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Leicestershire, 27 January 2020 – Highly accurate, UK city wide 3D models are now available to view and download from Bluesky’s online Mapshop.
The geographically accurate, photo realistic MetroVista mesh models are available in a variety of formats ready for use in 3D GIS, CAD and other modelling software as well as visualisation, gaming and Virtual Reality workflows. Captured using Leica’s world’s first large format imagery and LiDAR hybrid airborne sensor and generated in Skyline’s PhotoMesh software, the Bluesky MetroVista datasets of major UK cities are available online offering a compelling alternative to traditional photogrammetrically produced models.
“Since launching in the UK the MetroVista product range has received enormous offline interest from sectors such as infrastructure and building development, risk assessment, telecommunications and environmental mapping,” commented Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Bluesky. “By making the data easy to access and consume via our online Mapshop we hope to increase the take up from traditional users of 3D models and encourage applications such as smart city management, autonomous vehicle testing, Virtual Reality experiences and gaming.”
MetroVista mesh models are generated using data captured by Bluesky’s CityMapper sensor. Specifically designed for 3D city modelling and urban mapping, the system includes a traditional vertical camera as well as survey-grade oblique cameras. The CityMapper also includes high performance LiDAR technology to accurately collect elevation data – even into the shadows which are common in urban environments and can make photo-based collection difficult.
Bluesky has been capturing MetroVista data in the UK for two flying seasons and has recently launched the product range in the US. Visitors to Bluesky’s Mapshop (www.blueskymapshop.com) will initially be able to select an area and download MetroVista mesh models of London, Birmingham and Cambridge with other UK and US cities coming online in due course. Data can be supplied in a variety of proprietary and open source formats including OBJ, FBX, I3s and 3DML for use in Skyline’s TerraExplorer product suite.
The Bluesky Mapshop also offers complete nationwide coverage of aerial photography from multiple epochs, 3D models, LiDAR data, thermal mapping and Bluesky’s National Tree Map. Blueskymapshop.com is easy to use and purchasing of data is simple, straightforward and secure. Account options are also available and data can be purchased with a range of easy to understand licence options, including the option of a Sub Contractor Licence.
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/