Vexcel Imaging Unveils UltraCam Osprey 4.1

Vexcel Imaging has announced the release of the next-generation UltraCam Osprey 4.1, which is described as a highly versatile large-format aerial camera for the simultaneous collection of photogrammetric-grade nadir imagery (PAN, RGB and NIR) and oblique images (RGB). Frequent updates of sharp, noise-free and highly accurate digital representations of the world are essential for modern city planning. Designed to ensure flight collection efficiency at superior radiometric and geometric quality, with the UltraCam Osprey 4.1 the Austria-based company aims to set a new standard in urban mapping and 3D city modelling.

Leading up to the fourth generation of UltraCam aerial imaging sensors, the system combines new and industry-leading customized lenses, next generation CMOS imaging sensors with custom electronics, and a high-end image processing pipeline to deliver imagery of unprecedented quality, in terms of detail resolution, clarity and dynamic range. The system is able to collect 1.1 gigapixels every 0.7 seconds. Customers can fly faster, cover more area and see more detail. 

The new and innovative Adaptive Motion Compensation (AMC) method compensates for multi-directional motion inducted image blur and compensates for ground sampling distance variations in oblique images in order to produce imagery of “exceptional vividness and sharpness”.

Two cameras in one housing

Besides a new numbering format, this new generation also introduces several design updates to increase the overall usability and user-friendliness. Amongst others: a reduced camera head extends aircraft options to even smaller planes and an optimized field of view enables easier installation without a camera lifter. Customers now have easier access to the IMU and UltraNav hardware in order to change UltraNav, or any other flight management system, on-site with no additional boresight required after IMU removal.

“With the UltraCam Osprey 4.1 you get two cameras in one housing. The system meets diverse application needs ranging from city mapping to traditional mapping applications from the same flight missions,” said Alexander Wiechert, CEO of Vexcel Imaging. “At the same time, we have increased the nadir footprint significantly to over 20,000 pixels across the flight strip to create the flight collection efficiency typically gained only by large-format camera systems.”

Commercial availability of the UltraCam Osprey 4.1 is scheduled for early 2021.