March 26, 2012 -- Getmapping’s complete aerial photographic survey of Scotland will soon be available as a comprehensive set of terrain scenery for the popular Microsoft Flight Simulator, ‘Generation X’ edition. The 3rd volume, Scotland South, created by Horizon Simulations for Playsims Publishing, covers over, 30,000 sq/km and is supplied on 7 DVDs. The 4th volume, due in April, Scotland North, will be followed by the 5th and final release, Scotland Central, which is expected during summer 2012, so completing the entire area of Scotland including the Highlands and Islands.
Together with the existing England & Wales series these remarkable high resolution photographic scenery products provide a seamless graphical representation of VFR(Visual Flight Rules) flight for the entire UK.
The highly detailed aerial photographic scenery (at 60cm/pixel), provides crisp, sharp scenery textures, even at low altitudes and it is draped over a minutely detailed terrain mesh (at better than 5m/pixel), which realistically simulates every lump and bump of the topography in the scenery area, especially important where the landscape is characterised by mountains, valleys, towering cliffs and seascapes.
Modern computing power together with advances in remote sensing, have completely transformed Flight Sim software. The availability of nationwide high resolution aerial photography and elevation data means that armchair pilots get the same magnificent views from their virtual cockpits that pilots enjoy in real flight. The result of course is more than entertainment as real pilots can now rehearse flights and practice their VFR navigation skills over some of the most dramatic, unspoilt landscapes in the UK.
“This new scenery looks absolutely stunning, said Dave Horner, Managing Director of Getmapping. Microsoft Flight Simulator has a large and enthusiastic following and it has evolved into a sophisticated tool for pilots and flight enthusiasts alike. When combined with high quality terrain data, much of which is derived from our own stereo high resolution aerial photography, it really does become possible to practice under Visual Flight Rules and this being Scotland one can always be assured of fair weather!”