NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 19, 2004 – Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) today announced that the Company’s next generation R-Track technology was used to verify the interoperability of the new Block IIR-M Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite payload with current and modernized survey equipment. The Trimble R7 RTK GPS system is the only L2C-ready survey equipment currently available to test the new satellite signal by the Joint Program Office (JPO), which manages the Navstar GPS system. The Trimble R7 system, which can take advantage of today’s GPS satellite and future L2C signal, successfully showed that the Block IIR-M satellite’s data can be acquired, tracked and logged.

The announcement was made today at the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping/Tennessee Association of Professional Surveyors (ACSM/TAPS) Conference and Technology Exhibition.

The Block IIR-M GPS satellites are part of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) GPS Modernization Program. GPS Modernization will add two new signals and increased signal power for civilian users over several years – as well as advanced features and new signals for military use. Built earlier, the IIR-M satellites have been ‘modernized’ with the new civilian L2C code as well as two new military codes; the DOD plans to modernize up to 12 Block IIR satellites currently in storage.

The test took place at ITT Industries in New Jersey where the Block IIR-M satellites are being tested before launch. The first Block IIR-M satellite, scheduled for launch within the next 12 months, will send a new civil GPS code on the L2 signal, referred to as the L2C signal. L2C-ready civilian GPS receivers will be able to track the new signal code directly, yielding improved reception compared with previous indirect reception techniques.

Various tests were run with the Trimble R7 survey system. JPO used a commercial simulator to imitate the GPS constellation and generate current signals. The simulated constellation was then coupled with the output from a IIR-M satellite; this made it possible to track and use the current signals together with a Block IIR-M satellite and produce a solution.

About Trimble R-Track Technology

Available on the all-in-one Trimble R-8 RTK GPS rover, the Trimble R-7 RTK GPS modular system and the Trimble NetRS GPS reference station, Trimble R-Track technology enables receivers to access the advanced capabilities of the new L2C signal. For more information on any of these products, please visit http://www.trimble.com/srv_new_era.html.

About Trimble's Geomatics and Engineering Business

Trimble, a world leader in GPS, construction lasers, robotic total stations and machine control solutions, is creating a broad range of innovative solutions that will change the way construction work is done. The Geomatics and Engineering Business of Trimble is focusing on the development of technology and solutions in the core areas of surveying, construction and infrastructure. From concept to completion, Trimble's integrated systems streamline jobs and improve productivity.

About Trimble

Trimble is a leading innovator of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.  In addition to providing advanced GPS components, Trimble augments GPS with other positioning technologies as well as wireless communications and software to create complete customer solutions. Trimble’s worldwide presence and unique capabilities position the Company for growth in emerging applications including surveying, automobile navigation, machine guidance, asset tracking, wireless platforms, and telecommunications infrastructure.  Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has more than 2,000 employees in more than 20 countries worldwide.

For an interactive look at company news and products, visit Trimble’s Web site at http://www.trimble.com.