DigitalGlobe and AEgis Technologies ImageScape

15 January 2009, 12:28pm

Longmont, Colo., January 15, 2008 – DigitalGlobe, a leading provider of high-resolution world imagery content, and The AEgis Technologies Group, a provider of expert modeling and simulation services, today announced the availability of ImageScape, a rapid 3D imagery solution that will provide governments, enterprises and developers with the capability to create rich simulations of any location in the world. ImageScape has the power to generate 3D virtual terrain models of the world’s land mass by integrating high-precision, accurate satellite and aerial imagery and Digital Elevation Models (DEM) with a flexible, lightweight viewer which creates media-broadcast quality terrain models.

Using 3D wireframe terrain topologies and high-resolution commercial imagery from DigitalGlobe’s ImageLibrary and satellite constellation, ImageScape users will be able to fly through virtual representations of desired locations at a full 1:1 resolution. ImageScape provides a highly interactive and easy-to-use environment for all levels of users, including robust mapping and measurements tools to enhance the 3D experience, celestial models for day/night effects, environment options for snow, smog and rain, together with simple integration and output to broadcast media video and geospatial products.

ImageScape is a superior geospatial 3D solution in terms of the speed at which models are created, performance, file size and cost effectiveness. The models are available within days, and, using the free lightweight viewer, output rendering is four times faster than other 3D modeling and simulation products. The final file size is up to 1/10 of the normal size of geo-tiff delivered imagery and frame outputs at 60 frames per second instead of the normal 20-24 per second. The result is an extremely flexible and lightweight simulation environment with both 3D and 2D views delivering fast modeling and analysis results. Its lightweight feature enables its use on personal navigation and mobile devices for more realistic depictions of major cities and remote rural areas.

DigitalGlobe’s ImageLibrary is the most comprehensive source of high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery. It contains over half a billion square kilometers of highly accurate world imagery updated from DigitalGlobe’s high-resolution satellite constellation at a rate of nearly 1 million square kilometers each day, and its continuous aerial collection program. DigitalGlobe’s ImageLibrary will further increase to a rate of approximately 2 million square kilometers per day once WorldView-2 (scheduled for launch in Q3 2009) is fully operational.

“Our partnership with AEgis and the launch of ImageScape is a testament to DigitalGlobe’s commitment to developing sophisticated and innovative world imagery solutions and services. There is increasing demand for imagery to be integrated and displayed in more ways than ever before and the 3D experience is key to delivering a more interactive and intuitive perspective of our world” said Jill Smith, president and chief executive officer of DigitalGlobe. “We chose to join forces with AEgis because of its leadership in modeling and simulation. AEgis’ technology moves the 3D viewing experience to a new level with its speed, output quality and lower production cost, all of which aligns with DigitalGlobe’s mission to make world imagery available faster and more cost effectively and more easily accessible.”

“DigitalGlobe is the most complete resource for high-resolution world imagery and its depth of coverage makes it feasible for AEgis to be able to produce an accurate, interactive model of nearly any place on earth” said Steve Hill, president and chief executive officer of AEgis. “We are committed to providing portable, flexible and cost efficient 3D terrain models. DigitalGlobe’s entrepreneurial philosophy enabled us to develop an exclusive partnership to take best advantage of this burgeoning element of the imagery marketplace, and more importantly bring together the best image quality to showcase our software.”

NBC and The Today Show are amongst the first customers to have already used ImageScape and the partnership between AEgis and DigitalGlobe for television coverage of the Beijing Olympics and a recent “Ends of the Earth” segment. 3D models of world terrain face increased demand across many industries including defense, aerospace, architecture and engineering, natural resources, consumer navigation, homeland and major event security as well as municipal planning.

To learn more about 3D simulation capabilities, AEgis Technologies’ state-of-the-art models, tools and services, and DigitalGlobe’s constellation of sub-meter commercial imaging satellites, please visit the web site below.

DigitalGlobe and AEgis Technologies

DigitalGlobe

The AEgis Technologies Group

Geo: International