Bluesky Soars with Eagle Aerial Mapping Camera
Aerial mapping company Bluesky is taking to the skies with a new large format digital aerial photogrammetric camera. Purchased from Microsoft’s photogrammetry division the UltraCam Eagle has a larger image footprint and a higher rate of image capture than other cameras on the market. These features allow for more efficient data capture; with each image covering more of the land below, in addition to the Eagle’s breath-taking image quality. As well as the state of the art aerial mapping camera, Bluesky also purchased UltraNav; the Microsoft flight management and georeferencing system, and a camera mount specifically designed for use on survey aircraft.
Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Leicestershire based Bluesky, commented, “The UltraCam Eagle will allow us to maximise our data capture capacity both at home and overseas. We can make the most of the sometimes limited weather windows here in the UK, increasing our update programme from every 5 years to every 3 years, and we can also deploy the system during the winter months for project work around the world.”
Technical Director James Eddy added, “We selected the UltraCam Eagle for its large image footprint, its speed of acquisition as well as its amazing image quality. We have worked with UltraCam since 2005 so we are familiar with the system and the company and we know the new camera will be compatible with our existing workflows.”
Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Business Director said, “We value Bluesky as a long term customer, having previously purchased an UltraCamX. We are confident this new acquisition will exceed their expectations and support Bluesky’s future ventures, ambitious growth plans and innovative product developments.”
The UltraCam Eagle sets a new standard for digital aerial photography. With an image footprint of more than 20,000 pixels, an image capture rate of 3.7 gigabits per second and an integrated storage capacity of nearly four thousand images the UltraCam Eagle can capture more data in less time, completing mapping projects with fewer flight lines and greater efficiency. Described as ultra-reliable, ultra-efficient and ultra-user friendly the UltraCam Eagle is also lightweight and compact meaning it takes up less space in the aircraft further helping to minimise fuel consumption.