The availability of nationwide height data and aerial photography plus the advances in computer technology and software have made it possible to visualise the landscape of Britain in 3D. Draping the aerial imagery over the Intermap digital elevation model makes it possible to create realistic immersive visualisations and fly-throughs. These compelling uses of the two datasets in combination have caught the imagination of a growing number of professional users. Aerial photography provides more detail of what is on the ground than a map, whilst the elevation data provides an accurate third dimension of the landform so crucial in many areas of study.
The two datasets are complementary in many ways and have already spawned a range of GPS-based personal navigation products for walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts, plus flight simulation scenery and terrain for popular flight simulation packages like X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator. In 2004 the two datasets were combined in Photoscape 3D-a consumer product that is now available with a site license for professional use.
The result of two bold and ground breaking airborne remote sensing initiatives, both NEXTMap® Britain and the Millennium Map" are revolutionising the way in which the landscape of Britain is now studied. High-quality, high-accuracy, nationwide coverage has meant that many specialist professionals, such as geologists, ecologists, engineers and landscape architects, have been able to change and improve working practices and extend the range of their activities.
"We have had a close working relationship with Getmapping since 2002 when they became Intermap's first UK reseller," said Eric DesRoche, senior vice president of strategic business development at Intermap. "Since that time, the obvious synergy between these two nationwide datasets has culminated in a number of exciting uses for visualisation, presentation and real-world applications. Our customers who need to understand and query the rise and fall of the land for a range of studies such as line-of-site, slope and radio signal analysis can directly benefit from the availability of matching aerial photography," continued DesRoche.
Notes for editors
NEXTMap is the name given to Intermap's national program for mapping the terrain of whole countries in unprecedented detail. This program, which employs Intermap's radar (IFSAR) mapping technology to capture elevation and imagery data, is the industry benchmark for accuracy and affordability. The data is obtainable for areas as small as 2 sq km and available at different resolutions and price points for use with a wide variety of computer software, including CAD, GIS and modelling. The data can be used in a wide range of commercial applications, including engineering, transportation, navigation, environmental assessment and management, mobile network planning, simulation and 3D visualisation. Major NEXTMap Britain data users include the Environment Agency, Norwich Union, the National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Executive and the British Geological Survey. NEXTMap Britain is also being supplied to UK Local Authorities, National Parks and Public Services under the MSA (Mapping Services Agreement).
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Intermap employs more than 250 people worldwide, with offices in Calgary, Ottawa, Munich and Jakarta. Intermap is publicly traded on the TSX Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IMP. For more information, visit www.intermap.com.
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