Leicestershire, UK, 12 February 2018 – Aerial mapping company has completed a research project backed by the UK government’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, to develop the use of mobile phones for capturing accurate 3D spatial information.
The nine month investigation focussed on the use of standard smart phone technology to capture and calibrate video footage, and then convert to 3D information. Accurate measurements of essential infrastructure, such as overhead power lines and other utility facilities, could then be extracted using specially developed algorithms and workflows. Designed to provide an accurate record of the feature’s location and its environment, the Bluesky project is expected to appeal to electricity Distribution Network Operators (DNO) and other organisations with a dispersed asset base, as a low-cost measurement and auditing tool.
During the project, Bluesky tested a number of hardware, software and deployment options. These included the use of aerial photography to add control points to the video footage. As the project progressed, it was established that in remote areas there were insufficient features, for example road markings, lamp posts or buildings, to establish the required control. Bluesky therefore developed alternative innovative methodologies including the use of a calibration object or the measurement of a feature within the imagery.
Working alongside project partner ADAS, Bluesky also undertook rigorous testing of the solution establishing and documenting the field data capture process, identifying minimum hardware requirements, such as camera pixel capacity, and additional developments to the data delivery mechanism. Following minor enhancements and additional trials Bluesky hopes to launch the mobile phone mapping tool, complete with data processing and hosting services, in Q2 2018.
Innovate UK praised Bluesky awarding the project a score of 4 out of 5. “Congratulations to the project team for scoring an impressive 4 out 5 – apparently no one scores 5 out of 5!” commented Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Bluesky. “Now we have the task of translating the proof of concept design into a market ready solution, something we have considerable experience in.
“We know from previous work with ADAS, electricity companies and other utility service operators that by providing a more cost-effective data capture, analysis, auditing, and dissemination solution we will significantly decrease maintenance costs releasing essential funds for network upgrades and service improvements. We will also explore other applications of the solution in sectors such as forensics, insurance and emergency response.”
About Bluesky
Bluesky is a specialist in aerial survey including aerial photography, LiDAR and thermal data, using the very latest survey technology, including two UltraCam Eagles and a Teledyne Optech Galaxy LiDAR system integrated with a PhaseOne camera and thermal sensor. 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 ongoing three-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 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
About ADAS
ADAS is the UK’s largest independent provider of agricultural and environmental consultancy, rural development services and policy advice. ADAS has a unique combination of insight and practical experience, underpinned by robust, informed, science-based information that allows the company to meet the needs of both its domestic and international clients. ADAS’s great strength is its breadth and depth of expertise spanning the entire environmental sector. ADAS provide environmental consultancy to all the Electricity Distribution Network Operators. The main services supplied are strategic and operational vegetation management consultancy, ecological and archaeological surveys and the full range of wayleave services. ADAS is a trading name of RSK ADAS Ltd., part of RSK Group PLC. www.adas.uk
About Innovate UK
Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency. Business focussed and driving disruptive innovation Innovate UK funds and connects pioneering businesses so they can create the products, processes and industries of the future. Innovate UK boosts productivity, increases exports and helps the UK economy grow. https://connect.innovateuk.org/