Free UltraMap 2.0 Photogrammetric Software for Microsoft’s Aerial Cameras

By the end of this month, owners of Microsoft large and medium format aerial cameras will be able to grab a free upgrade of the second version of the UltraMap workflow software system. The upgrade will be offered by Vexcel Imaging GmbH, a Microsoft company, which produces the Redmond company’s digital aerial camera. According to a December 14th announcement from Vexcel, customers will be able to upgrade to the new UltraMap photogrammetric software version 2.0 release in 20 days, as roll-out is planned for debut on January 25th, 2010.

“I am proud of the accomplishment this product release represents for the Vexcel Imaging team,” stated Alexander Wiechert, business director of Microsoft and managing director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. “It provides much richer functionality, and it supports our customers’ businesses by enabling easier, faster image processing and better overall results.”

With UltraMap 2.0 customers running such cameras as UltraCamXp, UltraCamL, and UltraCamXp WA will be able to take advantage of a system designed to streamline the management and processing of vast amounts of data. UltraMap 2.0’s features come implemented in five modules: Framework, Raw Data Center, Radiometry, Viewer and Aerial Triangulation, according to the software giant. At the core of UltraMap is Microsoft’s Dragonfly technology, Vexcel stated. It is by leveraging Dragonfly that Microsoft can offer support for multi-channel 16-bit UltraCam imagery.

“Aerial triangulation has been integrated smoothly into the workflow, and includes new radiometry with gamma and levels dialog. The other new features are concentrated in the Raw Data Center and the Radiometry modules. Of particular note, “Monolithic stitching” is a new feature of the Raw Data Center that improves geometric image accuracy by a magnitude for unstructured terrain. In the Radiometry module, UltraMap 2.0 introduces model-based radiometric correction that enables users to eliminate hotspots, atmospheric effects and haze,” Microsoft explained.