Leicestershire, UK “ A detailed 3D model of Glasgow is helping shape the future of the city centre. Created by aerial mapping company Bluesky International the expanded Glasgow Urban Model helps planners and developers enhance their understanding of the built environment, improve communication and consultation within the planning system and promote and showcase the regeneration of Scotland's biggest city.
Derived from the latest aerial photography, the model aims to help stakeholders and members of the public become more involved in planning decisions and facilitate the ongoing promotion of Glasgow at a national and international level.
It is hoped the Glasgow Urban Model, which builds on previous work by Bluesky and the original conception by Glasgow City Council and the Digital Design Studio (Glasgow School of Art) will be extended and further enhanced to increase its functionality and integration with existing data such as BIM and planning-related information. This will include for example newly built and demolished buildings, altered road layouts and new public spaces as well as the planning history for individual sites.
Glasgow is a vibrant, thriving and dynamic place with ambitious plans for the city's development over the next 15-30 years. The city is moving towards a more people focused, liveable place with increasing investment in built environment transformations that promote positive health behaviours, such as active travel and social inclusion.
The updated Urban Model, created by Bluesky, will support these plans helping planners and developers to understand the city's potential and the impact of new developments. The model will also help the Council communicate, engage and promote Glasgow as a world class city, with a thriving and inclusive economy where everyone can benefit from the city's success.
The Glasgow Urban Model extensions were created by Bluesky's highly skilled photogrammetrists using 25cm vertical aerial photography and air trigonometry data. Working to an overall accuracy of +/- 50cm, the model includes the underlying terrain as well as surface features including buildings, transport infrastructure and green spaces, for 5 distinct areas, covering 9 sqkm of the city centre.
Special attention was given during the model's creation to architecturally prominent buildings, such as Possilpark Health Centre, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the SEC Hydro Arena, and features including oriel windows.
Bluesky International is the leading aerial survey and geographic data company in the UK producing and maintaining seamless digital aerial photography and height data on a national scale in both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Bluesky also undertakes bespoke surveys, including LiDAR, for a range of public and private sector clients.
Bluesky International operates a range of aircraft and sensors including two Ultracam Eagle Mark 3s, a CityMapper which allows the simultaneous collection of vertical and oblique imagery as well as LiDAR data, and a Galaxy LiDAR which is mounted with a thermal sensor and survey grade camera. These systems put Bluesky International in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and cost-effective geospatial solutions.
As well as being an established and respected aerial survey company Bluesky International is also highly innovative and continually strives to develop new products and services by embracing new technology and methods. This has resulted in the development of some unique products such as the National Tree Map (NTM).
These datasets underpin long term contracts with local and central governments and many major blue-chip companies from a range of market sectors including financial services, utilities, telecoms, web portals, construction and environment. Bluesky International has offices in the UK, US, Republic of Ireland and a dedicated production centre in India.
