Aerial mapping company Bluesky is releasing its entire catalogue of geographically referenced oblique aerial images of UK cities via a new subscription-based streaming service. Working with Geoxphere, a specialist in cloud-based geographic information systems, Bluesky will offer the MetroVista imagery via web viewer which also includes measurement tools for detailed analysis of building features, façade details and street furniture locations.
“Oblique imagery offers an unparalleled view of the built environment revealing real world features simply not present in any other type of aerial image or map,” said Rachel Tidmarsh, managing director of Bluesky International. “The MetroVista imagery can be used to inform decision making with time stamped intelligence, and even evidence, as well as improving engagement with colleagues through better communication of ideas.”
“However, this wealth of information can present some issues when it comes to storing and consuming data. The MetroVista Oblique Viewer overcomes these issues meaning the value of the data can be realised without the burden of storing, processing or updating.”
With a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution powered by Geoxphere’s XMAP geospatial cloud technology, the service can be accessed without the need to download or store large volumes of data locally, and without any specialist software, plugins or downloads. It has split screen options and rotating views allowing the user to toggle through images to get a 360 degree view of a building. There are also height and area measurement tools for recording a building height or distance from a feature and its façade area.
Bluesky has already captured MetroVista data for cities including as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Norwich, Leicester, Derby and Newcastle as well as Bournemouth, Brighton, Cardiff, Doncaster, Eastbourne and Southend.