Where can you find free UK aerial image?

[Xiangwei_Fan]

There is a free GIS website in US, however, in UK where can we find free aerial image and free existing roads data?  Any recommendations? 

[neilyj666]

Don't think there is any such thing in the UK as a free aerial image...:(

[Xiangwei_Fan]

Thanks neilyj, so how do you work on infraworks? Do you do it without an aerial image or use a paid one?

[neilyj666 · Accepted solution]

I just buy the relevant aerial imagery (25cm resolution) as I need it as well as the corresponding 5m DTM- for example I recently bought 11.49Km² of 25cm aerial imagery for £217 excl VAT and the same area 5m DTM for £115 excl VAT

[CartoConsult]

If you have google earth pro you can export an image, drop it into GIS software and then georeference based on control points from vector data. Personally I would just purchase the real thing and get some good quality accurate data.

[neilyj666]

or even if you don't have GE pro.....but I couldn't possible suggest that method...:)

I've found that it's far better to buy the real thing as the quality is usually pretty good e.g. most of UK is available at 25cm per pixel resolution with other areas at 12.5cm (in my experience 25cm produces satisfactory results)

[CartoConsult]

With you all the way!

Tim Hughes
CartoConsult
email: tim.hughes@cartoconsult.co.uk
twitter: @CartoConsult
tel: 07764 759064
cartoconsult.co.uk