The Aerial BCP project aims at developping a camera for photogrammetry and aerial survey, with the highest resolution (720Mpixels during the project, and 1Gpixel by 2021).Other large format cameras are limited to 250Mpixels and their design, due to optics and mechanical constraints, and cannot allow a better resolution. A resolution above 720Mpixel will open up the market of photogrammetry and aerial survey, since flight time is reduced by 2 and data acquisition costs is cut by 4. Planes flying over cities for photos before building construction will not need anymore any autorisation, delaying missions by several months sometimes. Images for Google maps, construction sites and other needs will be more frequent, refreshed more frequently. Flights over large areas will be facilitated for mapping and surveillance.
The project aims at developing the camera, test, characterisation and production means for Resolve Optics to supply specifically designed 185mm lenses, and IMAO the camera itself (electronics, body, sensors). The combination of Resolve Optics and IMAO's expertises is necessary to maximise the coherence between lenses and sensors, as it is the key of the design of our camera.
The project will therefore result in two B72 cameras (720Mpixels), fully functionnal, which will be tested on field. Photos and data acquisition will be promoted worldwide. Besides, Resove will acquire the capacitiy to deliver over 40 lenses a year, and IMAO will be able to manufacture 10 cameras a year at least in specifically designed premises (clean room, automatic characterisation means…). IMAO will therefore be able to produce 1Gpixel cameras, through suitable sensors.
