United Remote Sensing Technology Selected as Microsoft Reseller in China

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 decads 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  UltraCamLp, UltraCamXp, UltraCamXp Wide Angle and the new UltraCam Eagle digital photogrammetric sensors.  Rounding out the UltraCam mapping systems offering is the UltraMap workflow software system that provides and automated project-based color balancing module and additional quality control tools.  Additional information can be found at www.iFlyUltraCam.com

About United Remote Sensing Technology Co., Ltd.,

United Remote Sensing Technology (United RST) is a subsidiary of CATIC Siwei Co., Ltd., whose major stakeholders are China Siwei Surveying & Mapping Technology Co., Ltd. and AVIC International Holding (HK) Ltd.  China Siwei is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Aerospace and Science Corporation (CASC), a key participant in the aerospace industry.  AVIC International (HK) Ltd. is a publicly listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.  CATIC Siwei and China Siwei are both leaders in the Chinese mapping and surveying industry.  For more information, go to www.cnurs.com or contact Mr Liang Peng, General Manager, United RST, by telephone +86 10 88392187

Microsoft Announces Next Generation UltraCam:  UltraCam Eagle top

Milwaukee, WI - May 2, 2011: From its User Group meeting at the ASPRS 2011 conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Microsoft's Photogrammetry division today announced the UltraCam Eagle, a new generation of its award-winning UltraCam digital photogrammetric aerial camera systems.

This latest model is the widely adopted line of UltraCam digital aerial sensors builds on the UltraCam legacy of reliable and economical solutions for producing image data of exceptional quality, but bests traditional "large-format" cameras to set a new "ultra-large" industry standard for across-track image footprint capacity.  The UltraCam Eagle features a PAN image footprint of more than 20,000 pixels across the flight strip.

In addition to the ultra-large image footprint, the UltraCam Eagle includes enhanced electronics for improved frame rate and less noise (72 dB signal-to-noise ratio for high image dynamic) when compared to previous UltraCam systems, and completely new high-resolution, high-performance lenses and state-of-the-art CCD technology (@ 5.2 µm pixel size) for sharp images with a high image dynamic range.  The UltraCam Eagle is the first multi-cone photogrammetric camera to offer exchangeable lens system with 80mm (standard) and 210mm (tele for high altitude flights) and includes new filters with curved characteristics to flatten out vignetting, enabling the lens system to operate at its best Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) performance for maximum image sharpness and contrast.

This newest generation of UltraCam boasts a new housing concept with everything integrated into a modular sensor head, including the new UltraNav embedded flight management and direct georeferencing system from Applanix, and in-flight exchangeable, solid state storage for high reliability and minimal ground time.  Compared to previous UltraCam systems, the smaller physical footprint of the UltraCam system makes it quicker and easier to install, require less aircraft space, and weigh less for more efficient aircraft fuel consumption.

"Microsoft's Photogrammetry team is extremely excited over this new generation of UltraCam aerial sensors," said Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Business Director.  "We have improved on every major component of the UltraCam and in essence, the UltraCam Eagle is a completely new camera that pushes the technology envelope for digital aerial acquisition, allowing mapping organizations to take their projects to new heights.  It is the new flagship product for the Microsoft's Photogrammetry division."

In keeping with the UltraCam upgrade path, Microsoft emphasized in its announcement that existing UltraCam customers with previous generation UltraCam systems can receive trade-in credit for those models when upgrading to the UltraCam Eagle and announced that its Photogrammetry subsidiary, Vexcel Imaging, has already contracted with Weser Airborne Sensing, GmbH (Germany), GEOCARD Herten (Germany), and Keystone Aerial Surveys (USA) for UltraCam Eagle systems.  Separate announcements on those sales can be found on the UltraCam web site at www.iFlyUltraCam.com

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 decads 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  UltraCamLp, UltraCamXp, UltraCamXp Wide Angle and the new UltraCam Eagle digital photogrammetric sensors.  Rounding out the UltraCam mapping systems offering is the UltraMap workflow software system that provides and automated project-based color balancing module and additional quality control tools.  Additional information can be found at www.iFlyUltraCam.com

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.

 

Microsoft UltraCamXp Wide Angle Camera and UltraMap Software Win Technology Innovation in Photogrammetry Award  Top

About the UltraCamXp Wide Angle

The image format of the UltraCamXp Wide Angle is identical to that of the UltraCamX at 196 megapixels, or 17,310 across track and 11,310 along track panchromatic pixels. The pixel size is 6 µm, and geometric accuracy is better than +/- 2 µm. Post-processing can be started on board and completed on the ground with a laptop or group of PCs for faster turnaround. The Wide Angle model also is fully compatible with the storage (DXp) and computing (CXp) systems of the UltraCamX and UltraCamXp, and is fully supported by the UltraMap 2.1 workflow software system.

About the UltraMap Workflow Software

UltraMap provides a complete and integrated photogrammetric workflow for UltraCam images. The aerial triangulation module is smoothly integrated into the UltraMap workflow, monolithic stitching significantly improves the geometric image accuracy for unstructured terrain, and model-based radiometric correction allows for eliminating hotspots, atmospheric effects, and haze. With version 2.1, an automated project-based color balancing package tremendously minimizes manual labor for adjusting the radiometry. UltraMap fully supports all UltraCam models such as UltraCamX, UltraCamXp, UltraCamL/Lp and UltraCamXp Wide Angle.

About GIS Development Pvt. Ltd.

For more than 13 years, GIS Development, a premier media organization, has worked to promote and propagate the use of geospatial technologies in various areas of development in the community at large. GIS Development provides a platform for advocacy and lobbying for the geospatial industry and creates awareness about geospatial technologies worldwide.

CAARS Purchases Three Additional UltraCam Aerial Cameras Top

About China Aviation Aero Remote Sensing Technology Co., Ltd. (CAARS)

CAARS is a subsidiary of China Siwei Surveying & Mapping Technology Corporation (CSMTC) that provides professional surveying, aerial mapping and photogrammetric services. Since its founding in 1992, CAARS has grown into one of the largest aerial mapping companies in China. It has mapped over 50% of China’s terrain and works extensively with the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. For more information, go to www.zfsw.com.cn or http://en.chinasiwei.com/, or contact by telephone 010-51286377 or email zhsw@zfsw.com.cn.

About Beijing Siwei

Beijing Siwei Spatial Data Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Siwei) is a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Surveying and Mapping directly under the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. Beijing Siwei was founded in 2001, and its core business is remote sensing engineering; geospatial data processing and solutions; and system integration and development. The company employs more than 100 staff members and has a subsidiary in Inner Mongolia which specializes in providing professional services in geospatial projects. Beijing Siwei was awarded with National Mapping Grade A Certification by the Chinese Government and is GJB9001A-2001 and ISO 9001 certified. For more information, go to www.bjsiwei.net.cn.

About the UltraCamLp

The UltraCamLp offers the functionality of a large-format camera in a compact package, setting a new price/performance standard for photogrammetric imaging operations. The camera collects five spectral bands per exposure: red, green, blue and near-infrared data, in addition to the higher-resolution panchromatic data. The UltraCamLp features an image footprint collection capacity of 92 megapixels (11,704 x 7,920 pixels pan), 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, classification, and lidar integration.

UltraCamLp Aerial Camera Purchased by Beijing Guoce Top

About Beijing Guoce

Beijing Guoce is a medium-size private mapping firm based in Beijing, China, that offers a complete range of mapping and surveying services, and photogrammetric services such as aerial triangulation, digital terrain models, digital elevation models, and orthophotos. Since its founding in 2008, Beijing Guoce has worked primarily with government agencies. For more information, contact Beijing Guoce by telephone 086-10-88212328.

About Beijing Siwei

Beijing Siwei Spatial Data Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Siwei) is a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Surveying and Mapping directly under the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. Beijing Siwei was founded in 2001, and its core business is remote sensing engineering; geospatial data processing and solutions; and system integration and development. The company employs more than 100 staff members and has a subsidiary in Inner Mongolia which specializes in providing professional services in geospatial projects. Beijing Siwei was awarded with National Mapping Grade A Certification by the Chinese Government and is GJB9001A-2001 and ISO 9001 certified. For more information, go to www.bjsiwei.net.cn.

Microsoft UltraCamL/Lp wins Technology Innovation Award Top

Graz, Austria — November 30, 2010

In its application, Microsoft noted that the UltraCamL and its successor the UltraCamLp combine the best elements of both medium- and large-format cameras in order to set a new price/performance standard for photogrammetric imaging operations. The camera system reflects innovation in areas of hardware, electronics and software, developed in response to customer feedback, and offers a revolutionary package that is lighter, more compact, more flexible, and more affordable to smaller mapping organizations.

Christine Grahl, editor of POB Magazine, announced the award. Representing the independent panel of judges, she said, "The UltraCam L/LP project by Vexcel Imaging/Microsoft was highly thought of by the judges. While it was hard comparing the diverse nature of the Technology Innovation projects, the one thing that stood out with Vexcel's submission, beyond the technological hurdles, was the advantages that this new camera could give to the photogrammetric community. The UltraCamL/LP camera is designed to bring digital data acquisition to the smaller mapping firms by offering a camera that is low cost and accurate for mapping purposes."

The UltraCamL/Lp enables smaller companies to use a fully-digital approach to mapping without compromising photogrammetric accuracy or quality and without a million dollar investment. The UltraCamL/Lp now bridges the gap between traditional medium-format imaging sensors and large-format photogrammetric sensors and creates a new class of digital aerial camera which can be used for mapping projects of all sizes by local mapping companies.

The importance and impact of the UltraCamL/Lp is best demonstrated by the reaction of the marketplace. Since May 2009, 16 UltraCamL/Lp cameras have been sold and delivered worldwide, and sales are now accelerating. New operators of the UltraCamL/Lp have reported excellent project results and are highly satisfied with the camera quality, operations, reliability and also with the image quality.

A panel of independent judges evaluated projects submitted by MAPPS members for the awards program. The panel chairman was Robert Burtch PS, CP, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan; joining him were Christine Grahl, editor for POB Magazine, Troy, Michigan; Pamela Lawhead, associate professor at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi; Leonard Gilroy, AICP, director of government reform at Reason Foundation, Los Angeles, CA; and Donn Dears, president of TSAugust.org, a nonprofit think tank conducting research on energy and economic issues, in Geneva, Illinois.

"MAPPS member firms have once again demonstrated the professionalism, innovation and societal benefit that the private geospatial community provides to enhance our quality of life," said MAPPS Executive Director John Palatiello. "On a daily basis, MAPPS member firms are providing quality services, data and technology products. The Excellence Awards highlight these achievements and the professionalism MAPPS members strive to provide."

"We are honored to receive this award," said Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. "I am proud of the Vexcel Imaging team that developed the UltraCamL and Lp camera to help smaller companies successfully transition from film to digital operations."

About the UltraCamLp

The UltraCamLp features the same advanced technical specifications as its predecessor, the UltraCamL, and an even higher image footprint collection capacity of 92 megapixels (11,704 x 7,920 pixels pan). 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 MAPPS

Formed in 1982, MAPPS is the only national association exclusively comprised of private firms in the remote sensing, spatial data and geographic information systems field in the United States. The MAPPS membership spans the entire spectrum of the geospatial community, including Member Firms engaged in satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, LIDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, charting, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS, and GIS data collection and conversion services. MAPPS also includes Associate Member Firms, which are companies that provide hardware, software, products and services to the geospatial profession in the United States and other firms from around the world. Independent Consultant Members are sole proprietors engaged in consulting in or to the geospatial profession, or provides a consulting service of interest to the geospatial profession.

Imagemaps Sells Vexcel Camera in China Top

About Beijing Siwei

Beijing Siwei Spatial Data Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Siwei) is a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Surveying and Mapping directly under the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. Beijing Siwei was founded in 2001, and its core business is remote sensing engineering; geospatial data processing and solutions; and system integration and development. The company employs more than 100 staff members and has a subsidiary in Inner Mongolia which specializes in providing professional services in geospatial projects. Beijing Siwei was awarded with National Mapping Grade A Certification by the Chinese Government and is GJB9001A-2001 and ISO 9001 certified. For more information, go to www.bjsiwei.net.cn.

About Vexcel Imaging, GmbH

Acquired by Microsoft Corporation in May 2006, Vexcel Imaging GmbH brings more than two decades 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 large- and medium-format digital aerial mapping cameras and related software tools such as the UltraMap 2.1 workflow software.

Vexcel Extends Imagemap's Distribution Coverage Top

Over the past year, Imagemaps have successfully sold and serviced several Vexcel cameras in the region. Vexcel have recognised Imagemap's expanding sales and service networks and also Imagemap's contribution over the year as a dedicated Vexcel distributor.

With the appointment of Imagemaps to cover India,Imagemaps hope to further expand its growing presence and clientele base for Vexcel products. Imagemaps will provide value added solutions to promote aerial sensing systems and will promote them through our reseller network in the region.

Imagemaps Pte Ltd's Managing Director, Mr. Bill Love said, "There is a huge potential for the use of Vexcel's Aerial sensing camera in India. We are very enthusiastic about this new challenge and will be putting in alot of resources to increase Vexcel's market share in India."

Currently, Imagemaps have already begun marketing activities in India which includes participation in major events like the upcoming INCA International Congress 10-12 November 2010 , 2010- Dehradun, India and Geospatial World Forum 18-21 January 2011 Hyderabad , India.

About Vexcel Imaging, GmbH

Acquired by Microsoft Corporation in May 2006, Vexcel Imaging GmbH brings more than two decades 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 large- and medium-format digital aerial mapping cameras and related software tools such as the UltraMap 2.1 workflow software.

Graz, Austria, July 2010 — Vexcel Imaging GmbH, a Microsoft^® company, will roll out version 2.1 of its UltraMap 2.1 and UltraMap/AT photogrammetric software to customers beginning July 19, 2010. These releases continue the tradition of providing a flexible and scalable distributed system for managing and processing vast amounts of UltraCam data.

UltraMap 2.1 and UltraMap/AT 2.1 include many new capabilities to enable customers to process projects even faster and better than previously possible, and with a higher level of automation. Project-based color balancing, 1-click system reports, and level-2 quality visualization are examples of key new capabilities in UltraMap 2.1.

Other key new major features of UltraMap 2.1 include:

• Framework now offers “One-click” system report generation for any local UltraMap node and the complete UltraMap system.
• Raw Data Center now offers the option to format a data unit; the option to check unverified raw data on a data unit; generation of Level-2 quality information for each image to be visualized by the UltraMap Viewer; and generation of a Level-2 quality xml file for each image.
• Radiometry now offers automated quick view generation; fully integrated project-based color balancing based on automatically extracted parameters during AT; clipping visualization; and the option to specify the output range (min/max).
• Viewer now offers Level-2 quality visualization; text overlays for shot position; and a new viewer with DFI stand-alone support.

UltraMap/AT 2.1 now offers text overlays for ground control points; vector residual overlays; tie point merger; automated blunder removal during bundle adjustment; a detailed AT report; integrated data extraction for project-based color balancing; and PAT-B bundle result export.

UltraMap includes features for managing data download, distributed processing using load balancing and resource management, aerial triangulation, and interactive data visualization for quality control. Use of Microsoft’s Dragonfly technology enables incredibly smooth and high-resolution image browsing and zooming for very large sets of data content. Dragonfly supports multi-channel 16-bit UltraCam imagery for high quality visualization within the complete photogrammetric workflow.

“I am proud of the accomplishment this product release represents for the Vexcel Imaging team,” notes Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. “It supports our customers’ businesses by enabling easier, faster image processing and more automation than ever before.”

About Vexcel Imaging, GmbH

Acquired by Microsoft Corporation in May 2006, Vexcel Imaging GmbH brings more than two decades 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 large- and medium-format digital aerial mapping cameras and related software tools such as the UltraMap 2.1 workflow software.

IMAGEMAPS ESTABLISHES CHINA OFFICE Top

For Immediate Release: Beijing, 26 Mar 2010 —Imagemaps announces the establishment of Imagemaps (China) Representative Office situated at Room 1707, Block F, Wanda Plaza, Shijingshan District, Beijing, China 100034. The new office will provide product sales and support for Microsoft Vexcel’s Ultracam digital aerial cameras and photogrammetric software. The first order of business for Imagemaps China is training for its newly appointed reseller, Beijing Siwei Spatial Data Technology Co. Ltd , which will take place this month. Imagemaps appointed Beijing Siwei last December. The new reseller network replaces Vexcel Spatial Information Technical Company (trading as “Vexcel China”) which has represented Vexcel camera sales until late last year. The former reseller has a successful record of Vexcel photo-scanner and recent camera sales but is changing its company focus to exclude the demanding aerial camera business.

Imagemaps together with it’s principal, Microsoft Vexcel Imaging, is also pleased to announce the Microsoft Vexcel Conference 2010 scheduled for March in China. This will be the inaugural meeting of Ultracam digital aerial camera users and will take place at the Crown Plaza Parkview Wuzhou Beijing venue. Key note speakers will include Prof Li Deren from Wuhan University, Alexander Wiechert (Managing Director, Microsoft Vexcel Imaging), Abhineet Jain (Product Marketing Manager, Imagemaps) and leading aerial service providers in the People’s Republic of China region.

With a strong partner and newly established Imagemaps Representative office in Beijing, Imagemaps will be organising many new marketing and sales initiatives in 2010 for its customers.

For Immediate Release 19 Mar 2010 —Imagemaps Pte Ltd is pleased to announce that it has closed a deal with Strong Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd, Taiwan for the purchase of a UltraCamXp large format digital aerial camera system.

The Microsoft UltraCamXp reduces the number of flight lines saves time, and lowers cost, without sacrificing radiometric performance. The UltracamXp is capable of collecting stereo imagery at a remarkable 1 inch GSD at a flight speed of 110 knots. Post-processing of the data can be started on board, and finished on the ground with a group of PCs for even faster turnaround. As major projects are completed in an impressively short period of time, in relation to the number of pixels collected, this guarantees a highly efficient project execution and completion certainty

"With the purchase of the UltraCamXp system we will be able to provide large area coverage high radiometric and geometric quality for our customers" said Cheng-Piao Lia, President of Strong Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd. We will use the UltraCamXp to provide better service to our existing customers from private companies, corporate organizations and civil industries in area of surveying, designing and other business operations.

"Strong being one of the major aerial mapping service providers in Taiwan, went through a careful selection process to select best price-performance aerial product from all available large format cameras in the world. Their final decision indicates that Microsoft Vexcel mapping solutions is now the mainstream market in the region." said Lee Sze Keong, General Manager of Imagemaps Pte Ltd.

About Strong Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd

Strong Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd was established in 1984. In the past 22 years, we have handled surveying jobs from private companies, corporate organizations and civil industries in works of surveying, designing and other business operations. From traditional geographical surveying, and designing to various types of professional teams in construction planning, testing system designs, GIS system development, professional ocean surveying and analysis.For enquiries , please call +02-22252200 or email to strongco@strongco.com.tw. For more information , please go to www.strongco.com.tw.

For Immediate Release 23 Feb 2010—Imagemaps Pte. Ltd., Vexcel Imaging’s sales partner responsible for the People’s Republic of China Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and ASEAN, has appointed Royal Sky Co., Ltd. and Borsar Sdn. Bhd. as its resellers for Microsoft Vexcel photogrammetric products in the Thailand and State of Sarawak (East Malaysia) markets respectively.

"The appointment of both Royal Sky and Borsar is part of our aim to achieve better market coverage, increase product market share and provide better customer care services for our customers. " said Lee Sze Keong, General Manager, Imagemaps Pte Ltd. "Royal Sky's strength is in its aviation related business dealings with Thai Military and Government customers and this makes them a perfect choice to represent us to promote Microsoft Vexcel products in Thailand. Borsar, a previous Vexcel products partner, has a very good track record of successful sales of Ultracam to Sarawak Land and Survey Dept. We would like Borsar to continue its success story by working closely with other potential clients in natural resources, Forestry, infrastructure etc in State of Sarawak."

The expansion of Imagemap's reseller network will help to meet the demand of the Asian market for premuim aerial mapping products and extend the availability of Vexcel Imaging’s aerial mapping products that include the UltraCamXp and UltraCamXp Wide Angle large format digital aerial sensors, the UltraCamLp medium format sensor and the UltraMap 2.0 digital workflow software system.

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.

For Immediate Release 20 Jan 2010—Imagemaps Pte Ltd is pleased to announce that it has appointed Beijing Siwei Spatial Data Technology Co., Ltd as its first reseller for Vexcel Ultracam products in the China market.

Beijing Siwei is a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Surveying and Mapping under the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. Beijing Siwei undertakes many major aerial and mapping projects for the Chinese government. With its good connections and relationships with all major aerial survey companies in China, Beijing Siwei is an ideal partner complementing Imagemaps in the territory.

"The appointment of Beijing Siwei Spatial Data Technology Co., Ltd is a start of our aim to achieve better market coverage, increase product market share and provide better customer care services for our customers." said Lee Sze Keong, General Manager, Imagemaps Pte Ltd. "Beijing Siwei is an ideal partner given its experience in the field and its sales and technical support capabilities. We are pleased to have a strong partner like Beijing Siwei and will be organising many exciting marketing and sales activities in 2010 for our customers."

About Beijing Siwei

Beijing Siwei Spatial Data Technology Co., Ltd. (北京四维空间数码科技有限公司)(Beijing Siwei) is a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Surveying and Mapping (中国测绘科学研究院) directly under STATE BUREAU OF SURVEYING & MAPPING. Beijing Siwei was founded in year 2001 and its core business is remote sensing engineering, geospatial data processing and geospatial solutions & system integrations and developments. The company employs more than 100 staff and has a subsidiary in Inner Mongolia which specializes in providing professional services in Geospatial projects. Beijing Siwei was awarded with National Mapping Grade A Certification by the Chinese Government and is GJB9001A-2001 and ISO 9001 certified.

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.

For Immediate Release 5 Jan 2010 — Imagemaps Pte Ltd is pleased to announce that the company has signed a purchase agreement with GeoForce Technologies Co., Ltd. of Taiwan to upgrade an UltraCamD to an UltraCamXp Wide Angle large format digital aerial camera system.

"This is the first unit of the newest UltraCam sold.” said Lee Sze Keong, director of Imagemaps Pte Ltd. "GeoForce Technologies will use the UltraCamXp Wide Angle to serve its existing customers, including agencies , the central government, academic and research institutions, and the telecommunications industry."

"This upgrade to the UltraCamXp Wide Angle was an easy decision for us," said Robert Hsu, President of GeoForce Technologies. "We appreciate the UltraCam heritage, and the UltraCamXp Wide Angle has the right combination of large area coverage and high radiometric and geometric quality for our customers. We are also confident of Imagemaps Pte Ltd expertise and support for this project ."

"We are pleased that GeoForce Technologies is continuing its legacy as an innovative company by selecting the UltraCamXp Wide Angle to support its projects," said Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH.

The new Microsoft UltraCamXp Wide Angle large format digital aerial camera takes advantage of the same innovative camera concept and image quality as the UltraCamXp but features a new proprietary, digital, high-performance, high-resolution lens system with a shorter focal length. This allows the latest UltraCam sensor to deliver the same ground sample distance (GSD) as the UltraCamXp, but at lower flight altitudes. An alternative to the UltraCamXp and at the same price, the UltraCamXp Wide Angle provides small-scale mapping capabilities to customers with lower-flying airplanes. The UltraCamXp Wide Angle provides the same large image format as the UltraCamXp at 196 megapixels (17,310 across track x 11,310 along track), and a pixel size at 6 ?m. It integrates fully with existing UltraCamXp and UltraCamX storage and computing systems and is fully supported by Vexcel Imaging’s UltraMap 2.0 workflow software system.

About GeoForce Technologies

GeoForce Technologies Co., Ltd., is a leading provider of high-resolution image solutions in Taiwan. Headquartered in Taipei, with branch offices throughout the country, GeoForce Technologies is the first company in Taiwan to own an aerial digital camera. GeoForce delivers a complete range of aerial photo products and hardware / software solutions along with industry-leading professional services and support. For more information please go to www.geoforce.com.tw.

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.

Graz, Austria — Vexcel Imaging GmbH announces the release of the UltraCamXp Wide Angle, a new version of the UltraCam large format digital aerial camera system that features a wide-angle lens with a shorter focal length. The UltraCamXp Wide Angle allows lower-flying airplanes to collect data at the same ground sample distance (GSD) as higher-flying planes carrying the UltraCamXp, while delivering comparable image quality.

The large image format of the UltraCamXp Wide Angle is identical to that of the UltraCamXp at 196 megapixels, or 17,310 across track and 11,310 along track panchromatic pixels. The pixel size is 6 µm, and geometric accuracy is better than +/- 2 µm. Post-processing can be started on board and completed on the ground with a laptop or group of PC’s for faster turnaround. The new Wide Angle model also is fully compatible with the storage (DXp) and computing (CXp) systems of the UltraCamX and UltraCamXp, and is fully supported by Vexcel’s UltraMap workflow software system, so existing customers can add an UltraCamXp Wide Angle to their resources without purchasing additional hardware and software. UltraCamD and UltraCamX customers are eligible for upgrade to the UltraCamXp Wide Angle via trade-ins.

The UltraCamXp Wide Angle digital camera is capable of collecting stereo imagery at a 1-inch GSD at a flight speed of 110 knots, a remarkable technical achievement. Photogrammetric and remote sensing applications for imagery collected by the UltraCamXp Wide Angle include large-scale engineering mapping, high-resolution orthophoto production, multi-ray photogrammetry, feature extraction and classification.

"The UltraCamXp Wide Angle offers customers with lower-flying planes exceptional small-scale mapping capabilities,” explained Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. “A combination of the largest PAN footprint available and the ability to collect data at a rate of 2.5 Gbits per second means mapping projects can be completed in less time at lower costs."