Dalsa delivers 196 megapixel sensors for Microsoft’s photogrammetry cameras

Waterloo, ON, Canada--DALSA Corporation has shipped very high resolution image sensors that will power the newest models in the UltraCam line of aerial photogrammetry cameras produced by Microsoft’s photogrammetry business, Vexcel Imaging GmbH. Featuring 196 megapixel resolution (17,310 pixels x 11,310 pixels), the new UltraCamXp and UltraCamXp Wide Angle use multiple DALSA CCD image sensors to provide breathtakingly detailed imagery that feeds applications such as Microsoft Bing Maps.

“To achieve the performance we wanted in these new UltraCams, we needed the best large and medium format image sensors available,” said Alexander Wiechert, CEO of Vexcel. “DALSA’s technology is industry-leading, and they delivered the products and the support we needed to succeed.”

The incredible resolution and footprint of the new UltraCams allows users to produce high-quality urban maps, large-scale ortho photos and stereo imagery with fewer flight lines, saving time and lowering cost. Increased onboard storage allows for longer flights to take advantage of good flying conditions, and the high throughput and superior dynamic range of the DALSA sensors enable the system to capture more data with higher image quality in less time.

For medium-format mapping applications, the new UltraCamLp delivers 92 megapixels (11,704 pixels x 7,920 pixels) in a package ideal for smaller aircraft and local projects that require a rapid response with the highest image quality, such as digital surface model production, aero triangulation, ortho mapping and 3D technical vector mapping.

“We are proud to provide image sensors for these impressive products,” said Edwin Roks, Vice President and General Manager of DALSA Professional Imaging. “This relationship further reinforces our position as the world’s supplier of choice for large format image sensors.”

Acquired by Microsoft Corporation in May 2006, Vexcel Imaging GmbH brings 20 years of photogrammetry expertise to Microsoft’s Bing Maps business unit and is at the heart of the burgeoning Microsoft Photogrammetry business. The company’s offerings include its series of UltraCam digital aerial mapping cameras and the UltraMap workflow software.

--Posted by Gail Overton; [email protected]; www.laserfocusworld.com.