What is Oblique Imagery?

Oblique imagery is aerial photography that is captured at approximately a 45 degree angle with the ground.  The angle which is inherent to oblique imagery allows viewers to see and measure not only the top of objects but the sides as well. Oblique Imagery more closely resembles how people normally view their landscape compared to traditional orthagonal (straight down) imagery.

Oblique photo	Oblique photo with measurments	3D model created from oblique photos

When Was the Johnson County Oblique Imagery Flown?

The 2006 oblique imagery was the first ever collection of oblique imagery for Johnson County, it was flown in cooperation with MARC in the early part of April 2006 in attempt to capture with "leaf off" conditions.  Due to an equipment failure during image capture the western 1/3 of the county was re-flown in June of 2006.

How Can I use Oblique Imagery?

There are two ways to use the Johnson County Oblique imagery: one is a desktop application, known as MultiVision, and the second is the AIMS Oblique Imagery Viewer, a web applicaiton integerated with the Johnson County Online Mapping website.

Desktop Access: MultiVision, a product of Aerial Cartographicis America, Inc. is a multi-perspective on-screen viewing and measuring application that combines oblique and orthogonal aerial images into a single system. The software allows users to view and measure objects vertically as well as horizontally, seamlessly integrate GIS data, and create 3D building models. To learn more about Multivision click here.

Web Access: The AIMS Oblique Viewer is a web application which allows users to view the oblique photography across the internet without the need to store imagery or install any applications. Accessing the Oblique Viewer is as easy as following these four steps: Log in to your myAIMS account and open the Online Mapping applicaiton Zoom to an area of interest at a scale of approximately one-half mile or less Select "Zoom to Alternate Map" from the Advanced Features drop-down menu Choose "AIMS Oblique Viewer from the list of alternate mapping options In the viewer, you will be able to change perspective of the image, using the four directional thumbnails on the left. You also have the options to zoom in and out, using the buttons at the top or the scroll wheel on your mouse, drag to re-center, and print the central image with notes.

Johnson County Oblique Imagery Specifications

Metro Oblique Coverage Map The Johnson County Oblique dataset is approximately 280 gigabytes of georeferenced oblique images. The Imagery was captured at approximately 1500 feet above ground level and covers all points in the county, from all four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west facing images for all points in the county), there was a minimum of 78 images captured per square mile. The output resolution for the 2006 oblique imagery is 4 inches per pixel.

What Types of Applications is Oblique Imagery Used For?

There are many uses for oblique imagery. It can be a vital tool for any situation where you would like to view and measure all sides of an object.  Although the possiblities are endless, oblique imagery is commonly used in emergencey management, community planning, and property assessment situations.

3D Modeling With Multivison

3D Models are an excellent way to experience spatial data, they give users the abilty to view objects from multiple perspectives and help them better understand what they are looking at. Though the use of MultiVision and AIMS oblique photogarphy the creation of life-like models which can be used in many of today's 3D applications is easier than ever. Click here to view or download a 3D model of downtown Olathe created using MultiVision and the 2006 oblique photography. If you have MultiVision and would like to learn more about creating 3D Models which can be used in Google Earth and other 3D modeling applications please check out our how to document:Creating 3D Models and Exporting Them To KML Using MultiVision, or call the Mapper of the Day at 913-715-1600.