Optech, the world leader in the development, manufacture and support of advanced lidar and camera survey instruments, is pleased to announce that the Optech CS-15000 aerial digital camera has won the Geospatial Technology Innovation Award in Photogrammetry 2012. Presented on April 24 in Amsterdam, the award recognizes exemplary innovation in the global geospatial industry. Candidates for the award were selected through a preset evaluation process and judged by an international panel of experts.

The Optech CS-15000 was selected for the Innovation Award in Photogrammetry because it is the first large-format camera to include a patented field-replaceable shutter, interchangeable lenses and true FMC (Forward Motion Compensation) technology. The Optech CS-15000 introduces many new design features while significantly enhancing the original true FMC technology. With a large footprint of 15,000 pixels across by 10,000 pixels along the flight line and a precision sensor, it provides the best of both worlds: large area coverage with extraordinary image quality. The superior image data, upgradeability and minimized downtime will ensure maximum aerial mapping business profitability.

"The Optech CS-15000 is a revolutionary new sensor product, born from the collaborative efforts of remote sensing technology, electronics and photogrammetry experts in our US, EU and Canadian offices," said Max Elbaz, President of Optech, Inc. "The Optech CS-15000 has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the airborne survey and mapping markets, and also to provide an effective replacement for film-based aerial cameras. The large ground coverage and next-generation motion compensation technology will maximize the value of our customers’ investment."