DigitalGlobe, AEgis Supply NBC with 3D Models of Olympic Venues

DigitalGlobe, using their 0.6 meter satellite imagery and AEgis Technologies, using both COTS and propriety software, have supplied 3D models of Olympic venues to NBC TV. The models are being used during broadcasts of the Olympics. According to both companies, the project was originally developed for the NGA to support the security efforts of the U.S. athletes. However, Chuck Herring of DigitalGlobe said it was a fantastic opportunity to display, in a more public forum, the work that sometimes unreported due to the sensitivity of most of their government projects. DigitalGlobe supplied a mosaic of a large area in Beijing to AEgis that then combined the imagery with their simulation software and using recent photos of the venues, were able to produce highly accurate 3D building models. NBC does not have some of the more detailed 3D models that are being used by the NGA. DigitalGlobe and AEgis have set up a separate website with models that will be used by NBC. More later next week when I have an opportunity to visit AEgis for a deeper dive into their technology.