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IGN uses three UCE M3 for regular French state aerial survey production

Blog , Customer Stories
26 August 2021
IGN's UltraCam Eagle M3

National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information (IGN)

FRANCE

IGN, the “Institut National de l’Information Géographique et Forestière” (National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information) acquired, in total, three UltraCam systems in 2019 and 2020, taking aerial surveying in France to the next level.

IGN is a French public administrative establishment placed under the joint authority of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Ministry of Agriculture. The company's missions are: IGN wants to ensure the availability of location-based data, including sovereign data for the state, and is the driving force to promote the appropriation and use of geographical data. Additionally, IGN wants to maintain a high level of competence in the field of geographic information.

IGN's UltraCam Eagle M3

National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information (IGN)

FRANCE

IGN, the “Institut National de l’Information Géographique et Forestière” (National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information) acquired, in total, three UltraCam systems in 2019 and 2020, taking aerial surveying in France to the next level.

IGN is a French public administrative establishment placed under the joint authority of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Ministry of Agriculture. The company's missions are: IGN wants to ensure the availability of location-based data, including sovereign data for the state, and is the driving force to promote the appropriation and use of geographical data. Additionally, IGN wants to maintain a high level of competence in the field of geographic information.

Image

“The UltraCam Eagle systems enabled us to significantly improve the productivity of the national program for high-resolution image acquisition. Compared to previous systems, flight time has been reduced by 50% which allowed significant resources to be allocated to new national programs (PCRS and HD lidar acquisition). Our operating team values the efficiency and easy handling of the UltraCam Eagle M3!”

LAURENT CUNIN

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Why three UltraCam sensors?


In 2018, IGN decided to replace their existing UltraCam Xp with a new UltraCam system. As three aircraft were to be equipped, IGN was looking for three new large-format aerial camera systems. A key consideration for IGN was the technical specifications of the camera, but also high flight efficiency, easy handling, outstanding service quality and finally, a fair price. "Vexcel Imaging was able to meet all criteria and therefore our decision rested on the UltraCam Eagle M3", told us Laurent Cunin, Head of Imaging and Aeronautics Department at IGN. 

This large-format camera system comes with an ultra-large footprint of 450 Megapixels, captures 1 frame per 1.5 seconds and offers the option of four focal lengths. IGN opted for the f120, which perfectly fits their types of application (BDOrtho®, PCRS). With the Eagle M3, IGN can capture more data in less time to complete missions in fewer flight lines and could therefore increase their productivity. Additionally, pilots and operators appreciate the easy handling of the cameras and convenient installation in the aircraft.

Aircraft of IGN

Why three UltraCam sensors?


In 2018, IGN decided to replace their existing UltraCam Xp with a new UltraCam system. As three aircraft were to be equipped, IGN was looking for three new large-format aerial camera systems. A key consideration for IGN was the technical specifications of the camera, but also high flight efficiency, easy handling, outstanding service quality and finally, a fair price. "Vexcel Imaging was able to meet all criteria and therefore our decision rested on the UltraCam Eagle M3", told us Laurent Cunin, Head of Imaging and Aeronautics Department at IGN. 

This large-format camera system comes with an ultra-large footprint of 450 Megapixels, captures 1 frame per 1.5 seconds and offers the option of four focal lengths. IGN opted for the f120, which perfectly fits their types of application (BDOrtho®, PCRS). With the Eagle M3, IGN can capture more data in less time to complete missions in fewer flight lines and could therefore increase their productivity. Additionally, pilots and operators appreciate the easy handling of the cameras and convenient installation in the aircraft.

Aircraft of IGN

Current survey projects


IGN currently works on a project called “Plan de corps de Rue Simplifié (PCRS)” (Simplified Street Body Plan), for which IGN captured 62,300 images in the French department “Charente Maritimes” (6,900km²) during a 60-hour flight and an altitude of 5,000 ft QNH (pixel 5cm). With these PCRS, 'sensitive buried networks' can be precisely located to limit the number of accidents that can occur during road-work.

Another aerial survey project is the national coverage program. With their new UltraCam Eagle camera systems, IGN can capture an average of 34 departments—which corresponds to an area of about 200,000km²—per year! So, the French territory is entirely covered every three years. These aerial images are mainly used by the Ministry of Agriculture within the framework of the European Common Agricultural Policy (PAC).

UCE M3 installed in the aircraft
UCE M3 installed in the aircraft

After-sales service


IGN always feels safe and supported when it comes to after-sales service. Gabrielle Roy, Head of Operations Department at IGN, is very satisfied with Vexcel Imaging customer support: "Whenever an issue occurs, we receive timely support and quick trouble shooting."

IGN has the three cameras covered by a maintenance contract, providing their team with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that in the event of a system issue, they will receive prompt assistance at short notice and at no additional costs.

Current survey projects


IGN currently works on a project called “Plan de corps de Rue Simplifié (PCRS)” (Simplified Street Body Plan), for which IGN captured 62,300 images in the French department “Charente Maritimes” (6,900km²) during a 60-hour flight and an altitude of 5,000 ft QNH (pixel 5cm). With these PCRS, 'sensitive buried networks' can be precisely located to limit the number of accidents that can occur during road-work.

Another aerial survey project is the national coverage program. With their new UltraCam Eagle camera systems, IGN can capture an average of 34 departments—which corresponds to an area of about 200,000km²—per year! So, the French territory is entirely covered every three years. These aerial images are mainly used by the Ministry of Agriculture within the framework of the European Common Agricultural Policy (PAC).

UCE M3 installed in the aircraft
UCE M3 installed in the aircraft

After-sales service


IGN always feels safe and supported when it comes to after-sales service. Gabrielle Roy, Head of Operations Department at IGN, is very satisfied with Vexcel Imaging customer support: "Whenever an issue occurs, we receive timely support and quick trouble shooting."

IGN has the three cameras covered by a maintenance contract, providing their team with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that in the event of a system issue, they will receive prompt assistance at short notice and at no additional costs.

About IGN: 

IGN (the National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information) was founded in 1940 and is the reference public operator for geographic and forest information in France. Today, IGN employs 1,517 people and is headquartered in Saint-Mandé in France. The institute’s mission is to produce, present and disseminate sovereign geographic and forestry data essential for the implementation of public policies, such as environment, spatial planning, sustainable cities, risk prevention, agriculture and military.

Learn more about IGN at https://www.ign.fr/.

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