18-Mile Digital Terrain Modeling, Design-Scale Topographic Mapping & Color Orthophotography Provide Detailed Look at Major Caltrans Highway Improvement Project

Scottsdale, Ariz. (July 23, 2008) – Vertical Mapping Resources Inc., a leading Scottsdale-based integrated aerial mapping and geospatial land information company, recently completed an extensive  mapping project of an 18-mile portion of the I-710/Long Beach Freeway corridor.

The I-710 Corridor is a vital transportation artery, linking the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to the Greater L.A. region and beyond. It is an essential component in the regional, statewide and national transportation system as it serves both commuters’ needs and the need to efficiently distribute goods shipped into the ports. Over the years, the I-710/Long Beach Freeway has been overwhelmed with an increase in truck traffic and population growth. By the year 2020, it is expected that demand will exceed capacity on the I-710.

Vertical Mapping Resources was contracted to be the provider of the topographic mapping for the heavily developed alignment. The prime contractor and its team of engineers, surveyors and technicians have been engaged to complete a major corridor study of the I-710/Long Beach Freeway. This study will analyze traffic congestion and other mobility problems in this corridor and will support the development of timely, cost-effective transportation solutions.

Vertical Mapping Resources provided color orthophotography, a digital terrain model with 1’ contours and design-scale topographic mapping for an 18-mile section of the I-710/Long Beach Freeway corridor. The complex project encompassed the detailed mapping of numerous highway and local street interchanges, including SR 1, I-405, SR 91, I-105 and the I-5 interchange.

“Our process included the acquisition of 300 color exposures, which were obtained utilizing a Cessna 310 equipped with airborne GPS and an Inertial Measurement Unit, both mounted on a state-of–the-art precision photogrammetric camera system,” said Joseph Bartorelli, president of Vertical Mapping Resources. “All discernible terrain and non-surface specific features were collected per Caltrans standards to provide a detailed view of the I-710 corridor as it exists today.”

The I-710 transportation study is being facilitated by, and in conjunction with, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Gateway Cities Council of Governments, Caltrans, the Southern California Association of Governments, Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles and the I-5 Consortium Cities Joint Powers Authority.

About Vertical Mapping Resources Inc.
Vertical Mapping Resources is a leading integrated aerial mapping and geospatial land information company providing high-resolution aerial photography and remote sensing, precision digital mapping, full topographical and planimetric services, and digital orthophotography for clients throughout the United States. The company is equipped to handle projects of virtually any size and scope for private and public entities of all disciplines. VMR’s technical expertise, excellent client service and attention to detail and accuracy standards, enable the team to carefully orchestrate client projects from inception to design through production, all the way to evaluation and technical support. For more information, call (480) 948-2555 (Scottsdale, Ariz.) or (949) 248-7800 (Dana Point, Calif.) or visit www.verticalmapping.com. Contact information for the new Sacramento, Calif., office will be available soon.