Graz, Austria — March 31, 2011 — Fugro-BKS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fugro NV, has contracted with Vexcel Imaging GmbH, a Microsoft® company, to purchase an UltraCamXp digital aerial camera system.
“We are delighted to add the UltraCamXp to our range of airborne sensors,” stated Alan Campbell, Fugro-BKS Managing Director. “The camera’s wide footprint is ideal for uninterrupted collection of larger areas on aerial survey missions throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.”
The UltraCamXp will serve to enhance the digital photography capabilities of Fugro and ensures that the company continues to operate at the forefront of technology. The photogrammetric digital aerial camera, which is ideal for city planning, national mapping and environmental projects, will complement the company’s existing digital sensors.
“Microsoft is pleased that Fugro-BKS selected the UltraCamXp,” said Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Business Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. “The UltraCamXp is an excellent choice for Fugro to meet the growing demand for large-scale mapping projects.”
About the UltraCamXp
The UltraCamXp photogrammetric 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), which is the largest pan footprint across-flight strip available today. The resolution ratio of 1:3 between pan and color bands allows the production of high-resolution pan-sharpened products. 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 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 the UltraCam series of photogrammetric digital aerial cameras and related software tools such as the UltraMap 2.1 workflow software.
About Fugro-BKS Limited
Fugro-BKS Limited is a major supplier of airborne mapping and geospatial data services based in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fugro NV. Fugro collects, processes and interprets data relating to the Earth’s surface and subsurface in support of a wide range of public and private organizations in the energy, natural resources and engineering and construction sectors. Fugro is listed on Euronext Amsterdam and is included in the AEX-Index. For additional information, go to www.fugro-bks.com or contact Alan Campbell at +44 28 7035 2311.