Graz, Austria, Jan. 21, 2014”Aero-Graphics has purchased an UltraCam Eagle digital aerial photogrammetric camera system with a 100mm lens and an UltraNav GNSS-Inertial Direct Georeferencing + Flight Management System from Microsoft's UltraCam business unit and subsidiary.
The UltraCam Eagle represents the flagship product from Microsoft and we feel it’s the finest camera system on the market today, stated Mr. Kelly Francis, President, Aero-Graphics. The Eagle's larger footprint along with UltraNav's efficient flight management system allows Aero-Graphics to image more area in less time, which lowers our operating costs and accelerates delivery to our clients.
The optics and electronics technology used in the UltraCam product line has developed considerably since our purchase of an UltraCamX in 2008, said Mr. Casey Francis, Vice President, Aero-Graphics. The UltraCam Eagle offers us the opportunity to improve our data quality. In particular, the 100mm lens minimizes building and tree lean, which is important to many of our customers. It also provides consistently sharp and geometrically correct imagery from corner to corner.
The UltraCam Eagle complements the data acquisition capabilities of Aero-Graphics, said Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Business Director. The integrated system gives them the flexibility to move the unit between aerial platforms quickly to respond to weather changes or projects requiring unique specifications.
About the UltraCam Eagle
The UltraCam Eagle features a pan image footprint of 20,010 pixels across the flight strip and includes enhanced electronics for improved frame rate and less noise (72 dB signal-to-noise ratio for high image dynamic) when compared to previous UltraCam systems, and innovative high-resolution, high-performance lenses and state-of-the art CCD technology (@ 5.2 µm pixel size) for sharp images with a high dynamic range. The UltraCam Eagle is the first multi-cone large format digital photogrammetric camera to offer an exchangeable lens system with 80mm, 100mm, and 210mm options. This digital camera system boasts an integrated housing concept with all of the parts residing in a modular sensor head. The small physical form factor of the UltraCam Eagle requires minimal space in the aircraft and makes installation and operation simple.
About UltraNav
UltraNav is an integrated unit that consolidates all navigation and flight planning components for simpler installation and more economical operations when compared to similar standalone systems. UltraNav is comprised of embedded GNSS/inertial hardware, pilot and operator displays, and office software for flight planning and generation of exterior orientation.
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 today include the UltraCamHawk, UltraCam Falcon, and UltraCam Eagle digital photogrammetric sensors, and the UltraCam Osprey nadir/oblique photogrammetric digital aerial sensor. Also offered is the UltraNav Flight Management and Direct Georeferencing system, designed to maximize the efficiency of UltraCam aerial mapping. Rounding out the UltraCam offerings is the fully integrated UltraMap workflow software system, with features that include high-density 3D point cloud creation, highly accurate and detailed digital surface model (DSM) generation, and ortho mosaicing capabilities based on an automatically generated DSM or traditional DSM.
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 Aero-Graphics
Aero-Graphics is a privately owned geospatial services company located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Incorporated in 1965, Aero-Graphics uses the most current mapping technology to provide high-quality aerial mapping services. Aero-Graphics owns and operates three fixed-wing platforms, with additional local access to four Bell helicopters, which allows for quick mobilization and internal control of its flight schedule. Professional Land Surveyors, ASPRS Certified Photogrammetrists, and Certified GIS Professionals are on staff to ensure adherence to the highest quality mapping and accuracy standards. In addition to a combination LiDAR/digital camera system, Aero-Graphics owns two film cameras equipped with gyromounts and an UltraCam Eagle with UltraNav system. These up-to-date resources are used to produce classified LiDAR datasets, digital topographic maps, and orthorectified imagery for clients across many different industries, including government, transportation, resource management, GIS, civil engineering, mining, utilities, forestry, and more. The experienced Aero-Graphics Project Management Team handles complex projects and effectively incorporates customized risk mitigation, quality assurance/control, and organized scheduling. For more information, go to www.aero-graphics.com or contact Casey Francis at 801.428.3104 or [email protected].
