, significant expansion of the source data options for constructing terrain geometry and texture, floating licenses, and enhancements to the Picture Modeler. "E&S developed RAPIDsite based on a need in the market, and we have been gratified with the positive reception it has received in the few months since the release of Version 1.0," said Bob Ard, E&S group vice president, Applications Group. "The enhancements in Version 1.1 were also created in response to feedback from customers and experts in the market. E&S is committed to continually listening to the needs of our customers and to responding rapidly with improvements that will enhance their success." E&S RAPIDsite is the only software tool designed expressly for in-context visual impact analysis. RAPIDsite features fast 3D-model construction, fast graphics rendering performance, and interactive exploration of a proposed development on a Windows NT(R) computer with an OpenGL graphics accelerator. Cost effective and easy-to-use, this new tool enables the development of a photo-realistic model of a site and its surroundings, new and existing buildings, and new and existing landscape in a fraction of the time required by other visualization tools. The Cutout Modeler The Cutout Modeler provides users with a quick method for constructing simple billboard-like models composed of only a few polygons with photo-realistic texture and a transparency mask or "alpha channel." This new tool includes interactive transparency mask creation, which works like a cookie cutter on a digital photograph, creating a photo-realistic model of an object with a very complex silhouette, such as a tree, using a minimum of polygons. Generation of polygon geometry, texture mapping, image resampling, and model scaling are all done automatically in the Cutout Modeler. Cutout models offer a very powerful alternative to common geometric modeling approaches, which can result in a tree model with 1,000s or 10,000s of polygons that cannot be rendered interactively. "In addition to the library of generic 'parkway tree models' already included with RAPIDsite, market research and requests from early customers called for a way to create models of 'landmark trees' and other recognizable vegetation on a site. The Cutout Modeler answers this call," said Ard. "Its embedded, interactive mask creation tools enable users to quickly create high-quality transparency masks in E&S RAPIDsite instead of relying on third-party image editing applications. The rest of the cutout modeling process is automatic, enabling the user to create a photo-realistic cutout model from digital photographs in just a few minutes." Source Data Options E&S RAPIDsite v1.1 imports data from an expanded set of CAD, GIS, and image data sources to support the creation of site terrain geometry and texture. Terrain geometry is automatically extracted from ESRI grid files, USGS SDTS and DEM gridded terrain data, and site plans and terrain contours in ESRI shape file and AutoCAD DWG file formats. Terrain texture sources now include monochrome and color aerial images in standard image formats, as well as USGS DOQ orthorectified images. E&S RAPIDsite v1.1 allows users to co-register useful combinations of these data sources, including multi-point registration (rubber sheeting) of non-orthorectified aerial imagery so that it conforms to CAD and GIS data. These expanded source data options cover most of the source data available to engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning professionals worldwide, strengthening the appeal of E&S RAPIDsite to international markets. Floating Licenses E&S RAPIDsite customers have requested the ability to use their licenses on multiple PCs to accommodate the changing demands of their companies' current projects. In E&S RAPIDsite v1.1, RAPIDsite licenses are able to "float" to any networked PC on the customer's site, without additional licensing fees or uplifts. This also makes it easier for educational institutions to use RAPIDsite in multiple engineering, architecture, landscaping, and land use planning classes. Picture Modeler E&S RAPIDsite v1.1 also offers single-photo calibration in the Picture Modeler. Single-photo calibration reduces the required number of calibration photographs, makes the process for taking the pictures more straightforward, and simplifies the initial setup in the Picture Modeler. This feature streamlines the process of constructing 3D models of existing buildings from digital photographs, making it easier and faster. Pricing and Availability The base price for RAPIDsite v1.1 is $1,995. E&S RAPIDsite v1.1 is currently shipping. Customers can learn more about, request evaluation software, or purchase the product, via the E&S RAPIDsite web page at www.es-rapidsite.com or by calling 1-800-574-7333. About Evans & Sutherland Evans & Sutherland develops and manufactures hardware and software to produce highly realistic 3D images. E&S business units deliver high-quality visual systems for simulation and training in defense and commercial applications; graphics systems for high-performance workstations; and related applications throughout the world. Visit the E&S web page at http://www.es.com. E&S RAPIDsite is a trademark, and E&S is a registered trademark of Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp., Salt Lake City. All other trade names or marks are the properties of their respective owners. CONTACT: Evans & Sutherland, Salt Lake City Joan Mitchell, 801/588-1000 Fax: 801/588-4538 jmitchell@es.com www.es.com
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