Graz, Austria — March 24, 2010 — Aero-Photo (1961) Inc. has contracted with Vexcel Imaging GmbH, a Microsoft® company, to purchase two UltraCamLp medium-format camera systems and one UltraCamXp large-format camera system. The deal marks the first sale of three UltraCam sensors in a single transaction for Vexcel Imaging.

Aero-Photo decided to reposition itself in the North American market by replacing all of its analog cameras and its existing digital camera with UltraCam technology that offers the simplicity and flexibility required for efficient daily operations. The company provides aerial mapping services primarily to engineering firms and government agencies for mapping and GIS projects.

” Our recent acquisition of one UltraCamXp and two UltraCamLp cameras will allow our company to be highly competitive in the market,” said Mr. Paul Grenier, President of Aero-Photo (1961) Inc. “These new resources will give Aero-Photo (1961) Inc. the flexibility to provide our customers premium aerial data acquisition in terms of quality and fast response time.”

The UltraCamLp is a very unique camera system addressing the medium format market with large format image quality and efficiency, also suitable for smaller aircraft and projects requiring a rapid response. The camera provides the same high geometric accuracy, broad dynamic range, matching and stereo capabilities, and full metric capabilities as the UltraCamX, UltraCamXp, and UltraCamXp Wide Angle large-format cameras.

The UltraCamXp large-format camera was released in 2008 and offers an enlarged footprint and enhanced storage capabilities compared to the UltraCamX. The larger footprint helps reduce the number of flight lines, saves time, and lowers cost, without sacrificing radiometric performance.

“We are pleased to be involved in Aero-Photo’s complete transition from analog to digital aerial acquisition services,” said Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. “To our knowledge, with the replacement of its one existing digital sensor, the UltraCam may now be the only digital frame aerial camera based in Canada.”

About the UltraCamLp
Based on the UltraCamL, the UltraCamLp features the same advanced technical specifications but boasts an even larger format collection at 92 megapixels (11,704 x 7,920 pixels pan) compared to the UltraCamL 64 megapixel format. This image format capability is made possible through new electronics and a smaller CCD array of just 6 µm. The system is ideal for smaller large-scale and photogrammetric projects, high-resolution (true) orthophoto production, DSM (digital surface model) production, aerotriangulation, corridor mapping, and lidar integration.

About the UltraCamXp
The UltraCamXp large-format digital aerial camera benefits from a footprint of 196 megapixels and a pixel size of 6 micrometers. The resolution ratio of 1:3 between pan and color bands allows for the production of high-resolution pan-sharpened products. The UltraCamXp makes use of the same data flow concept introduced with the UltraCamX and provides even more in-flight storage capacity. The low-cost, exchangeable on-board storage devices hold up to 6,600 images each—approximately 4.2 TB of data. The vast storage capability allows for more efficient data collection as a result of uninterrupted image collection and minimal ground time.

About Vexcel Imaging, GmbH
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 related software tools such as the UltraMap 2.0 workflow software.

About Aero-Photo (1961) Inc.
Founded in 1961, Aero-Photo (1961) Inc. is a leading North American aerial mapping firm based in Québec, Canada. Recently acquired by experienced professionals, Aero-Photo is led by three veterans of the aerial mapping industry: Paul Grenier, Marcel Laberge, and Christian Levesque. Aero-Photo specializes in aerial acquisition and related geomatics services. It offers its customers integrated services for aerial photography (analog and digital) and laboratory services and professional services in photogrammetry and orthophoto production, as well as distribution of the derived data. Through its affiliate Core Geospatial Inc., Aero-Photo also sells a commercial photogrammetry software, DVP Suite, and MyGeoWorld, a Web diffusion and integration platform for geospatial applications. For more information, go to www.aerophoto.ca