The first step in being able to generate accurate maps and 3D models involves acquiring photographs of geographic areas. This can be done via satellite or aircraft.

Satellite acquisition is commonly used when low-resolution imagery is all that is required. Satellites, however, are often hampered by atmospheric conditions that obscure the ground such as adverse weather conditions, cloud cover, and pollution haze.

Also many satellites are in geostationary orbits and cannot be repositioned for specific projects.

Aircraft based image acquisition has much greater flexibility. First Base Solutions owns and operates a Cessna 414 aircraft equipped with an 86-megapixel Vexcel UltraCAM-D digital camera.

At 1,000 meters the camera can capture and display details as small as 10 centimeters including roof shingles, lines in parking lots and cracks in pavement.

At 1,500 meters, objects as small as 15 centimeters are visible. That includes road lines, lane markers and breaks in sidewalks.

At 2,000 meters, objects as small as 20 centimeters are visible. That includes garden planters, and shrubs.

And at 3,000 meters, any object larger than 30 centimeters can be captured.