Oblique Imagery
MultivisionUSA
The Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works (EOTPW) has officially approved the selection of Greenman Pedersen Incorporated (GPI) as Massachusetts' oblique imagery vendor. MultivisionUSA, a subsidiary of GPI, will be providing the image capture, processing, and delivery, as well as the training and technical support. With the spring 2007 weather not conducive to image capture, EOTPW will be working with Multivision to schedule an image capture plan starting late fall 2007 and ending spring 2008. EOTPW is finalizing plans to state fund the capture of nine-inch resolution 4-way imagery (all four directions) covering the entire state. In addition, a nine-inch resolution nadir (similar to an ortho, but not as accurate) image will also be provided.
These new images will be owned by Massachusetts with no distribution restrictions. A software package developed by Multivision will be included for viewing and measuring and will only be licensed for Massachusetts agencies. Multivision will work with MassGIS to deploy a web-based oblique viewer program that will provide unrestricted access to the new imagery, including measuring capabilities. The same web-based application is available to those who wish to set-up an intraway within their office to view and measure the images rather than loading the viewer software on each PC.
EOTPW will also be looking into having Multivision provide 4-inch resolution 4-way imagery for spring 2008, but will need to work with all interested agencies to determine total funding amounts available for next spring. If your community wishes to start budgeting for next spring's four-inch flight, the unit cost will likely range between $300 and $350/square mile. The four-inch resolution imagery will be a cooperative funded effort from all those interested, including the homeland security regions, municipalities, other state agencies, etc.
Pictometry
Pictometry images and software are still available to CMRPC member communities. CMRPC is the licensed distributor for Pictometry imagery (aerial photography) and software for the CMRPC member communities.
Pictometry Images and Software are Available (20kb)
Pictometry License Guidelines (22kb)
MASSHIGHWAY LICENSE with PICTOMETRY
Pictometry software and imagery are free to communities. MassHighway has purchased a dual license which provides Pictometry software and imagery to MassHighway as well as regional planning agencies, state agencies, cities, towns, or villages of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The license lasts for two years from the date of the final deliverable product to MassHighway. MassHighway has the option to renew after the conclusion of the first two years for an additional two years, up to a maximum of six years under the current license and price agreement with Pictometry. Communities can receive high resolution, digital oblique imagery at different scales and directions in either 2-way (i.e. north and south) community small-scale images (farther from ground) or 2-way neighborhood large-scale images (closer to ground).
CMRPC will provide Pictometry software, accompanying documentation, and imagery to member communities. Additionally, MassHighway has agreed to provide training for this technology through September 30, 2007. There will be slide presentations in an auditorium-style environment where potential users can learn the software. However, hands-on training in not available to a member community user unless a community purchases a service agreement with CMRPC.