Blom Captures Aerial Imagery in Greenland

Despite challenging conditions, images of three towns in Greenland have been successfully captured as part of a photographic aerial survey project by European survey specialist Blom. The photographic survey was commissioned by NIRAS, an international multidisciplinary consultancy company, and will be used to update urban mapping within the region.

Taking advantage of a rare break in the usually unfavourable regional weather conditions, Blom quickly deployed its GB-WLF aircraft and Vexcel UltraCam XP digital survey grade camera to Kangerlussuaq.

Laurids Rolighed Larsen, expertise director for NIRAS, said that aerial photography in Greenland is very challenging in terms of weather, terrain and distances between airports. NIRAS is very pleased with the performance from Blom, having mobilised promptly when the weather was suitable for capture of aerial photography.

Whilst Blom was capturing 10cm resolution aerial photography over Sisimiut, Ilulissat and Nuuk, an additional request from NIRAS came in, including damage caused by flooding to a road bridge in Kangerlussuuaq.

Andy Fleetwood, business development executive at Blom UK, stated that whilst its survey crew was in Greenland, a late request from NIRAS came in to the office in Cheddar requesting imagery capture of a small area at Telegrafoen Island. This was promptly planned, agreed with the client and air ops were given the go ahead. Additionally, some high river water had caused severe damage to a road bridge at Kangerlussuaq. Further flight plans were drawn up and some excellent imagery of the bridge was captured.

Blom has now processed and delivered the aerial photography to NIRAS and the urban mapping update is due to begin imminently.