New Zealand Aerial Mapping Ltd. Purchases ALTM 3100EA

New Zealand, February 8, 2006 – Optech Incorporated, the global market leader in the development and manufacture of laser-based survey instruments, is pleased to announce the sale of its first ALTM 3100EA Airborne Laser Terrain Mapper to New Zealand Aerial Mapping (NZAM) Limited.

The ALTM 3100EA is the most advanced airborne laser scanner available today. The 3100EA with the Enhanced Accuracy module enables the collection of 3D data in support of large-scale mapping requirements. The NZAM purchase is unique because it also includes two integrated optional components: a Rollei 22-Megapixel digital camera and an Optech waveform digitizer. The digital camera will enable NZAM to record geo-referenced images in full and false color. The waveform digitizer enables the collection of complete return waveforms instead of return pulses. Complete waveform returns can be analyzed to provide increased vegetation penetration and vertical accuracy capabilities, with elevation measurements to 3 cm under optimal conditions.

NZAM’s CEO, Mark Roberts, says the new unit is a natural fit with customers’ demand for increasingly sophisticated data and accuracy. “We are particularly excited at being able to extend coverage of highly accurate terrain information into the dense vegetation and steep topography encountered in New Zealand.”

“We are extremely pleased that NZAM has selected Optech's ALTM 3100EA as their airborne lidar platform”, says Jake Jenkins, Optech’s Terrestrial Survey Division Director. “There are few aerial survey companies that enjoy a heritage stretching back 70 years, and that have had played such a pioneering role in a country’s domestic mapping market.”

The ALTM configuration selected by NZAM is the most advanced and comprehensive system Optech has delivered to date. This commitment by NZAM is further evidence that the airborne lidar market continues to carve out an everexpanding role in providing high accuracy 3D terrain and surface models.

About Optech
Optech is the world leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of advanced laser-based survey instruments. The company offers client-driven solutions in airborne terrestrial mapping, airborne laser bathymetry, laser imaging, space-based atmospheric monitors and space-borne landing/docking systems, mine cavity monitoring systems and industrial process control.

About NZAM
Established in 1936, New Zealand Aerial Mapping is the oldest operating aerial survey company in the world. Since 1936 NZAM has photographed all of New Zealand several times over. NZAM has significant experience in aerial photography and mapping projects, large and small, in New Zealand and internationally, from needs analysis and project design to photo acquisition and map production.

For further information, please contact:

David Collison, Regional Sales Manager - Pan Asia Optech Incorporated 300 Interchange Way, Vaughan, ON L4K 5Z8 Phone +61-3-95874039 www.optech.ca

NZAM Ltd. PO Box 6, Hastings, New Zealand Phone +64 6 873 7550, www.NZAM.com