BlueSky launches 3D printing service

01 October 2007, 4:55pm

Aerial mapping company BlueSky has launched a new service to produce real-world models of buildings, cityscapes and landscapes. Using revolutionary print technology BlueSky can create and produce physical 3D models direct from computer-generated images offering significant time and cost savings over traditional model creation methods. The new service builds on BlueSky’s extensive experience and expertise in the creation of 3D visualisations and terrain models using their own map accurate aerial photography. Clients that have already commissioned models include Teinbridge District Council and the Glasgow
School of Art.

BlueSky’s 3D printers produce a physical model of a computer-generated design in much the same was as a standard desktop printer produces a hard copy replication of a document. Using proprietary software the computer design is ‘sliced’ into thousands of ultra fine layers. Each layer is then ‘printed’ by spreading a sub millimetre thin layer of composite powder onto a base and the model is built up with subsequent layers of powder fixed together using a liquid binder. The BlueSky 3D printers are fast, producing models in a fraction of the time and cost that traditional model making methods take.

“We already have the expertise and experience of producing high quality digital geographic models by combining detailed aerial photography, highly accurate height data and the latest 3D software. We can now finally replicate our digital capabilities with physical deliverables,” said Rachel Eddy Managing Director of BlueSky.

BlueSky provides access to a number of image archives giving coverage of England, Scotland and Wales dating from present day back to the 1940s. When combined with height measurements of buildings, trees or the ground surface using state of the art software BlueSky can create realistic, geographically accurate 3D digital models or visualisations.

BlueSky are UK based specialists in aerial emaging and remote sensing data collection and processing. With projects extending from New York to Paris they have 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

GeoConnexion UK