Aerial mapping company Bluesky is working with FATMAP to create ultra-high-resolution 3D mobile maps of the world’s major ski resorts and other popular outdoor pursuit destinations.

 Bluesky recently completed a pilot project for FATMAP, capturing aerial photography and generating detailed height models in order to create a highly-detailed 3D map of the Big Sky Ski Resort in Montana. FATMAP is now planning to roll out its smart maps to all major European and American ski resorts. Working with Bluesky, FATMAP also plans to launch a new range of summer products for hikers, trail runners and bikers. 

“Most maps of the outdoors, especially those covering ski resorts, do not convey reality. They are too ‘flat’ and abstract, and for many people can be quite difficult to understand. Our goal is to provide the best outdoors maps for planning, enjoying and sharing adventures,” says Misha Gopaul, co-founder and CEO of FATMAP and member of the Team GB Ski Mountaineering. “We do this by showing people the world as it is, in real life.”

FATMAP launched its first mobile 3D ski map in 2014, and has since gone on to map major resorts across Europe and North America. The mobile (m)apps, downloadable from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, can be used by both piste skiers and free riders alike. By combining GPS-enabled navigation with detailed 3D maps, users can locate themselves in often complex terrains, plan their day’s activities, track their progress and meet with friends. 3D fly-throughs help skiers experience the slopes before heading out, and contextual data such as weather, season and resort facilities further enhance the user experience.

“We were introduced to Bluesky as an innovator and market leader in the aerial survey world,” Gopaul says. “We already knew that aerial photography would provide better quality imagery, as well as more accurate height data. However, the partnership with Bluesky has allowed us to benefit from these enhancements whilst also lowering our production costs. This has enabled us to scale our expansion and launch to market new products much faster than previously.”

About Bluesky

Bluesky is a U.K.-based specialist in aerial surveys, including aerial photography, LiDAR and thermal data using the latest survey technology, including two UltraCam Eagles and an Orion M300 LiDAR system. An internationally recognized leader with projects extending around the globe, Bluesky works with prestigious organizations such as Google, the BBC and government agencies. 

About FATMAP

FATMAP is a U.K.-based start-up, using cutting-edge gaming technology to revolutionize handheld digital mapping for outdoor activities. FATMAP builds detailed 3D outdoor mobile maps. The company creates 3D models of mountainous areas, which can serve as a useful vehicle for delivering area, expert and sport-specific data with every piece of information being geo-referenced, context-specific, and created and updated by a community of experts.