Graz, Austria — June 29, 2010 — The Instituto Geográfico Militar (IGM) del Ecuador (Military Geographic Institute) is purchasing an UltraCamXp large-format camera system as part of a transaction with Vexcel Imaging reseller GeoToolBox Ibérica S.L. (GTBi) based in Madrid, Spain. The deal also includes photogrammetric software, an UltraMount and POSTrack 510.
“With this new Vexcel Imaging digital aerial camera, IGM will be offering our customers state-of-the-art aerial photography products,” said Colonel Iván Acosta, Director of IGM. “We are very impressed that Vexcel Imaging was flexible and willing to modify the camera head to fit our aircraft, a Cessna Citation.”
The UltraCamXp was released in 2008 with an enhanced image footprint and larger storage capabilities compared to its predecessor, the UltraCamX. IGM will use its UltraCamXp camera to satisfy its customers’ demands for more accurate maps and better color quality.
“Vexcel Imaging was happy to work with the Military Geographic Institute to fit the UltraCamXp into its aircraft,” said Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. “We are pleased to be able to provide IGM with its first large-format digital camera as part of a total integrated system.”
About the UltraCamXp
The UltraCamXp large-format digital aerial camera provides a pixel size of 6 micrometers and a footprint of 196 megapixels (17,310 across track x 11,310 along track), the largest pan footprint across-flight strip available today. The resolution ratio of 1:3 between pan and color bands allows for the production of high-resolution pan-sharpened products. The UltraCamXp makes use of the same data flow concept introduced with the UltraCamX and provides even more in-flight storage capacity. The low-cost, exchangeable on-board storage devices hold up to 6,600 images each—approximately 4.2 TB of data. The vast storage capability allows for more efficient data collection as a result of uninterrupted image collection and minimal ground time.
About Vexcel Imaging, GmbH
Acquired by Microsoft Corporation in May 2006, Vexcel Imaging GmbH brings more than two decades 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 Instituto Geográfico Militar (Military Geographic Institute)
Instituto Geográfico Militar (IGM) (Military Geographic Institute) is the Ecuadorian mapping organization responsible for the national map series and aerial photography for large- and medium-scale projects. In the past, aerial data collection has been done exclusively with film cameras; however, the government organization is responding to customer demand by transitioning its aerial collection and mapping production to digital technology. The UltraCamXp is the first digital aerial camera for this organization. For more information, go to http://www.igm.gov.ec or call Munenori Nishida at + 81-454-5892.