Technology Innovation Award for UltraCam L/Lp

Microsoft Corporation's UltraCam L/Lp digital aerial camera was selected winner of the Technology Innovation category in the 4th Annual MAPPS Geospatial Products and Services Excellence Awards competition. The award was presented on GIS Day, 17th November, in Kissimmee, Florida, at the MAPPS Fall Policy Conference.

In its application, Microsoft noted that the UltraCamL and its successor the UltraCamLp combine the best elements of both medium- and large-format cameras in order to set a new price/performance standard for photogrammetric imaging operations. The camera system reflects innovation in areas of hardware, electronics and software, developed in response to customer feedback, and offers a revolutionary package that is lighter, more compact, more flexible, and more affordable to smaller mapping organisations.

A panel of independent judges evaluated projects submitted by MAPPS members for the awards program. The panel chairman was Robert Burtch PS, CP, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan; joining him were Christine Grahl, editor for POB Magazine, Troy, Michigan; Pamela Lawhead, associate professor at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi; Leonard Gilroy, AICP, director of government reform at Reason Foundation, Los Angeles, CA; and Donn Dears, president of TSAugust.org, a nonprofit think tank conducting research on energy and economic issues, in Geneva, Illinois.

The UltraCamL/Lp enables smaller companies to use a fully-digital approach to mapping without compromising photogrammetric accuracy or quality and without a million dollar investment. The UltraCamL/Lp now bridges the gap between traditional medium-format imaging sensors and large-format photogrammetric sensors and creates a new class of digital aerial camera which can be used for mapping projects of all sizes by local mapping companies.

The importance and impact of the UltraCamL/Lp is best demonstrated by the reaction of the marketplace. Since May 2009, 16 UltraCamL/Lp cameras have been sold and delivered worldwide, and sales are now accelerating. New operators of the UltraCamL/Lp have reported excellent project results and are highly satisfied with the camera quality, operations, reliability and also with the image quality.
"MAPPS member firms have once again demonstrated the professionalism, innovation and societal benefit that the private geospatial community provides to enhance our quality of life," said MAPPS Executive Director John Palatiello. "On a daily basis, MAPPS member firms are providing quality services, data and technology products. The Excellence Awards highlight these achievements and the professionalism MAPPS members strive to provide."

"We are honored to receive this award," said Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. "I am proud of the Vexcel Imaging team that developed the UltraCamL and Lp camera to help smaller companies successfully transition from film to digital operations."