How Espoo builds its 3D city model with UltraCam Osprey imagery
15 January 2026
The City of Espoo, Finland, operates one of Europe’s most advanced open 3D city models. Built mainly from aerial imagery captured with Vexcel UltraCam Osprey systems, the model supports planning, visualization, asset management, and numerous public and commercial uses. The dataset is openly available and regularly updated for long-term reliability.
Espoo needed a highly accurate, photorealistic 3D model that would integrate smoothly into existing GIS workflows, serve both experts and citizens, and remain maintainable at consistent quality for years. To meet this, the city worked with service providers who, since 2017, captured imagery using UltraCam Osprey sensors. This high-resolution nadir and oblique imagery has been essential for detailed roof geometry, building analysis, and photorealistic texturing. The city’s production cycles reflect continuous improvements while maintaining sensor consistency: the first textured model in 2017 (10 cm GSD), a major update in 2021 (5 cm GSD), and the latest update in 2024 (5 cm GSD). This continuity ensures stable geometry, predictable processing, and reliable year-to-year data quality.
How UltraCam imagery powers Espoo’s 3D model
- Stereo imagery for roof geometry
Nadir images are used in stereo for base map and roof structure creation. While LiDAR can augment details, UltraCam stereo data is the primary source.
- True orthophotos
Nadir imagery is turned into true orthophotos that function as Espoo’s authoritative GIS base map.
- Texturing of buildings
Oblique and nadir imagery provide sharp, realistic textures for façades and roofs, processed through TerraPhoto (Terrasolid) to ensure clean rectification.
- Textured mesh model
Espoo uses iTwin Capture Modeler (Bentley) to generate an internal textured mesh, complementing its CityGML data for visualization and planning.
- Oblique imagery for daily operations
Oblique images support planning, inspections, infrastructure management, and public communication via an internal GIS-linked viewer.
Trusted by experts and the public alike
- High-quality 3D model at scale
Espoo achieves consistent geometry, photorealistic texturing, and detailed roof vectors suitable for advanced planning and analysis.
- Stable, efficient update cycles
Continuitiy in image quality and capture parameters ensures predictable processing, minimal recalibration, and streamlined updates.
- Broad public and professional value
The open 3D model supports citizens, planners, architects, engineers, utilities, and researchers, increasing transparency and engagement.
Accessing the 3D city model
Online Viewer (Public Map Service)
The model can be viewed directly online.
(Note: Desktop only; mobile 3D support is limited)
Start Viewer
CityGML via WFS Interface
CityGML (LoD3) objects are available through WFS for integration into external software. This allows professionals to directly analyze or integrate the 3D data in their own environments.
Espoo’s use of imagery captured with UltraCam Osprey since 2017 has supported the creation of a consistent, scalable, and highly accurate 3D city model. The result is a photorealistic digital representation that improves planning, supports informed decision-making, and strengthens public transparency.
Inspired by Espoo’s results? Let’s build your 3D success story.
Explore the UltraCam Osprey
