Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA has visited Newtownards Airfield to view the aircraft used by Land and Property Services (LPS) to capture aerial imagery.

The imagery is used to maintain and update the detailed Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland (OSNI) map database and create 3D digital terrain models.

The Minister said: “I am delighted to see at first hand the aircraft used and cutting edge technology responsible for producing such detailed and accurate maps that we see in everyday use throughout Government and the public sector.”

The aircraft, which is a twin-engined PA31 Piper Chieftain carries an Ultracam large format digital camera which not only captures normal aerial imagery, but also near infra red imagery, which can be used within the agricultural and environmental sectors. The aircraft is leased from, operated, and piloted by Woodgate Aviation and crewed by two LPS Mapping staff.

The Minister continued: “This impressive technology ensures the whole of Northern Ireland is photographed every two years and this photography is used by LPS Mapping Directorate to update the detailed Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland (OSNI) map database and to create 3D digital terrain models.

“These maps are used widely throughout government and the private sector - for updating agricultural maps used by farmers; managing our utilities; and helping to plan the delivery of our public services.”

The photography is normally captured at a height of 5,000ft above ground level and the opportunities to take photographs are weather dependant. Flights can only take place on clear, cloudless days, during the flying season which runs from March to October.

Pictured: Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA pictured infront of the LPS aircraft which captures aerial imagery, used to maintain and update OSNI's map database.