Bluesky International’s EAGLE project reaches halfway mark
A major research project aimed at helping Europe reach ambitious renewable energy targets is halfway to its goal due, in part, to the technical lead provided by Leicestershire, U.K.-based Bluesky International Limited, a specialist in aerial imaging and remote sensing data collection and processing.
The €2.4 million (US$3 million) research project kicked off in 2011 with Bluesky initially focusing on collecting geographic data using aerial photography and LIDAR to provide information on the suitability of property for renewable energy generation.
The second element of the project is now underway as Bluesky is busy processing the collected data to develop the web portal and interface, dubbed EAGLE.
“By utilizing a wide spectrum of geographic data, including 3D imaging such as LIDAR as well as more traditional aerial photographs, address and cadastre data, we will have created a solution that can work to a much higher level of detail and accuracy than other automated systems coming to market,” said Bluesky Director James Eddy.
EAGLE is an online renewable energy rating platform – powered by map-based data – aimed at helping thousands of European energy companies, government organizations, and installers take a world lead in the design, manufacture and installation of solar power, wind, hydro and ground source heat technologies.
The concluding stages of the project will address the final elements of system integration and validation before moving into a testing phase.
Bluesky and the other project partners will also be involved in marketing EAGLE to potential users once it is completed in 2014.
Bluesky also runs a national mapping center offering digital mapping, satellite imagery and aerial photography, including ultra-high resolution imagery of cities and towns.
In fact, the company is also developing the United Kingdom’s first nationwide map of solar potential, citywide “heat loss” maps, 3D maps of trees and their proximity to buildings and historical imagery.
