Leicestershire, UK, 13 May 2019 – Aerial mapping company Bluesky is working with SkylineGlobe UK on a project to provide high accuracy, photorealistic 3D City Models that will be available as off the shelf datasets and via an internet streaming service. The new, dynamic 3D models will provide a visualisation and analytical platform for smart city projects, transport and infrastructure planning, risk assessment and mitigation, development planning and environmental work.
To create these unique 3D digital twins, Bluesky and Skyline will integrate leading edge technologies. To capture the city imagery, Bluesky has deployed its hybrid oblique imaging and LiDAR airborne sensor. Skyline is then processing and publishing the data into 3D digital twins using its 3D earth visualisation software and services.
The new 3D city models are created from the latest high resolution aerial photography and LiDAR data captured using Bluesky’s Leica CityMapper sensor. The CityMapper is the first sensor that can simultaneously capture vertical and oblique aerial photography as well as LiDAR and Colour Infrared and is specifically designed for highly detailed building and city modelling projects.
“We know the CityMapper, with its ability to simultaneously capture survey grade imagery and high accuracy height data, has the potential to revolutionise the production of 3D City models,” commented Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Bluesky. “By working with Skyline on this project we can create and deliver cost effective, viable 3D models for a range of applications.”
The Bluesky CityMapper imagery will be processed using Skyline’s PhotoMesh software to produce 3D city models that contain attribution and can be queried and analysed like any other geospatial dataset. The geometrically precise, photo textured 3D models will be available in a variety of formats for use in desktop modelling, mapping, CAD, web and visualisation software as well as virtual reality and artificial intelligence applications.
“Bluesky is leading the way in data capture by investing in state of the art equipment and innovative workflows,” added Dave Loescher, Managing Director at Skyline Globe UK. “Utilising our comprehensive platform of applications, tools and services we can transform that data with unlimited scalability and superior precision to produce consistent, accurate and realistic 3D Models.”
Starting with London and Birmingham as well as Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Norwich, Nottingham and Oxford, the new 3D model datasets and streaming service will be available from Spring 2019. Bluesky has also announced an ambitious data capture programme, deploying the new sensor, for the 2019 flying season which will see new 3D city models come online in due course.
About Bluesky
Bluesky is one of the leading and most successful aerial survey and geographic data companies in the UK producing and maintaining seamless digital aerial photography and height data on a national scale in both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Bluesky operates the worlds most advanced airborne sensor, which comprises vertical and oblique cameras as well as a LiDAR, to create accurate and detailed virtual cities. Bluesky also operates the only LiDAR system in the world that incorporates a thermal sensor and survey grade camera. These combined with other systems puts Bluesky in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and cost-effective geospatial solutions. As well as being an established and respected aerial survey company Bluesky is also highly innovative and continually strives to develop new products and services by embracing new technology and methods. This has resulted in the development of some unique products such as the National Tree Map (NTM). These datasets underpin long term contracts with local and central governments and many major blue-chip companies from a range of market sectors including financial services, utilities, telecoms, web portals, construction and environment. Bluesky has offices in the UK, US, Republic of Ireland and a dedicated production centre in India. https://www.bluesky-world.com/
About Skyline Software
Founded in 1997, Skyline Software Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of 3D earth visualization software and services. The company offers a comprehensive platform of applications, tools and services that enable the creation and dissemination of interactive, photo-realistic 3D environments. Skyline has built a “best of breed” set of tools that remain focused on the needs of our customers including flexibility, efficiency and robustness. Skyline is headquartered in Herndon,VA.
About SkylineGlobe
SkylineGlobe UK, a subsidiary of Skyline Software Systems, Inc., is a leading provider of 3D earth visualization software and services. SkylineGlobe UK is committed to helping customers and partners in the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia implement 3D solutions enabling them to increase productivity boost earnings and profits, save costs, reduce costs and gain competitive edge. http://www.skylineglobe.com