Graz, Austria — January 6, 2011 — Aero-Photo (1961) Inc. has contracted with Vexcel Imaging GmbH, a Microsoft® company, to trade in two UltraCamL cameras in exchange for one UltraCamXp camera system.
Aero-Photo (1961) Inc. will use the new UltraCamXp primarily for projects involving engineering, forestry, mapping, and corridors that require high precision and accuracy. The company operates in North, Central and South America, West Africa and the Middle East.
”We have been extremely pleased with the performance of our UltraCamL cameras, which we originally purchased to be able to run multiple projects simultaneously,” stated Mr. Paul Grenier, President of Aero-Photo (1961) Inc. “However adding a second UltraCamXp balances our production flow and eases scheduling pressures by maximizing data collection during our available flying time.”
The UltraCamXp features a larger image footprint than the UltraCamL/Lp, which was developed to bridge the gap between traditional medium- and large-format cameras. The UltraCamXp boasts the largest pan across-flight strip of large-format digital aerial cameras on the market today. Given this, the UltraCamXp helps reduce the number of flight lines, save time, and lower cost, without sacrificing radiometric performance.
“Vexcel Imaging is pleased to work with Aero-Photo (1961) to provide them with the best mix of camera systems for their business,” said Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. “Their move from the UltraCamL to the UltraCamXp underscores the benefit of our UltraCam upgrade paths that allows clients to acquire newer camera models and retain compatibility with established workflows.”
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), 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 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 its series of UltraCam photogrammetric digital aerial cameras and related software tools such as the UltraMap 2.1 workflow software.
About Aero-Photo (1961) Inc.
Founded in 1961, Aero-Photo (1961) Inc. is a leading North American aerial mapping firm based in Québec, Canada. Recently acquired by experienced professionals, Aero-Photo is led by three veterans of the aerial mapping industry: Paul Grenier, Marcel Laberge, and Christian Levesque. Aero-Photo specializes in aerial acquisition (photography and LiDAR) and related geomatics services. It offers its customers integrated services for aerial photography (analog and digital), LiDAR, laboratory services and professional services in photogrammetry, including orthophoto production, as well as distribution of the derived data. Through its affiliate Core Geospatial Inc., Aero-Photo also sells commercial software known as MyGeoWorld, a Web diffusion and integration platform for geospatial applications. For more information, email Marcel Laberge, Geomatic Director, at Marcel.laberge@aerophoto.ca.