High-resolution aerial photography from Bluesky is helping Darlington Borough Council to locate and identify previously undeveloped land parcels, producing maps for acquisitions and disposals, right-to-buy and tenancy agreements, way leaves and easements. Used in combination with GPS surveying, the Bluesky photomaps provide comprehensive ground detail, are up to date and accurately match the council’s Ordnance Survey mapping.
Ross Harwood, estates technician, Darlington Borough Council, said, “For the past few years, Darlington has been a hive of building activity, and we realised that our previous aerial photography was no longer accurate due to substantial changes in the built environment. Recommended by fellow local authority technicians and buoyed by the fact that central government uses the same data, we engaged Bluesky to secure up to date coverage.”
The council currently uses the Bluesky data to map out proposed developments, including land ownership and potential constraints, such as conservation areas and Civil Aviation restrictions. The data also helps identify underground features, evidenced by earthworks or ground disturbance, and grid locations can be extrapolated from a variety of other sources, including Highways Agency data, architects’ plans and the Land Registry.
Harwood said, “The Bluesky data allows us to produce and share the exact location and extent of proposed development sites and demonstrate how the area will change and progress over time. These visuals really help our engagement with project partners and council members, providing a realistic view and not just a simplified map coverage.”
