Aerial survey company Bluesky has launched a comprehensive online LiDAR map of the UK. Covering approximately 75 per cent of England and Wales, including all major towns and floodplains, plus areas of Scotland. The LiDAR coverage ranges in vertical accuracy from 5cm to 15cm, and in spatial resolution from 25cm to 2m. Visitors to www.bluesky-world.com can search the online map using a place name, postcode or geographical coordinate before purchasing their chosen area and downloading digital files.
“By combining data from many sources, including our own archive, we have created what appears to be the most easily accessible and comprehensive online coverage of LiDAR data,” commented Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Bluesky. “Through a mix of value added and traditional reseller agreements we can supply off the shelf data or work with clients to derive a customised solution for their specific project requirements.”
Available online, in a range of formats suitable for use in Geographical Information System (GIS), Computer Aided Design (CAD) or 3D visualisation software the LiDAR data is designed for applications that require an accurate real world representation of the earth’s surface and the vegetation and buildings that cover it. From simple identification of ground surface features to more complex projects including flood risk assessment and mobile network planning, the data is offered free of Crown Copyright with flexible licensing terms.
“LiDAR has until now been a high-end solution; delivering very accurate measurements, usually for small projects areas, with a price tag you would expect,” continued Tidmarsh. “By launching the data online we are able to provide wider access to existing data encouraging more diverse applications.”
