This allows APGB members, such as local authorities and national parks, to access and use high-resolution aerial photography – 12.5 and 25 centimetre – securely via the Internet. Using a simple HTTP interface, licensed users can define their area of interest and stream data directly into their GIS or desktop mapping software. The aerial photography can also be downloaded and stored for use in Internet and Intranet mapping services.

“Due to the high resolution, and therefore level of detail, the large files sizes involved in both aerial photography and other types of geographic data can represent a barrier to use,” commented Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Bluesky. “Traditionally data has been supplied on external storage devices, such as DVDs or portable hard disks, and this can result in isolated use and duplication of storage and management resources.”

“The secure, remotely hosted Web Mapping Service will make it easier for organisations to access and use the data,” added Gil Melham, Managing Director of Getmapping. “It is easy to use and free to access for members and data is compatible with all common desktop and enterprise applications.”

Data covered by the APGB agreement and available via the WMS is available free-at-the-point-of-use, to local government users across England and Wales. (Additional charges may be incurred for users in Scotland.)

Additional data that is covered by the contract includes 5 metre Digital Terrain and 2 metre Digital Surface Models (DTM/DSM) and 50 centimetre Colour Infrared imagery.

In addition to access via the WMS, eligible organisations, once registered, can also download data from a newly created APGB online mapping portal – https://apgb.blueskymapshop.com, or receive the data with delivery on storage media such as hard drive or memory stick.

Bluesky is a specialist in aerial survey including aerial photography, LiDAR and thermal data, using the very latest survey technology, including two UltraCam Eagles and a Teledyne Optech Galaxy LiDAR system integrated with a PhaseOne camera and thermal sensor. An internationally recognised leader with projects extending around the globe, Bluesky is proud to work with prestigious organisations such as Google, the BBC and Government Agencies.

Bluesky has unrivalled expertise in the creation of seamless, digital aerial photography and maintains national “off the shelf” coverage of aerial photography, DTM and DSM through an ongoing three-year update programme. By purchasing a world first sensor for the simultaneous capture of LiDAR, Thermal and Aerial Photography data, Bluesky is in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and cost effective solutions.

Bluesky is leading the way in developing innovative solutions for environmental applications, including the UK’s first National Tree Map (NTM), solar mapping and citywide ‘heat loss’ maps and is currently developing noise and air quality mapping products and is the first company to offer CityMapper (simultaneously captured vertical, oblique and LiDAR) data in the UK. https://www.bluesky-world.com/

Getmapping Plc is a leading provider of aerial photography, mobile mapping, LiDAR, digital mapping and web based services across Europe and Africa. Getmapping has offices in Hartley Wintney, UK, Cape Town and Centurion in South Africa, and Nairobi, Kenya.