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Aero-Photo Chooses Applanix

Published Date

Using advanced technologies and techniques for aerial data acquisition, processing and distribution, Aéro-Photo has successfully delivered on major aerial survey projects in over sixty five countries. With seven aircraft and over forty five employees, Aéro-Photo recognizes Applanix technology as the industry’s best and utilizes it for all its aerial photogrammetry projects.


Background

Aéro-Photo of Quebec City, Canada, is a leader in the geospatial industry. In business for over 50 years, Aéro-Photo offers geospatial solutions including aerial imagery and LiDAR acquisition, geodesic applications, topographic and thematic mapping as well as remote sensing. Aéro-Photo provides an integrated solution from start to finish.

With over forty five employees (and growing) and projects completed in over sixty five countries, Aéro-Photo is a worldwide provider for many applications in industries as diverse as including forestry, urbanism, mining, engineering, public safety, environment, energy, and utilities.

Aéro-Photo owns one of the largest fleets of aircraft for aerial imagery and Lidar acquisition, including a Piper Aztec, Cessna 441 Conquest II and the Cessna 421 Golden Eagle. Aéro-Photo also owns and operates a number of digital cameras including a Vexcel LP and Vexcel XP.


Aéro-Photo Turns To Applanix for Direct Georeferencing

"From the start, we have been very happy with Applanix. Their equipment has been virtually problem-free for over 14 years." - Marcel Laberge, Director, Geospactial Services, Aéro-Photo

In 1998 Aéro-Photo sought out Direct Georeferencing technology to efficiently and cost-effectively deliver accurately georeferenced imagery from the sky. They wanted not only a system that would deliver unparalleled accuracy, but also one that could stand the test of rigorous and arduous use. With the introduction of the first GPS-aided inertial navigation technology for use in collecting aerial photography in 1996 by Applanix – the POS AV (Position and Orientation System for Airborne Vehicles) - the choice was clear. Applanix’ POS AV was changing the way geospatial data was generated and the aerial survey and remote sensing industry as a whole. Aéro-Photo wanted to be at the forefront!

"Aéro-Photo has benefitted from working with Applanix. Their systems work perfectly. Their record of performance with us is outstanding."

In 1998 Aéro-Photo made the leap to Direct Georeferencing and acquired their first POS AV system. POS AV’s combination of GPS and IMU technology made it possible to locate data in xyz positions and measure the attitude of the aircraft in flight. Together these technologies provide the precise orientation parameters necessary for use in geographic information systems. And with POS AV, aerial triangulation is not required -saving time and money. Standard applications such as topographic mapping, corridor surveys, DTM generation, and environmental monitoring could now be completed faster, more efficiently, and at lower cost.

Aéro-Photo now has eight systems flying in seven different aircraft and are one of the largest aerial survey companies is North America.


In Action Together: Surveying in Afghanistan

To help stabilize this mountainous Asian-nation and improve trade and overall opportunities, there are ongoing international efforts to reconstruct and create new infrastructure in Afghanistan. In 2007 and 2008, a joint venture between two engineering firms was established with the goal of developing major new roadways in and around the Nangahar province.

Since most of the roads intended for construction were in dangerous areas for site operations and because topographical, geotechnical and hydrological data collection was required for road design, it was decided that an aerial photographic survey of the location of these roads would not only deliver the required data, but it would minimize ground presence and avoid many difficult safety and security difficulties.

Aéro-Photo was selected to perform this survey, delivering detailed Digital Terrain Models (DTM) to facilitate the road design. The project covered an area of 2682 km of road and 610 km of transmission lines in Afghanistan.