Bluesky International has secured a multi-million-pound contract from the Government’s Geospatial Commission to provide aerial photography services to public sector organizations across Great Britain. This contract, known as Aerial Photography for Great Britain (APGB), also includes the supply of 3D height models and color infrared data. Valued at over £15 million, the contract spans three years with an option to extend for an additional two years.
Under this agreement, Bluesky, based in Leicestershire, will be the exclusive provider of aerial data on a biennial cycle. This ensures that over 4,500 local authorities, emergency services, environmental agencies, and central government departments will have access to the latest aerial imagery and height data at no cost to the end-user. This marks the first time the contract has been awarded to a single supplier, positioning the innovative Ashby-based aerial survey company at the forefront of aerial data provision in Great Britain.
Bluesky’s CEO Rachel Tidmarsh said: “The award of this contract is a great achievement and is testament to the high standards of work we produce and the professionalism of our team. Bluesky celebrated its 20th year just a few months ago, and this contract highlights the importance of the investment and innovation we have carried out over this time.”
Climate change and urban planning
“The APGB contract offers significant benefits to the public sector. We are seeing public organizations use our data to unlock an increasing number of applications,” she added. “This is particularly important as these government organizations strive to meet legislative requirements around biodiversity, climate change and planning.”
As part of the APGB agreement, Bluesky will deliver aerial imagery at a 12.5cm resolution across all of England, Wales, and Scotland. Urban areas will be captured even more precisely, with images taken at an impressive 5cm resolution. Additionally, Bluesky will provide access to its derived datasets, including 2m Digital Surface Models (DSM), 5m Digital Terrain Models, and 50cm Colour Infrared imagery.
APGB members will also have access – free at point of use – to all of Bluesky’s historical imagery. This highly detailed archive dates back to 2000, with historical data having an important role to play in measuring change over the past two decades. It will also help with identifying patterns, to support local authority future planning.
The Geospatial Commission works on behalf of the English, Scottish and Welsh Governments and is part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
