Graz, Austria — December 22, 2011 — Kucera International has contracted with Microsoft’s UltraCam business unit and subsidiary, Vexcel Imaging GmbH, to upgrade its UltraCamLp digital aerial photogrammetric camera to an UltraCamX system.
“In May of this year we needed a new camera system on short notice to complete a project in Poland. Fortunately, Microsoft was able to quickly provide us with an UltraCam system,” commented John Antalovich, Jr., President of Kucera International. “The UltraCamLp we had on order at the time would have met our immediate needs exceedingly well and is particularly suitable for simultaneous LiDAR data collection over urban areas, but our long-term plan has always been to operate with two UltraCamX systems. Consequently we ultimately decided in favor of a second UltraCamX in lieu of the UltraCamLp we had ordered.”
Kucera purchased its first UltraCamX in 2010 and saw immediate advantages over film, such as faster turnaround and better image quality. The company was pleased to realize that the UltraCamX allows for data collection under less than optimal conditions with results that still meet project specifications, which greatly expands collection opportunities during periods of poor weather. Also, the UltraCamX is capable of collecting at higher resolution and better accuracy at higher flying altitudes than film systems, so projects can be completed more efficiently. Kucera believes the benefits of flying the UltraCamX include being more cost competitive on large area projects, and the ability to bid on projects that have strict timing requirements without the concern of weather interfering with delivery.
“The UltraCamX is the most suitable camera system for Kucera due to its large coverage, great versatility, and focal length. Having two identical cameras also simplifies in-flight planning," stated Nat Phillips, Kucera’s Photogrammetric Acquisition Systems Manager. “The UltraCamX also performs very well with our lidar sensor. We can fly LiDAR and digital photography at the same altitude for "equivalent" mapping scale/accuracy data products.”
“Microsoft is always willing to work with our customers to get them the products they need, when they need them,” said Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Business Director. “We are happy to have helped Kucera successfully complete its international project, and we will continue to focus on delivering the highest quality products and the best customer service.”
About the UltraCamX
The UltraCamX collects 136 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 extensive image collection in the air. Low-cost, exchangeable data storage devices store up to 4,700 images each and can be swapped mid-flight for reduced ground turnover time.
About Microsoft’s UltraCam Business Unit
With its operations based in Graz, Austria, and sales and support teams in North America, Microsoft’s UltraCam business unit brings more than two decades of photogrammetry expertise to Microsoft’s Bing Maps business unit. The division is responsible for the highly successful line of UltraCam digital aerial mapping systems that include the UltraCamLp, UltraCamXp and UltraCamXp Wide Angle and the new UltraCam Eagle digital photogrammetric sensors. Rounding out the UltraCam mapping systems offering is the UltraMap workflow software system that provides an automated project-based color balancing module and additional quality control tools.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
About Kucera International
Kucera International Inc., founded in 1953, is based in Willoughby, Ohio, with five branch offices located throughout the US. With this system upgrade, Kucera now operates two Vexcel Imaging UltraCamX digital aerial cameras, 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 geomatics 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.