Graz, Austria – Vexcel Imaging highlights the City of Espoo, Finland, and its continued success in building one of Europe’s most advanced open 3D city models, powered by high-resolution nadir and oblique imagery captured with Vexcel’s UltraCam Osprey systems. Espoo’s long-term imaging strategy – implemented through service providers using UltraCam Osprey cameras since 2017 – has enabled the city to develop a consistent, scalable, highly accurate digital twin that supports planning, visualization, asset management, and broad public use.
Challenge, Solution & Acquisition Timeline
Espoo needed a highly accurate, photorealistic 3D model that would integrate smoothly into existing GIS workflows, serve both experts and citizens, and remain maintainable at consistent quality for years. To meet this, the city worked with service providers who, since 2017, captured imagery using UltraCam Osprey sensors. This high-resolution nadir and oblique imagery has been essential for detailed roof geometry, building analysis, and photorealistic texturing.
Espoo’s production cycles reflect continuous improvements while maintaining sensor consistency: the first textured model in 2017 (10 cm GSD), a major update in 2021 (5 cm GSD), and the latest update in 2024 (5 cm GSD). This continuity ensures stable geometry, predictable processing, and reliable year-to-year data quality.
“The City of Espoo has shown remarkable leadership in building a scalable 3D digital twin,” said Alexander Wiechert, CEO of Vexcel Imaging. “Their long-term use of the UltraCam Osprey underscores the value of reliable, high-resolution imagery when creating data that professionals – and the public – can trust.”
How UltraCam imagery powers Espoo’s 3D model
Trusted by experts and the public alike
Lasse Andersson, GIS Specialist, City of Espoo, explains: “High-resolution aerial imagery provides us with clear and detailed information about the built environment and supports the creation and refinement of our 3D city model, offering both the public and decision-makers valuable insights as we work toward building a smarter, better city.”
High-quality 3D model at scale
Espoo achieves consistent geometry, photorealistic texturing, and detailed roof vectors suitable for advanced planning and analysis.
Stable, efficient update cycles
Continuitiy in image quality and capture parameters ensures predictable processing, minimal recalibration, and streamlined updates.
Broad public and professional value
The open 3D model supports citizens, planners, architects, engineers, utilities, and researchers, increasing transparency and engagement.
Accessing Espoo’s 3D City Model
The model can be viewed directly online.
(Note: Desktop only; mobile 3D support is limited.)
CityGML (LoD3) objects are available through WFS for integration into external software. This allows professionals to directly analyze or integrate the 3D data in their own environments.
Conclusion
Espoo’s use of imagery captured with UltraCam Osprey since 2017 has supported the creation of a consistent, scalable, and highly accurate 3D city model. The result is a photorealistic digital representation that improves planning, supports informed decision-making, and strengthens public transparency.
About Vexcel Imaging
Vexcel Imaging is a global leader in aerial imaging, renowned for its industry-leading UltraCam aerial cameras and hybrid camera-LiDAR mapping solutions. These systems deliver unmatched flying efficiency and exceptional data quality, ensuring best-in-class performance for every application. Outputs include photogrammetric imagery, LiDAR point clouds, and other derived products. The fully integrated UltraMap photogrammetric processing software enhances project workflows with advanced automation, efficient data interaction, and intuitive tools, enabling the creation of DSMs, DTMs, orthoimages, and 3D data of the highest standard. For more information, please visit: vexcel-imaging.com
