Leicestershire, UK, 09 September 2014 – Aerial photographs and detailed 3D elevation models purchased from Bluesky’s newly launched Map Shop are helping JBA Consulting model potential flood risks. The aerial photomaps, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data and DTM (Digital Terrain Model) are being used for testing JFlow – JBA’s award-winning hydraulic modelling software. In addition, the data are being utilised in the preparation and delivery of training courses for the software.
JFlow is a two-dimensional hydraulic model which solves the St Venant Shallow Water Equations to model the movement of water over the ground. JFlow was developed by JBA to meet the needs of clients who require estimates of flood depth, velocity and extent for a variety of sources of flooding, including fluvial, rainfall and defence/dam breach. Maps produced by JBA using JFlow have been used to assess flood risk by a large number of government and insurance clients in locations all over the world.
JBA is constantly researching ways in which JFlow can be improved to allow faster and higher resolution solutions, without sacrificing its robustness and accuracy. The Bluesky LIDAR data play a crucial role in this process, providing the boundary conditions for a number of model test cases that are used to verify the accuracy of new versions of the software. The aerial photomaps, meanwhile, are used by JBA to illustrate the numerous ways in which JFlow can be applied.
JBA selected the Bluesky data, purchased online at www.blueksymapshop.com, as it provided the coverage required at a competitive price. Bluesky recently launched its new online map shop with a range of free data and special offers including 40 per cent saving on Ordnance Survey MasterMap Topography Layer. The Bluesky Map Shop currently contains complete nationwide coverage of aerial photography with multiple images available for every location, and resolutions ranging from standard 25cm up to 10cm in many places. Visitors to www.blueskymapshop.com can also select 3D data including Digital Terrain and Surface Models (DTM / DSM) for all of England and Wales and highly accurate LIDAR data for most areas, with new data being added continually.
About Bluesky
Bluesky is a UK-based specialist in aerial survey including aerial photography, LiDAR and thermal data using the very latest survey technology, including an UltraCam Eagle and an Orion M300 LiDAR system. An internationally recognised leader with projects extending around the globe, Bluesky is proud to work with prestigious organisations such as Google, the BBC and Government Agencies. Bluesky has unrivalled expertise in the creation of seamless, digital aerial photography and maintains national “off the shelf” coverage of aerial photography, DTM and DSM through an on-going 3 year update programme. By purchasing a World first sensor for the simultaneous capture of LiDAR, Thermal and Aerial Photography data Bluesky is in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and cost effective solutions. Bluesky is also leading the way in developing innovative solutions for environmental applications including the UK’s first National Tree Map (NTM), solar mapping and citywide ‘heat loss’ maps and is currently developing noise and air quality mapping products. www.bluesky-world.com