The imagery allows instant site analysis from the desktop, saving the time and cost of sending out a helicopter to look at incident areas.
Unlike a conventional map, the aerial photography makes it possible to see what is actually on the ground. The standard resolution of rendered images means that the smallest visible objects will be approximately 25 cm across – providing enough detail for accident analysis, command and control, event planning and emergencies (such as incidents involving firearms). The imagery is viewed as a layer through standard GIS software and used in conjunction with Ordnance Survey digital maps.
“We can now carry out line of site and cover analysis, and even produce a printout for the Scene Commander,” said Marc Jones, senior technical support officer in Dyfed-Powys Police’s IT section.
Dyfed-Powys Police is the largest force (by area) in England and Wales. Covering over 11,000 square kilometres, the area extends across Carmerthernshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.
