BlueSky’s computer-generated 3D map puts.....

10 August 2007, 9:15am

BlueSky’s computer-generated 3D map puts Manchester’s skyline in perspective

Aerial mapping company BlueSky has launched
a 3D computer-generated map of central Manchester. Created using
GeoPerspectives aerial photography and precision mapping software, the 3D visualisation
will prove an invaluable tool for architectural presentations, planning
consultations and tourism.

Covering the city centre, including the Deansgate shopping area, Victoria
Street Station and the G-MEX convention and exhibition centre the 3D map
includes sub metre accurate building height values together with building façade
and roof details. The development is the result of a partnership between
BlueSky and the specialist surveying and photogrammetric company The Mapping Place.

BlueSky scanned highly detailed and accurate aerial photography from
GeoPerspectives to create overlapping digital images files with a ground pixel
resolution of 15cm. This imagery was then imported by The Mapping Place into
photogrammetric software that uses the same principle of stereovision to determine
distance as the human eye.

Using special feature collection software, the 3D outline of every building
was digitised, the height above ground level calculated and the building
façade and roof structure detail recorded. The resulting 3D building model is
available in a variety of formats for use in geographical information systems
(GIS), computer aided design (CAD) software and urban simulation tools.

“BlueSky’s image processing expertise and the off the shelf availability of
high quality GeoPerspectives imagery has streamlined the production of this
model,” said David Child, Managing Director of The Mapping Place. “It is
important for us to work with organisations such as BlueSky who maintain and
expect the same standards as we do.”

“By working with specialist organisations like The Mapping Place we can
deliver the quality and accuracy of information required by architects, city
planners and environmental managers,” said Rachel Eddy, Managing Director of
BlueSky. “3D Building models, such as this one of Manchester, are the perfect
compliment our aerial imagery and range of other geographic data.”

GeoPerspectives is a joint venture between Infoterra and BlueSky providing
national coverage of orthorectified aerial photography, digital terrain &
surface models for 3D modelling, and colour infra-red imagery (CIR) for
vegetation analysis.

www.bluesky-world.com

GeoConnexion UK