Vancouver, BC - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") (TSX: MDA), a global communications and information company, today announced that it has signed an agreement to enable access to RADARSAT-2 archive data on GBDX, the powerful Geospatial Big Data platform of DigitalGlobe, Inc. (NYSE: DGI).

GBDX is a leading platform for processing and analyzing geospatial data; it allows users to build, access and run advanced workflows and tools that extract actionable information from a cloud-based, multi-source satellite image library, allowing customers to quickly and cost-effectively solve large-scale, complex challenges.

MDA’s inclusion of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) change-detection tool to GBDX, in addition to enabling access to a global archive of 5-meter resolution Extra Fine RADARSAT-2 imagery, will allow users to create reliably collected change-detection value-added products in the GBDX environment. The RADARSAT-2 SAR dataset allows users to observe features and changes in the environment that go undetected using other imaging techniques.

“Integrating MDA’s dataset on the platform will unlock new applications for RADARSAT-2 data, such as automated port monitoring, object detection, and pattern of life analysis,” said David Belton, vice president for MDA Geospatial Services Inc. “We look forward to adding more tools and content to GBDX in the future to advance the number of powerful and easy-to-use applications that solve real-world problems for our customers.”

“With easy, cloud-based access to DigitalGlobe’s existing 100-petabyte optical imagery library with MDA’s change-detection capability and RADARSAT-2 archive, GBDX subscribers can now create multi-source solutions to solve complex, global-scale challenges,” said Dr. Shay Har-Noy, vice president and general manager of DigitalGlobe’s Platform business unit.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.

MDA's business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA's established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 15 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDA."

About DigitalGlobe

DigitalGlobe is a leading provider of commercial high-resolution Earth observation and advanced geospatial solutions that help decision makers better understand our changing planet in order to save lives, resources and time. Sourced from the world's leading constellation, our imagery solutions deliver unmatched coverage and capacity to meet our customers' most demanding mission requirements. Each day customers in defense and intelligence, public safety, civil agencies, map making and analysis, environmental monitoring, oil and gas exploration, infrastructure management, navigation technology, and providers of location-based services depend on DigitalGlobe data, information, technology and expertise to gain actionable insight.

Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA” or the “Company”) with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of a contract. Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts not being terminated. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. MDA cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not limited to: risks associated with operating a satellite including in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; quality issues, failure of systems to meet performance requirements, potential for product liability, or the occurrence of defects in products or systems could result in lost revenue and harm to the Company’s reputation; failure of third parties and subcontractors; and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or compliance with the requisite standards, or failure to maintain technological advances and offer new products to retain customers and market position.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.