
27 May 2009, 6:29pm
Getmapping has released the most up to date and detailed aerial imagery of London and it is available for immediate download from Getmapping.com. Captured during September 2008 the new imagery covers the whole of central London stretching from Heathrow and the M25 in the West to the Thames Estuary in the East. The imagery was captured using the latest digital camera technology providing rich colour definition and ground detail.
Each image pixel is equivalent to 12.5 cm on the ground making it possible to see very fine detail right down to road markings and street furniture. This makes it ideal for use by Local Authorities, Utility companies and the Emergency Services as well as architects, engineers, planners, asset managers and map makers.
Aerial imagery is in daily use by the Emergency Services and Local Authorities where it is used to reveal the true nature of the built and natural environment in conjunction with traditional maps. Aerial imagery is a vital component of command and control for incident mobilisation, crime investigation and analysis. Local authorities increasingly use aerial photography to collect information to inform the planning process. Much of this work used to require specific site surveys which can now be carried out without leaving the office. Armed with up to date imagery it is possible to check anything from a Tree Preservation Order to an illegally built extension.
Image capture of London is fraught with problems not least the weather and air traffic control with the skies over Heathrow being amongst the busiest in the World. London is a rapidly changing city so it needs to be flown at regular intervals to ensure that the imagery keeps pace with what is actually going on in terms of new build and development for example the new Wembley Stadium and Heathrow Terminal 5. Getmapping will be completing acquisition of the remainder of the inner M25 area during the 2009 flying season.

Each month we select a hot topic and a leading figure in the industry to write about it.CONSULTANCY TRENDS IN 2010
David Mole, Managing Director at Landmark Environment, provides an insight into the opportunities and challenges facing environmental consultants in 2010.
Over the last year there have been numerous events that have impacted upon the environmental consultancy sector. More recently the progress report from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) issued a clarion call to government to take steps to further reduce carbon emissions, as well as make buildings and industry more efficient. December’s UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen has only compounded the sense of urgency for the UK to identify and deliver solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Looking ahead to 2010, we know the impacts of climate change are already finding their way onto the consultancy agenda. A recent poll among Landmark’s clients found that consultancies expect flood risk assessment to be the biggest growth area for their business during 2010. Carbon footprinting and the energy assessment… More…
David Mole
Managing Director at Landmark Environment