Introduction

The BLOM Group has introduced a revolutionary new oblique aerial imaging system to Europe. Acquired from multiple cameras, Pictometry® brings a new perspective to oblique aerial photography available for stand alone use or integrated within GIS. Geo-referenced images provide the user with the ability to orientate, measure, see and plan to a degree not previously possible with traditional ortho photography and combined with existing vector datasets users can leverage their geographic information still further. Applications for Pictometry® oblique image libraries are wide ranging meaning they can be used for almost any purpose including:

• Planning
• Police and Law enforcement
• Security and Surveillance
• Emergency response
• Real Estate
• Property management
• Environmental management
• Asset management
• Engineering
• Insurance
• Utilities

Most professional users are aware of or have made use of vertical photography. Geo-referenced oblique imagery extends the benefits of traditional straight-down photography providing a unique perspective view of a locality, allowing users:

• To see sides of a building, structure or feature, exposing blind spots, exits and entrances previously impossible to locate on straight-down photography.
  
  
• The ability to measure the height, length & area of features directly from photography. Measurements can be made between real world objects rather than their graphic representation in a 3D model.
  
  
• Improve the identification of hard to see assets and facilities (e.g. lamp-posts, telegraph poles, etc) which can be difficult to distinguish on traditional ortho photography.
  
  
• View GIS data in 3D by draping it on oblique imagery, extending the traditional and more familiar 2D view afforded by most GIS applications.

It is not intended that the oblique imagery replace existing ortho-photography but rather compliment it. Over the next two-years, BLOM intends to acquire every urban centre in Europe with a population of 50,000 inhabitants or more. This will be the most comprehensive and detailed database available, with the ultimate intention of Pictometry® libraries (both current and historic) becoming available on-line to all customer groups.