CycloMedia
Private limited company | |
Industry | Geographic information systems |
Founded | 1980 |
Headquarters | Zaltbommel, Netherlands |
Key people | Frank Pauli (CEO) |
Products | Mobile Mapping (Cycloramas) |
Website | www.cyclomedia.com |
CycloMedia is a Dutch company specialised in the large-scale and systematic visualisation of environments based on 360° panoramic photographs. Using specialized technology, large public areas are photographed and stored in an online database. The images are captured from public roads at street level, using a car to carry the camera system.
The high resolution spherical panoramas are geometrically correct and thus allow the user to perform photogrammetric 3D measurements and use the imagery for 3D modelling and texture mapping. The panoramic photographs have been used for the construction of virtual environments, indoors as well as outdoors in the form of 3D city models. Furthermore, the imagery has been used for the quality control of large-scale maps.
History
1980 - 1990
The idea of 360° panoramic photography initially started at the Technical University of Delft. The foundation of CycloMedia was laid in 1980. The first research for a camera prototype, the FRANK-system, was carried out that year. In 1986 FRANK was established in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. In 1987 the first prototype of the camera was ready to make black and white recordings.
1991 - 2000
At the end of 1991 the development of a digital film scanner and computer-controlled measuring system started, that was commercially used a few years later. In 1992 the company moved to Vught. On October the 4th of 1994 the formal introduction of CycloMedia followed. In 1995 the first customer, the municipality of Rotterdam was completely recorded. In 1999 CycloMedia moved to Waardenburg.
2001 - 2004
Hereafter the era comes of digital full colour photography. Late nineties the development of a new, digital system starts. This system, the Digital Cyclorama Recorder (DCR) 2, is taken in use as from 2001.
2005 - 2009
In July 2005 CycloMedia takes a new production system DCR 3 in use. Moreover there is a portable system as a result of which it is possible to make recordings at locations that a car cannot reach. In 2006 the company again started to build a photo database of the Netherlands. Furthermore new developments in the field of camera technology (DCR 7, to make recordings while driving) started and also the developments around 3D are progressing. In 2009 CycloMedia started with Automated traffic sign detection from Cycloramas.
2010
Mass roll-out of GlobeSpotter® web based viewer (SaaS).
2011- 2012
In 2011 the company takes 9th generation digital recording system (DCR9) in use including additional PIP cameras for capturing high resolution Cycloramas. Furthermore CycloMedia starts with 3D point cloud and textured mesh processing and capturing of Cyclorama in the Nordics, Germany and other parts in Europe. In 2012 the company starts capturing Cycloramas in the USA.
2013 - the present
Addition of nationwide oblique imagery (NederlandObliek) with full functional integration in GlobeSpotter®. In May 2013 the company moved to Zaltbommel. Furthermore the company strengthened management and reinvigorated corporate focus.
See also
- Google Maps
- Google Earth
- Immersive Media
- Eye2eye Software
- MapJack
- Location View
- EveryScape
- Bing Maps
External links
- CycloMedia
- OTN Article on CycloMedia: Authorizing Access to Dynamic Spatial-Temporal Data
- ACM Article on CycloMedia: Interactive navigation services through value-added CycloMedia panoramic images
- GIM International Article on CycloMedia: Small Company, Big Ambitions
- GeoConnection Article on CycloMedia: CycloMedia appoints new CTO and CSO