BlueSky 3D model helps coastal management

12 July 2007, 12:22pm

Aerial mapping company BlueSky has created a revolutionary 3D map accurate model of the Teign Estuary in Devon to help communicate future management plans to the public and stakeholder organisations.

Commissioned by the Teign Estuary Partnership the model combines detailed aerial photography with sophisticated printing technology to produce a physical 3D model complete with real world view of the estuary and surrounding area including detail such as trees, hedges and buildings. The 3D model has been used in a series of public consultation meetings aimed to engage members of the public with the Partnership and communicate the priorities and vision for the future in advance of the publication of the Partnership’s Estuary Management Plan.

“It is no longer enough just to sit back and watch,” said Graeme Smith, Estuary Officer. “In order to protect and conserve what we have and create a sustainable future for the estuary we have to actively manage the area. This model has proved invaluable in communicating future management plans to members of the public, they can engage with the model and easily visualise future projects.”

The Teign Estuary Partnership, led by Teinbridge District Council, brings togther statutory agencies with an interest in the area; the Environment Agency, Devon County Council, Teignmouth Harbour Commission, English Nature, and also involves around 100 stakeholder organisations, groups and local clubs. The partnership’s vision is, by working togther, to work towards a sustainable future for the estuary, balancing different interests, protecting natural resources and pursing opportunities for improvement.

BlueSky created the physical model by combining aerial photography with ground measurements to produce a 3D computer model of the estuary. Just as a standard desktop printer produces a hard copy replication of a document BlueSky’s Contex 3D printer produced a physical model of the computer generated design. Proprietary software ‘sliced’ the computer design into thousands of ultra fine layers that were then individually ‘printed’ by spreading a sub millimetre thin layer of composite powder onto a base. The model was then built up with subsequent layers of powder that were fixed together using a liquid binder.

BlueSky is a UK based specialist in aerial imaging and remote sensing data collection and processing. With projects extending from New York to Paris the company has an international reputation for the creation of seamless, digital aerial photography and 3D landscape / cityscape visualisations. BlueSky also runs a national mapping centre, providing digital maps, site plans, satellite imagery, aerial photography and ultra-high resolution imagery of cities and towns.

www.bluesky-world.com

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