Aircraft Gathering Nighttime Geodata in Berlin, Loud Noises Anticipated
Berlin is set to be the next city in Germany to be digitally mapped as part of the country's ambitious Digital Twin project. The initiative, led by the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), aims to create a 3D digital model of Germany for urban planning, traffic management, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness.
The survey of Berlin will be conducted by the contracted company BSF Swissphoto, using a small aircraft equipped with a high-performance laser for data collection. The aircraft will fly at a low altitude of 1,500 to 800 meters, and clear skies are required for optimal data collection during the survey.
The technology used for the survey is already in use elsewhere in Germany, such as for inventorying tree canopies and flight obstacles. From countless points, a three-dimensional "point cloud" is created. The creation of these high-resolution images is achieved by a scanner on the aircraft sending out pulses of light that are reflected by the object and then recorded.
With favorable conditions, the current part of the Digital Twin could be finished by the end of the year. Nearly three-quarters of the required measurement flights for the Digital Twin have been completed. Regular repeat flights are planned to capture changes in the Digital Twin.
The Digital Twin can also be used to simulate heavy rain to identify at-risk areas. This feature could prove invaluable for disaster preparedness and response.
The digital 3D model of Germany, when completed, could aid in addressing socially relevant issues such as climate change adaptation measures. A demonstration project for the federal agency in the Hamburg metropolitan area produced aerial images with a ground resolution of 22 centimeters.
Professor Paul Becker, the president of BKG who is leading the project to digitize Germany, has been serving as president since April 1, 2019. The survey of Berlin is scheduled to start on Friday and will continue for several nights.
The survey of Berlin is a significant step towards the completion of the Digital Twin of Germany. Once completed, the Digital Twin will provide valuable insights and tools for various sectors, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for the country.
