Cornerstone Mapping, Inc., an aerial mapping company based in Lincoln, Nebraska, has contracted with Vexcel Imaging GmbH, a Microsoft company, to purchase an UltraCamLp photogrammetric digital aerial camera system. A new aircraft is also being purchased and retrofitted to accommodate the UltraCamLp. Cornerstone intends to fly the UltraCamLp in conjunction with its thermal sensor to serve the agricultural, environmental, and engineering communities. Cornerstone will also use the UltraCamLp to generate volumetric calculations of stockpiles, such as coal and sand.
“My business approach involves investing in the best technology available that provides a good cost ratio to my business. This allows me to collect and process data as efficiently as possible without increasing my overhead,” stated Mr. Aaron Schepers, Owner and President, Cornerstone Mapping. “I absolutely needed proven technology because I do all the work myself, from flight planning, to flying the plane, to post processing. Although the UltraCamLp is Microsoft’s base level mapping camera, it is built on the same work flow and processes as the higher end UltraCam cameras, so I am confident that it is reliable and produces high quality results.”
The UltraCamLp features an image footprint collection capacity of 92 megapixels (11,704 x 7,920 pixels) with forward motion compensation (FMC), as well as 4-band and panchromatic collection capabilities. “Collecting four bands of data at higher volume was a priority to allow me to expand into new markets and compete on RFPs,” explained Mr. Schepers. “Also, I found Microsoft’s sales and technical support team to be very responsive to my questions throughout the evaluation process. This was a significant investment for Cornerstone, and the information and references provided made me feel very comfortable with the decision.”
“Microsoft is excited to be a part of Cornerstone’s growth plans,” said Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Business Director. “The UltraCamLp is an excellent fit for the company at this stage of its development, and our clearly defined upgrade path offers more choices for the future.”
About Microsoft’s UltraCam Business Unit
With its operations based in Graz, Austria, and sales and support teams in North America, Microsoft’s UltraCam business unit brings more than two decades of photogrammetry expertise to Microsoft’s Bing Maps business unit. The division is responsible for the highly successful line of UltraCam digital aerial mapping systems that include the UltraCamLp, UltraCamXp, UltraCamXp Wide Angle and UltraCam Eagle digital photogrammetric sensors. Rounding out the UltraCam mapping systems offering is the UltraMap workflow software system for processing UltraCam imagery to Level 02 and Level 03 quality data, and with features that include distributed processing with automated load balancing, automated project-based color balancing, and additional quality control tools.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
About Cornerstone Mapping, Inc.
Cornerstone Mapping, the only aerial mapping company in Nebraska, was founded in 2002 by Aaron Schepers to provide end-to-end aerial surveying services. Cornerstone owns and operates two aircraft, a thermal sensor, a medium-format digital aerial camera, and now an UltraCamLp. By continuously investing in better technology, Cornerstone has established itself as a low cost, high quality, reliable mapping provider throughout the central US. Cornerstone believes that developing close ongoing relationships with its customers produces better results and greater satisfaction. For additional information, go to www.cornerstonemapping.com or contact Aaron Schepers by telephone (402) 450-3194 or email [email protected].
