Graz, Austria — May 18, 2010 — Vexcel Imaging GmbH, a Microsoft® company, completed the sale of an UltraCamX large format digital aerial camera system to Kucera International Inc.
Kucera will utilize the UltraCamX to provide high-quality imaging solutions to various customers, such as high-resolution digital image capture for cities and towns and fully compatible frame image capture for highway departments, forestry firms, and other predominantly frame-based imagery users. The UltraCamX is part of the ongoing replacement of Kucera’s frame-based film cameras and associated photo lab and scanning systems with latest-generation digital camera technology.
“The UltraCamX purchase adds first-order digital frame-based aerial image capture to our extensive in-house aerial imaging and sensing capabilities and significantly strengthens our ability to provide optimal aerial imaging solutions to our customers,” said John Antalovich, Jr., President of Kucera International. "We’re pleased to have the ability to operate Microsoft-backed, Vexcel Imaging camera technology and excited about possibilities for better serving our customers and expanding our customer base."
“Vexcel Imaging is pleased that the reputation of the UltraCam technology throughout the industry and its compatibility with Kucera’s existing photogrammetric processing were instrumental in driving the purchase,” said Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. “We welcome Kucera International to the UltraCam family.”
About the UltraCamX
The UltraCamX collects 216 megapixels per trigger to produce 14,430 across-track and 9,420 along-track pixels, with a sustained collection rate of three gigabits per second. The camera maintains forward overlap of 70% at 3 cm pixels and 80% overlap at 5 cm pixels feasible at normal flying speeds. Meanwhile, the UltraCamX system features a data flow that allows vast image collection in the air. Low-cost, exchangeable data storage devices hold up to 4,700 images and can be swapped mid-flight for reduced ground turnover time.
About Vexcel Imaging, GmbH
Acquired by Microsoft Corporation in May 2006, Vexcel Imaging GmbH brings 20 years of photogrammetry expertise to Microsoft’s Bing Maps business unit and is at the heart of the burgeoning Microsoft Photogrammetry business. The company’s offerings include its series of UltraCam large-and medium-format digital aerial mapping cameras and related software tools such as the UltraMap 2.0 workflow software.
About Kucera International Inc.
Kucera International Inc., founded in 1953, is based in Willoughby, Ohio, with five branch offices located throughout the US. Along with the newly-acquired UltraCam system, Kucera operates two Leica ADS40 digital pushbroom sensors, a GeoVista digital aerial oblique imaging system, and an RIT WASP digital multispectral/thermal imaging system. The company works with public and private customers throughout the US and overseas. Kucera provides comprehensive aerial mapping and related geomatic services, including aerial photography and remote sensing, lidar, airborne control surveying, photogrammetric mapping, orthophotography, cadastral mapping and geographic information systems. Kucera maintains its own fleet of aircraft, as well as complete photogrammetric processing and photo reproduction facilities at its branch offices. For more information, visit www.kucerainternational.com.