Graz, Austria - March 16, 2010 - Blom CGR SpA has contracted with Vexcel Imaging GmbH, a Microsoftr company, to upgrade two UltraCamD aerial cameras to UltraCamXp camera systems. The UltraCamXp was released in 2008 with an enlarged footprint and enhanced storage capabilities.

"We feel the time is right to upgrade our existing digital aerial cameras to meet the growing demand in the Italian marketplace," said Mr. Luigi Lingesso, Operations General Manager of Blom CGR. "Due to the large footprint of the UltraCamXp, we will be able to collect more data faster and at lower cost than with competing aerial cameras."

Photogrammetric and remote sensing applications for imagery collected by the UltraCamXp include large-scale engineering mapping, high-resolution (true) orthophoto production, multi-ray photogrammetry, feature extraction and classification.

"Vexcel Imaging encourages customers to leverage existing investments in flight mounts, flight environments, and previously purchased UltraCam systems," said Alexander Wiechert, Business Director of Microsoft and Managing Director for Vexcel Imaging GmbH. "We like our customers to have access to the most up-to-date technology and equipment to stay competitive in the marketplace."

About the UltraCamXp
The UltraCamXp large format digital aerial camera benefits from an enlarged footprint of 196 megapixels and a pixel size of 6 micrometers. The resolution ratio of 1:3 between pan and color bands allows for the production of high-resolution pan-sharpened products.

The UltraCamXp makes use of the same data flow concept introduced with the UltraCamX and provides even more in-flight storage capacity. The low-cost, exchangeable on-board storage devices hold up to 6,600 images each-approximately 4.2 TB of data. The vast storage capability allows for more efficient data collection as a result of uninterrupted image collection and minimal ground time.

About Vexcel Imaging, GmbH
Acquired by Microsoft Corporation in May 2006, Vexcel Imaging GmbH brings 20 years of photogrammetry expertise to Microsoft's Bing Maps business unit and is at the heart of the burgeoning Microsoft Photogrammetry business. The company's offerings include its series of UltraCam digital aerial mapping cameras and related software tools such as the UltraMap 2.0 workflow software.

About Blom CGR SpA
Based in Parma, Italy, Blom CGR SpA has successfully provided remote sensing services since being founded in 1969 as Compagnia Generale Ripreseaeree. In 2005, CGR was purchased by the Blom Group and now benefits from being part of an international organization that operates in 13 different countries with over 1,200 employees. Blom CGR operates a fleet of ten aircraft and offers comprehensive aerial surveying, mapping and GIS services. Blom CGR employs 150 highly experienced engineers who are specially trained in various applications. The company also provides its unique geoserver, BlomURBEX, which offers streaming of oblique aerial images and 3D models of more than 1,000 cities in Europe, ready for download to mobile phones, car navigators and other personal navigation devices with GPS. 

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