Aerial mapping company Bluesky is working with FATMAP to create ultra-high resolution 3D mobile maps of the world’s major ski resorts and other popular outdoor pursuit destinations. Bluesky recently completed a pilot project for FATMAP, capturing aerial photography and generating detailed height models in order to create a highly detailed 3D map of the Big Sky Ski Resort in Montana, USA. FATMAP is now planning to roll out its smart maps to all major European and American ski resorts. Working with Bluesky, FATMAP also plans to launch a new range of ‘summer’ products for hikers, trail runners and bikers.
“Most maps of the outdoors, especially those covering ski resorts, do not convey reality. They are too ‘flat’ and abstract and for many people and can be quite difficult to understand. Our goal is to provide the best outdoors maps for planning, enjoying and sharing adventures,” commented Misha Gopaul, co-founder and CEO of FATMAP and member of the Team GB Ski Mountaineering. “We do this by showing people the world as it is – in real life.”
FATMAP launched its first mobile 3D ski map in 2014, and has since gone on to map major resorts across Europe and North America. The mobile (m)apps, downloadable from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, can currently be used by both piste skiers and freeriders alike. By combining GPS enabled navigation with detailed 3D maps, users can locate themselves in often complex terrains, plan their day’s activities, track their progress and meet with friends. 3D fly-throughs help skiers experience the slopes before heading out, and contextual data, such as weather, season and resort facilities, further enhance the user experience.
“We were introduced to Bluesky as an innovator and market leader in the aerial survey world,” continued Gopaul. “We already knew that aerial photography would provide better quality imagery, as well as more accurate height data. However, the partnership with Bluesky has allowed us to benefit from these enhancements whilst also lowering our production costs. This has enabled us to scale our expansion and launch to market new products much faster than previously.”
“We are delighted to be working with an exciting company like FATMAP to create market ready consumer products,” said James Eddy of Bluesky. “By bringing together cutting edge gaming technology with high end and detailed data, such as remote sensed imagery, geographic data, GPS and mobile information, in one exciting app, we can open up our mountains, enhancing the outdoors experience for skiers, hikers and bikers.”
About Bluesky
Bluesky is a UK-based specialist in aerial survey including aerial photography, LiDAR and thermal data using the very latest survey technology, including two UltraCam Eagles and an Orion M300 LiDAR system. An internationally recognised leader with projects extending around the globe, Bluesky is proud to work with prestigious organisations such as Google, the BBC and Government Agencies. Bluesky has unrivalled expertise in the creation of seamless, digital aerial photography and maintains national “off the shelf” coverage of aerial photography, DTM and DSM through an on-going three-year update programme. By purchasing a world first sensor for the simultaneous capture of LiDAR, Thermal and Aerial Photography data, Bluesky is in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and cost effective solutions. Bluesky is also leading the way in developing innovative solutions for environmental applications, including the UK’s first National Tree Map (NTM), solar mapping and citywide ‘heat loss’ maps and is currently developing noise and air quality mapping products. www.bluesky-world.com
About FATMAP
FATMAP is a highly innovative UK-based start-up, using cutting-edge gaming technology to revolutionise handheld digital mapping for outdoor activities. FATMAP has built the world’s most detailed 3D outdoor mobile maps. By creating 3D models of mountainous areas, FATMAP is profoundly changing the way we understand the terrain by offering new ways of extracting the terrain information we seek. These models then become the perfect vehicle for delivering area, expert and sport-specific data with every piece of information being geo-referenced, context-specific and created & updated by a community of experts. www.fatmap.com