Graz, Austria—November 9, 2010—The National Geographic Institute of Argentina has purchased an UltraCamXp large-format camera system as part of a transaction with Vexcel Imaging reseller GeoToolBox Ibérica S.L. (GTBi) based in Madrid, Spain, brokered by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“For our first digital aerial camera, we selected the UltraCamXp camera based on its excellent geometric resolution, high quality onboard equipment, and reliable post-sale service,” commented Mr. Julio César Benedetti, Deputy Director, National Geographic Institute. “The complete UltraCamXp package is the high-quality, advanced system solution we were looking for.”
The UltraCamXp will be utilized to finish collecting topographic data of Argentina for the national map and to update older existing maps. Typical photogrammetric survey projects are produced at 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 scales, with special projects requiring larger scales.
“We are pleased to announce the selection of the UltraCamXp as the first digital aerial camera for the National Geographic Institute,” said Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. “The transition from film to digital is an important milestone for every geospatial organization, and we are honored to have a role in the industry’s evolution.”
About the UltraCamXp
The UltraCamXp large-format digital aerial camera, released in 2008, 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 terabytes 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 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 2.1 workflow software.
About the National Geographic Institute of Argentina
The National Geographic Institute of Argentina is responsible for producing all official national cartography products, and it provides additional geographic services to the national government and provincial states. Based in Buenos Aires, the agency will celebrate its 131st anniversary on 5 December 2010. For more information, contact Julio César Benedetti, Engineer, Argentine National Geographic Institute Deputy Director, at jbenedetti@ign.gob.ar.