Blom Group News Feed

2009-07-17

Blom ASA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOM AWARDED CONTRACT FOR BATHYMETRIC SURVEY OF THE BULGARIAN COASTLINE IN THE BLACK SEA

Blom has been awarded a bathymetric laser scanning (LiDAR) contract by the Center for Underwater Archeology for a survey of the coastline of the Black Sea in Bulgaria. The Center for Underwater Archeology is the public organization in Bulgaria responsible for the protection and preservation of the Bulgarian underwater cultural heritage. The project is established to identify archaeological sites on the Bulgarian coastline to enhance maritime cultural resource preservation and protection and enable further scientific research.

The bathymetric LiDAR scanning survey will be carried out by Blom Bulgaria and Blom Aerofilms, Blom's UK subsidiary. The survey covers app. 100 sq.km of the Bulgarian coastline in the Black Sea. The project will be carried out using Hawkeye technology. The Hawkeye system is a LiDAR instrument for bathymetric surveys, representing one of the leading bathymetric technologies available on the market. Bathymetric surveys are laser scanning of the coastline, both seabed and land.

"The project for the Center for Underwater Archeology represents an important step for the introduction of the Hawkeye technology to the Bulgarian market as it is Blom's first contract in Bulgaria using this kind of application", says Håkon Jacobsen, COO Blom Group. Hawkeye has proven to be successfully used in other European countries, by other Blom subsidiaries, and Blom believes that this project will open for a new market for bathymetric laser scanning in the Black Sea region.

The project is expected to be finalized during forth quarter 2009.

For further information please contact Jan Erik Braathen, CFO Blom ASA, on Email: jan.erik.braathen@blomasa.com or tel. +47 22 13 19 24.

About Center for Underwater Archeology
The Centre for Underwater Archaeology is the official organization in Bulgaria responsible for the protection and preservation of the Bulgarian underwater cultural heritage. The activities of the Centre for Underwater Archaeology are aimed at: investigation, recording and protection of the underwater cultural heritage of Bulgaria (the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, rivers and lakes) by applying multidisciplinary scientific research methods; scientific processing and interpretation of the data and finds acquired as a result of underwater archaeological investigations; activities and consultancy in the field of underwater archaeological research; organization of national and international events in the field of underwater archaeology; organization of exhibitions, promotion of cultural heritage and publishing activities in Bulgaria and abroad; training in the field of underwater archaeology.

2009-07-02

Blom ASA — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOM AWARDED CONTRACT IN GREENLAND

Blom has been awarded a contract by Tele Greenland to digitize and register tele cables in Greenland.

BlomInfo A/S, Blom's subsidiary in Denmark, has signed a contract with Tele Greenland A/S, the governmental tele company in Greenland. The project undertakes digitizing and registration of Tele Greenland's tele cables in Nuuk, the largest city in Greenland.

"Blom is proud that Tele Greenland has chosen The Blom Group as a partner to execute this project, and believe that the main reason for Tele Greenland to chose Blom is based on our unique expertise and significant experiences in this business area", says Kristian Skak-Nielsen, Managing Director BlomInfo A/S.

Currently, the tele cables are recorded in approximately 500 trace- and cable maps. The trace maps contain trace, measurements, junctions and cabinets on the ground, while the cable maps contain the complete cable network schematically. All the existing information in the trace- and cable maps will be digitized and registered. The data is to be considered as a seamless network covering all the maps in the town Nuuk, and will end up as a complete network.

The project was started in June 2009 and is expected to be completed by end of January 2010.

For further information please contact Hakon Jacobsen, COO Blom ASA, at tel: +47 22 13 19 20 or email: hakon.jacobsen@blomasa.com

About Tele Greenland
Tele Greenland A/S is 100% owned by Greenland's Home Government. They have 570 employees, with 372 employees in the tele division and 198 in the post office division. Tele Greenland A/S runs the telecommunication- , IT- and postal services in Greenland and offers tele communications services in Greenland and abroad. The tele infrastructure in Greenland consists of a digital radio connection chain from Nanortalik in south to Uummannaq in north and a satellite connection to ensure coverage to the rest of Greenland. With 22.500 households spread alongside Greenland's coasts and difficult climatic conditions telecommunication is challenging. The latest challenge was to establish a submarine cable system between Island (Landeyarsandur) and Greenland (Qaqortog and Nuuk).
http://www.tele.gl

2009-06-19

Blom ASA — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOM AWAREDED CONTRACT FOR SURVEY IN THE ALGERIAN DESERT

Blom has signed a contract with Italian Saipem for laser scanning and aerial photography of a large area in the Algerian desert. The survey will be executed to provide data for a new oil and gas pipeline project in the area.

Blom CGR, Blom’s Italian subsidiary, has signed a contract with Saipem, the Italian subsidiary of the ENI Group acting worldwide for construction of pipeline for oil and gas. The contract is for a survey of an area in the Algerian desert, close to Hassi Messaoud, and includes laser scanning (LiDAR) and aerial photography.

“We are very excited we have won the contract with Saipem, the largest international contractor within the oil and gas industry”, Giovanni Banchini, CEO Blom CGR, says. “As both Blom and Saipem have good relations with the Algerian Authorities and are active in this part of North Africa, this project could be representing the beginning of a collaborate relationship between Blom and Saipem for further activities in Algeria”, he continues.

The survey will be completed by the end of this quarter. The surveying activities will provide basic topographic data; LiDAR digital surface models (DSM), digital terrain models (DTM) and orthophotos, for a project constructing a new oil and gas pipeline in the area. The new pipeline will connect a new gas station to existing gas stations in the area. These activities are carried out by the Algerian oil and gas company, Sonatrach.

For further information please contact Jan Erik Braathen, CFO of Blom ASA, email: jan.erik.braathen@blomasa.com or tel. +47 22 13 19 24.

About Saipem
The Saipem Group is the largest, most powerful, most international and best balanced turnkey contractor in the oil and gas industry. The organization, while providing many different kinds of services - including specialized services and maintenance, modification and operations - has been rationalized into three global business units: Onshore, Offshore, Drilling. It enjoys a superior competitive position for the provision of EPIC/EPC services to the oil industry both onshore and offshore; with a particular focus on the toughest and most technologically challenging projects - activities in remote areas, deepwater, gas, difficult oil. The new Group is a truly global contractor, with strong local presence in strategic and emerging areas such as West Africa and FSU, Central Asia, Middle East, North Africa and South East Asia. Saipem employs over 30,000 people comprising more than 100 nationalities.
www.saipem.it

2009-06-12

Blom ASA — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOM LAUNCHES NAVIGATION IN OBLIQUE AERIAL IMAGES IN CYPRUS

Blom and Track and Talk Ltd have signed a strategic agreement to launch navigation and tracking solutions with content from Blom of Cyprus. Blom, the leading European company within geographic information, has signed an agreement with Track and Talk, the leading provider of fleet management solutions in Cyprus. The objective is to capture and process aerial oblique imagery of the most important areas of Cyprus, and launch advanced navigation solutions based on the unique oblique imagery from Blom.

“Track and Talk’s strategy for location based services is to cover the gap generated on the island due to the lack of geographical content, offering the best software and a key differentiator content” says Marios Ioannides, Managing Director for Track and Talk LTD.

“Track and Talk has become an important partner for Blom’s navigation strategy in Europe as we are including a new territory to our operations. Moving into a new geographic area is another verification that our unique products and services are in demand throughout Europe” says Håkon Jacobsen, CEO Blom.

Blom’s oblique images and Track and Talk’s navigation solution significantly enhances the user-experience by allowing navigation in detailed oblique aerial images in the most important cities of the Greek-controlled part of Cyprus. The navigation solution is expected to be launched during third quarter 2009.

Having already developed the “number one” tracking service in Cyprus, Track and Talk’s navigation solution will include their own vector data along with Blom’s navigation software and content. The oblique imagery navigation solution will be prepared for running in in-dash units through car manufacturers and for personal navigation devices through local distribution channels.

Furthermore, the agreement grants Track and Talk distribution rights to Blom’s unique content through the online server BlomURBEX®, which allows Track and Talk to provide a unique solution to local enterprises, government and mobile operators. The oblique images are based on Pictometry® technology.

For additional information, please contact Jan Erik Braathen, CFO Blom ASA, at Tel. +47 22 13 19 24 or email: jan.erik.braathen@blomasa.com

About Track and Talk Ltd.
Track and Talk is the leading provider of fleet management solutions in Cyprus. Founded in 2005, Track and Talk works in close cooperation with its customers in the government, car manufacturing, enterprise and mobile industries to enhance service functionality, improve technology design and develop new innovative solutions. Track and Talk’s commitment is to continue working hand-in-hand with its clients, leveraging its competences and core skills to continue the development of innovative telematic solutions. The company headquarter is located in Pafos, Cyprus.
www.trackandtalk.com

2009-05-27

Blom ASA — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOM HAS COMPLETED FIRST FORTY HIGH QUALITY 3D MODELS OF CITIES THROUGHOUT EUROPE

Blom has completed the production of the first 40 high quality 3D models, Blom3D®, of European cities. The Blom3D® models have been delivered to Tele Atlas for integration into navigation; LBS and mapping solutions.

Blom, the leading European company within collection and processing of map information, has completed the production of the first 40 Blom3D®s of European cities. Tele Atlas, the leading global provider of digital maps and dynamic content for navigation and location based solutions, has already announced that they have launched the photorealistic buildings and blocks created by Blom, as part of their navigation solutions. Their solution, named Advanced City Models, will enhance the user-experience of any navigator integrating the solution.

“With the release of Advanced City Models, we are quickly delivering increasingly rich, powerful content to our customers that enhance their products and applications,” said Tele Atlas CEO Bill Henry. “Our partnership with Blom and our new advanced production capabilities allow us to deliver the industry’s most detailed, realistic 3D maps and provide a superior experience for the end user in more cities than ever before.”

“Blom has produced 3D models on contract basis for our customers for several years”, says Håkon Jacobsen CEO of Blom ASA, continuing ”however with the completion of the first 40 Blom3D®s we have reached a milestone for Blom where we have been able to industrialize the production process. Blom aim at being the leading provider of 3D city models globally, both in terms of quality and quantity”.

Blom3D® is produced in four different definition levels; 3D blocks, 3D blocks including roof details, pattern-texturized 3D blocks with roof details and full real image-view texturized 3D buildings. The real image view texturized buildings are created by combining oblique aerial images based on Pictometry® technology with the 3D blocks. Blom3D® provides three-dimensional representations of major city centers, including buildings and city blocks. The Advanced City Models by Tele Atlas, based on Blom3D®, are designed for use in navigation systems and location-based applications. Advanced City Models dramatically improve the clarity and reality of screen images within in-car and portable navigation systems and mobile devices. With the 3D models users are able to see the actual surroundings, helping them more easily find locations and points of interest.

By the end of third quarter 2009 Blom3D® models of 100 cities throughout Europe and North America will be completed. Blom3D® will be available for online streaming through Blom’s geo server BlomURBEX®. In addition to Tele Atlas’ focus on navigation, location based services and internet portals, Blom3D® are useful in a number of industries and applications such as government and municipalities for rural and urban planning, security services, geo referenced search and emergency services.

Blom has established a production process for high quality, detailed Blom3D® models allowing for production of five to ten cities a week. This is a record-high speed taken into account the quality and detail level of the models, and it demonstrates Blom’s ability to establish itself as market leader within this industry.

For further information please contact:

Jan Erik Braathen, CFO of Blom ASA
Email: jan.erik.braathen@blomasa.com
Tel. +47 22 13 19 24.

About Tele Atlas
Tele Atlas delivers the digital maps and dynamic content that power many of the world’s most essential navigation and location-based services (LBS). Through a combination of its own products and partnerships, Tele Atlas offers map coverage of more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The company was founded in 1984 and has offices in 27 countries around the world. Today, Tele Atlas products are developed with the insight of a community of millions of digital map users worldwide, who are adding to the company’s unmatched network of sources to track and validate changes in real time, and deliver the best digital maps and dynamic content. Tele Atlas is a subsidiary of TomTom N.V. www.teleatlas.com

2009-05-19

Blom ASA — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOM'S 3D PHOTONAV® TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATED IN INTRINSYC DESTINATOR

Intrinsyc’s Destinator Navigation Software now offers oblique aerial images and 3D City Models from Blom. The images and data from Blom will be used for navigation purposes and for Points of Interest (PoI) searches.

Intrinsyc Software International, Inc. (TSX: ICS), a leading provider of software solutions for mobile devices, today announced a broad-based partnership with the Blom Group. Intrinsyc’s line-up of Destinator software products for turn-by-turn, voice-guided navigation now includes a version that tightly integrates the Blom 3D PhotoNav® oblique aerial images with Destinator’s routing engine, Point of Interest search functions, and landmarks and street names covering more than 1,000 cities in Europe.

“The Blom Group’s 3D PhotoNav® is an exciting new technology for making the GPS navigation experience more visual and useful,” said Souheil Gallouzi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mobile Products Development, Intrinsyc. “We believe navigation device and service providers can increase average revenue per user by offering 3D PhotoNav® as an add-on feature or premium service with the Destinator navigation application.”

By displaying rich images of a particular location, in addition to traditional vector maps, the 3D PhotoNav® content dramatically enhances the real-time Destinator experience for users. Objects like buildings can be viewed from the side, as well as from directly above. The aerial photos have a very high degree of detail and are updated regularly. 3D city models are based on the high-resolution oblique aerial photos from Blom, based on Pictometry® technology, and add value to different markets like navigation, real estate, directory services, emergency and security services, computer games, and entertainment.

“We are very pleased to announce a partnership with Intrinsyc, the market leader in third-party GPS navigation for mobile phones and personal navigation devices in Europe,” said Håkon Jacobsen, CEO, Blom ASA. “Intrinsyc’s strong relationships with device manufacturers and network service operators will allow us to penetrate new markets by working together as a team,” he continues.

Intrinsyc also announced that MLS, a leading provider of navigation devices and services in Greece, is offering the MLS 3D Destinator Personal Navigation Device with 3D PhotoNav® from Blom. MLS markets Intrinsyc’s Destinator PND software on a Windows Embedded CE mobile device. Customers now have access to 3D PhotoNav® images for most major landmarks and cities in Greece, including Athens and Thessaloniki. For the first time ever, users can actually see a picture of the Acropolis on the map as they navigate to the most famous destination in Greece or thousands of other landmarks across the country.

For further information please contact:

Jan Erik Braathen, CFO of Blom ASA , email: jan.erik.braathen@blomasa.com, tel. +47 22 13 19 24.

About Intrinsyc Software International, Inc.
Intrinsyc provides software solutions that enable next-generation handheld products, including mobile handsets, smart phones, and embedded devices. The company’s products include Destinator® navigation and Location Based Services platform, the Soleus® Transit platform for connected personal navigation devices and Soleus for converged device development. Combined with award winning Solutions Engineering and 12 years of expertise, Intrinsyc helps device makers, and silicon vendors deliver compelling mobile products with faster time-to-market and higher quality. Intrinsyc is a Microsoft Windows Embedded Gold Partner and a winner of Windows Embedded Excellence Awards in 2007 and 2008, and S60 and Symbian Competence Centers. Intrinsyc is publicly traded (TSX: ICS) and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with offices in China, Israel, Taiwan, U.K., and the United States.
www.intrinsyc.com

About MLS
MLS Multimedia SA, a technology-oriented company listed on the Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX: MLS), is a leading car navigation systems and multimedia technologies developer and distributor within the Greek market. Established in October 1995 in Thessaloniki Greece, MLS develops and provides unique technology products with applications in all fields where computational devices are used, from education and entertainment to the office and motoring. With commitment to innovation and quality, MLS won the European Information Technology Grand Prize in 1998, was the first to launch navigation products to the Greek market in 2003 and the first navigation system with voice recognition under the name MLS Talk&Drive, in 2007. Today MLS is the largest GPS software company in Greece and the largest developer of Greek multimedia titles and language engineering products.
www.mls.gr

2009-05-14

Blom ASA — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOM AWARDED NOK 7 MILLION CONTRACT IN MOZAMBIQUE

Blom Sistemas Geoespaciales, Blom’s subsidiary in Spain, has signed a contract with Cenacarta, the National Center for Cartography and Tele Detection in the Republic of Mozambique, worth an estimated NOK 7 million. The contract is for a territorial cartography project to create 1:25 000 scale maps using satellite images.

The project includes collection and processing of map data, in addition to technology transfer of hardware, software and satellite images, of the Moamba district in Mozambique. Furthermore, the project includes training of the Cenacarta technicians.

The Republic of Mozambique will use the data among other for cadastres, infrastructure planning, energy and telecom planning, as well as within the Military and teaching institutions.

Cenacarta technicians will be trained in cartography, photogrammetry and geodesy with specific focus on field support, aerial triangulation, stereo plotting, orthophoto production, map editing and cartographic generalization.

For further information please contact CFO Blom ASA, Jan Erik Braathen on tel. +47 22 13 19 24.

About Cenacarta
Cenacarta is a public company specializing in geographic information management. Their office is located in Maputo, Mozambique. Cenacarta covers the whole production process from data acquisition (including aerial photography, satellite images processing, GPS) to complex cartographic analysis and application development.

2009-05-05

Blom ASA — Mon, 04 May 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOM SIGNED CONTRACT WITH NORWAY’S FIFTH LARGEST CITY FOR OBLIQUE IMAGES

Kristiansand Municipality (KM) in Norway has signed a two-year license agreement for oblique images with Blom. Kristiansand is Norway’s fifth largest city, and Blom is proud to see their unique oblique aerial images, based on Pictometry® technology, chosen as a new key integrated component in the daily workflow within the municipality.

The delivery includes both historical data, from previous flights in 2006 and 2008, and a new flight this year covering the entire municipality. Kristiansand is one of the municipalities in Norway that has licensed full coverage of oblique images through extensions to Blom’s original smaller targets. In total 16 municipalities in Norway has acquired oblique images from Blom.

The images can be used by several departments within Kristiansand Municipality, including for example the fire department, schools and the town treasurer. The contract also allows for KM to drape the images onto 3D data models. KM will among other use the data to compare new and historical data, for treatment of cases for building and construction, to get easy access to historical data and use the images in interactive 3D models.

Acquired from multiple cameras, the Pictometry® technology brings a new perspective to oblique aerial photography available for stand alone use or integrated within GIS. Geo-referenced images provide the user with the ability to orientate, measure, see and plan to a degree not previously possible with traditional aerial photography. By combining the oblique aerial imagery with existing vector datasets, users can leverage their geographic information further.
Oblique imagery is aerial photography taken with an inclination of approx. 45º, allowing the users to visualise the facades of buildings etc. The oblique images are easier to interpret for a regular user with no previous experience with aerial photography. Oblique imagery has been developed to complement the existing vertical ortho photography, rather than replace it. Blom has captured oblique images of every urban centre in Western Europe with a population of 50,000 inhabitants or more.

The oblique images are a discontinuous set of pictures; each point of interest is covered from 5 angles; north, south, east, west and vertical. The resolution of the images from 2008 and onward, acquired by KM, is 10cm per pixel. All the images are fully geo-referenced.

For more information please contact Blom ASA CFO, Jan Erik Braathen on tel: +47 22 13 19 24.

2009-04-24

Blom ASA — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOMURBEX® JAVASCRIPT API 3.0 GOES LIVE

A new release of the BlomURBEX® JavaScript API has been uploaded to the BlomURBEX® servers.

The new version is backwards compatible with prior versions and offers new functionalities and controls, along with support for different application architectures. Some of the most important new features are:

• The API is now available as separate functionality blocks or as a single file with all functionalities, to allow faster download of the API
• The API can use a proxy server to access BlomURBEX®, preventing the end-user to get access to the client authentication to BlomURBEX® (usertokens)
• New controls have been added, including the possibility to show metadata information and display rasterized vector information on top of images. Sample data is located in the pre-production server and can be produced based on an opportunity-by-opportunity basis
• Extra zoom is available on oblique views (digital zoom interpolating pixels) and the zoom bar size changes according to the number of available zoom levels
• More control on markers and the information pop-ups
• API supports different projections
• Improved documentation for developers

Please contact your local Blom representative for a full description of the new possibilities and features of BlomURBEX®.

2009-04-22

Blom ASA — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOM HAS SIGNED CONTRACT FOR BATHYMETRIC SURVEY IN ITALY

Blom CGR, the Italian subsidiary of Blom ASA, has signed a contract with Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), an Italian research institute, to execute a bathymetric survey using the Hawkeye LiDAR technology. The data will be used for an environmental study of the Italian coastline.

The Hawkeye system is a LiDAR (laser scanning) instrument for bathymetric surveys. Bathymetric surveys are laser scanning of the coastline, both seabed and land. Hawkeye represents one of the leading bathymetric technologies available on the market.

The project for ISPRA represents an important step for the introduction of the Hawkeye technology to the Italian market, as it is Blom’s first contract in Italy using this kind of application. Blom CGR, active in the field of Bathymetry since 2003, has executed previous bathymetric surveys for important private companies in Italy. The project for ISPRA is the first time Blom will use the Hawkeye system in an Italian project. Hawkeye has proven to be successfully used in other European countries, by other Blom subsidiaries.

Blom CGR strongly believes that this project will open for a new market for bathymetric laser scanning and that the Hawkeye system can be successfully applied along the 7 000 km of Italian coastline.

For further information please contact:

Håkon Jacobsen, CEO of Blom ASA
Email: hakon.jacobsen@blomasa.com
Tel: +47 22 13 19 33

Jan Erik Braathen, CFO of Blom ASA
Email: jan.erik.braathen@blomasa.com
Tel. +47 22 13 19 24.

2009-04-02

Blom ASA — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:00:00 GMT

BLOM SIGNS FIRST CONTRACT IN COSTA RICA

Blom has signed a laser scanning contract with the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad in Costa Rica. This is the first LiDAR contract the Blom Group has won in Costa Rica. The laser data will be used for a hydroelectric project in Costa Rica.

Blom Sistemas Geoespaciales, the Spanish subsidiary of the Blom Group has signed a contract with the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad in San Jose, Costa Rica, for the implementation of photogrammetric LIDAR. The contract covers laser scanning of an area of approximately 10,000 hectares for a hydroelectric project. The project will be implemented in April 2009. For this project Blom will use a LIDAR Optech ALTM Gemini scanner combined with a digital medium format camera.

“For Blom, this is an important contract as it marks the beginning of LIDAR projects for Blom in Latin America” says Håkon Jacobsen, CEO Blom ASA. From the Latin American office located in Panama, Blom is currently implementing several projects related to Information Services, Geo Engineering and Cadastre.

For further information please contact:

Jan Erik Braathen, CFO of Blom ASA
Email: jan.erik.braathen@blomasa.com
Tel. +47 22 13 19 24.

About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is a State-owned enterprise. The company is a market leader within the telecommunication, information and power industries, providing the best technology and human resources to customer service and the Costa Rican society. The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad contributes to economic, social and environmental concerns, and promotes universal service at the national level and the rational use of natural resources.
www.grupoice.com

2009-03-17

Blom ASA — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT

GPS WITH PRE INSTALLED POINTS OF INTEREST (POI) AND OBLIQUE IMAGES

NDrive, Blom and Eniro launch the first GPS with pre installed points of interest (POI) combined with software solution for navigation in oblique images.

Navigation Systems provider NDrive, digital aerial image provider Blom and provider of directory services Eniro are jointly launching, in Norway, the first Personal Navigation Device (GPS) providing real images and Gule Sider (Yellow Pages) content (POIs). The first-of-its-kind device will be available in the shops in Norway and online from March 24th 2009.

-“GPS Navigation is all about helping people find their ways. NDrive provides the software platform and devices, Blom provides the real images, and Eniro provides the directories of companies. This was the natural step to give GPS users the information they need, when they need it and where they need it”, said João Neto, President of NDrive.

Points of Interest from Gule Sider
The GPS device will provide 350 000 points of interest, available from Gule Sider in Norway, Krak in Denmark, and Eniro in Sweden and Finland. Examples of the points of interest are car repair shops, hotels, tourist information, shopping centers and theatres.

-”Gule Sider will always be available for our users. There is strong growth in the market for GPS navigators and it is natural that Gule Sider is made available also through this channel. Eniro delivering POI content ensures the user will receive first-class content for Scandinavia and Finland”, says Hans Petter Terning, Senior Executive Vice President of Eniro Norge AS.

Allows for navigation in real oblique aerial images
The new product builds on the launch of the world’s first Real Navigation® device, launched in Southern Europe earlier this year. The Real Navigation® devices allows for navigation in real oblique aerial images, in addition to traditional vector maps. Real Navigation® provides a completely different navigation experience, allowing the user to view the surroundings exactly as in reality. This new generation of navigation systems is now becoming available all over Europe.

- “We are happy to see Eniro, and Gule Sider, expanding the use of our oblique image database. This proves the value of our database to the leading search company in the Nordic market”, Blom’s CEO Håkon Jacobsen says, continuing “At the same time we are excited that navigation devices with our unique oblique imagery now will be available to the Norwegian market”.

The GPS products, NDRIVE G280R and NDRIVE G800R, will be available in retail chains in Norway, in addition to through www.ndrive.no and www.gulesider.no from March 24th 2009.

For more information, please contact:

Blom ASA: Jan Erik Braathen, CFO
+47 22 13 19 24 / jb@blom.no / 59° 55' 19'' N - 10° 50' 31.5'' E

About NDRIVE
NDRIVE was founded in 2001 in Portugal, and is fully dedicated to the development and marketing of Navigation Systems. NDRIVE provides leading personal navigation software, products and services. The software helps people to find destinations more quickly and easily, with highly-accurate and detailed digital maps all over the world. NDRIVE has developed several innovations on the GPS market, including Real Navigation, and its software supports both dedicated Personal Navigation Devices and Mobile Phones with OEM licensing models.

About ENIRO
Eniro is the leading search company in the Nordic media market. With directories, directory assistance, Internet and mobile services, Eniro makes it easy to find people, businesses and products. Eniro’s markets are Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Poland. Eniro’s Norwegian market include the brands Gule Sider®, Kvasir®, Telefonkatalogen™, Proff™, Ditt Distrikt®, Din Bydel™ og SOL®.

2009-03-03

Blom ASA — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT

BLOM AWARDED LIDAR PROJECT IN THE NETHERLANDS

Rijkswaterstaat, the executive arm of the national Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management has awarded the Blom Group a contract for a LiDAR (laser scanning) survey project of approximately NOK 10 million. The project is a part of a 5 year program to improve the Dutch National Height Model.
Rijkswaterstaat has awarded the Blom Group’s subsidiary in UK, Blom Aerofilms Ltd, a contract for a LiDAR survey project. The data acquisition and processing, which is due to start immediately, involves scanning an area of 2,200 square kilometres, covering the province of Flevoland and part of Noord-Holland / Utrecht. Data acquisition will be completed by end of first quarter 2009, and processed data will be delivered to the customer in January 2010.

The dataset will be used for a wide range of purposes such as:
• Water management and planning
• Verification and monitoring dike positions
• Flood risk and environmental impact studies
• Road planning
• Urban planning
• 3D-visualization

To accurately capture the data, Blom will be using their Blom TopEye Mk III technology, a system and processing software developed and operated by Blom Sweden. Blom TopEye Mk III is a helicopter based laser scanning and aerial imaging platform for the capture of high resolution data which is ideally suited to this type of project. The resulting detailed height model will consist of 10 points per m2, with an absolute height accuracy of 5 cm. In addition, high resolution colour images will be taken simultaneously.

This project is a part of a five year program of Rijkswaterstaat to create an improved version of the Dutch National Height Model (AHN-2). The project is now in its second year, and the contract opens up for additional opportunities in the next three years. The creation of the first version of AHN began in 1996 and in 2003 the nationwide height model was ready. AHN had about one point per 16 m2 and a height accuracy of about 20 cm. The height model has been a great success to date. However, users require an updated version, with a more detailed and accurate dataset.

“This is a key project win for the Blom Group, allowing us to demonstrate the accuracy in terrain detail that can be achieved using Blom’s TopEye Mk III technology. We look forward to working with Rijkswaterstaat on what will be an exciting and challenging project,” said Dan Schnurr, Director of Laser Scanning, Blom Aerofilms.

For further information please contact:

Håkon Jacobsen, CEO of Blom ASA
Email: hakon.jacobsen@blomasa.com
Tel: +47 22 13 19 33

Jan Erik Braathen, CFO of Blom ASA
Email: jan.erik.braathen@blomasa.com
Tel. +47 22 13 19 24.

About Rijkswaterstaat
Rijkswaterstaat is the executive organisation which, on behalf of the Minister and State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, develops and manages the national infrastructure networks. Rijkswaterstaat is responsible for: dry feet, sufficient clean water, uncongested and safe road and water traffic, reliable and useful information.

2009-02-26

Blom ASA — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:00:00 GMT

BLOM AND PICTOMETRY EXTEND AND EXPAND CONTRACT

Blom and Pictometry has signed the agreement for extension into 2018 and coverage of oblique imagery into markets throughout Eastern Europe

Blom ASA has extended and expanded its international technology license with Pictometry International Corp., a leading provider of geo-referenced aerial image technologies, whose patented and proprietary technology is used globally to capture oblique imagery, through 2018. The agreement broadens the company’s international reach into markets throughout Eastern Europe. The agreement now comprises 43 countries in Western and Eastern Europe.

“The extension of this business agreement and its broadening over time demonstrates our continued confidence in the value Pictometry technologies can provide to markets around the world,” said Håkon Jacobsen, CEO of Blom. Blom, the leading European Geographic Information company, has been licensing Pictometry technologies since 2005, and has built an extensive image database based on their oblique aerial images technology. “We are pleased to have a long-term relationship in place with a technology leader, particularly as demand for oblique imagery continues to grow”, Håkon continues.

“We look forward to expanding our successful business relationship with Blom and enhancing our European market presence for oblique imagery technology,” said Robert Carroll, president of the international division of Pictometry.

For more information, contact:

Jan Erik Braathen, CFO Blom ASA, email: jan.erik.braathen@blomasa.com, or
tel. + 47 22 13 19 24.

About Pictometry
Pictometry International Corp. is a leading provider of geo-referenced, aerial image technologies and related software in the USA. Pictometry has captured over 50 million digital aerial images in over 600 counties in the United States covering over 70 percent of the United States population. Using its proprietary imaging process, Pictometry® captures geo-referenced, high-resolution oblique (at an angle, producing a 3-D like view) and orthogonal (straight down) Intelligent Images®, within which structures and land features can be measured. Pictometry customizes and markets these technologies for government and commercial applications, offering non-traditional software solutions to aerial imaging needs. Pictometry’s imagery and software enables users to “See Everywhere, Measure Anything, Plan Everything”® using a patented digital information system. Pictometry has its headquarters in Rochester, NY and an office in Europe. Pictometry is a second order visualization tool that does not produce authoritative or definitive information (surveying) from its digital, aerial images. For more information on Pictometry, visit www.pictometry.com.

2009-02-17

Blom ASA — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:00:00 GMT

VERKKOKAUPPA.COM PLACES NEW AND ENHANCED ORDER FOR BLOM’S NAVIGATION SOLUTION

After introducing Blom’s navigation solution, 3D Photonav®, Verkkokauppa.com has experienced a significant increase in the navigation market share in Finland. Verkkokauppa.com has now placed a second order for Blom’s 3D Photonav®. The order is more than three times the size of the first order.

Verkkokauppa.com’s navigation solution, which includes Blom’s navigation software and content, was launched by Verkkokauppa.com in the second half of 2008. The launch of the product has resulted in a significant increase in both Verkkokauppa.com’s sales and market share. Verkkokauppa.com, Finland´s oldest web store and one of the largest electronics stores in the country, says the increase in its navigation market share is a result of including Blom’s navigation software and content in its navigators. “Our market share jumped to 10 % immediately when we launched the first shipments of navigators with 3D PhotoNav®”, says Samuli Seppälä, CEO for Verkkokauppa.com. Their previous market share were 6-7 %.

Verkkokauppa.com’s Photonav navigator comprises Blom’s navigation software, as well as Blom´s real, oblique images covering the most important Finnish cities. The Blom content allows the user to navigate in detailed, oblique photos of the users’ current location, in addition to the traditional vector maps. This gives a much enhanced user-experience.

Verkkokauppa.com’s strategy for navigation is to offer the best software and content available, at competitive prices. “With the last orders raised, Verkkokauppa.com has become an important partner for Blom’s navigation strategy in the Nordic countries, and both companies are mutually enriched by the relationship”, says Håkon Jacobsen, CEO Blom“. In the next version of the 3D photonav® we have made important improvements and will include new features such as import of formats for POI’s, auto updating tool to the final users and larger memory capacity to extend imagery content”, he continues.

For additional information, please contact:

Name, title: Jan Erik Braathen, CFO Blom Group
E-mail: jb@blom.no
Phone: +47 22 13 19 24

About Verkkokauppa.com
Verkkokauppa.com is Finland’s 5th largest consumer electronics chain and the oldest and largest online e-tailer. Company sells computers, home-electronics, gaming and navigation products through its network of three stores, 2000 post-offices and 500 R-kiosks. Verkkokauppa.com has 250 employees in four locations. The company headquarters are in Helsinki, Finland.

2009-01-15_Vacant positions

Blom ASA — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Kenya: Technical Assistants to the Land Reform Programme

BlomInfo A/S is seeking experts for the following positions for long term TA support to the Ministry of Lands and its Land Reform Programme in Kenya:

Technical Assistant 1 –Support for the Land Reform Transformation Unit

The main objective of the LRTU Technical Assistance is to provide technical support to the Ministry of Lands / LRTU as it implements the Land Reform Support Programme (LRSP), i.e. realises and implements activities and programmes therein which are in line with the framework of the land policy process in Kenya. Candidates should have:

An education equivalent to a master degree in a field relevant to land
Minimum of seven (7) years knowledge and experience in land administration
In-depth knowledge of public institutional development, including change management
Knowledge and skills of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), including process management
Knowledge and experience in land reform / natural resource transformation processes in developing countries
Working knowledge of the land sector in developing countries

Technical Assistant 2 - Strategic Land Information Management Systems
The main objective of the strategic LIMS Technical Assistance is to provide strategic and programme level support to the development and implementation of a LIMS, an ongoing programme that has been conceptualised in the land policy framework with adherent LIMS reports. Candidates should have:

At least 10 years experience in LIS, GIS. Geospatial sciences or related field
An education equivalent of a masters degree in a field relevant to land information management systems and land administration
Knowledge of public institutional development, including change management
Knowledge of land registration and cadastre operations and service delivery
Experience in formulating strategies for managing the implementation of Land Information Management Systems (LIMS) within an organisation and preferably at a national level

Please send your CV marked 'TA Kenya Land Reform Programme' to the following address: cp@blominfo.dk

2009-01-08

Blom ASA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:00:00 GMT

BLOM PRESENTATION AT SEB ENSKILDA NORDIC SEMINAR

Today, Hakon Jacobsen, Blom ASA CEO, held a Blom company presentation at SEB Enskilda Nordic Seminar in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The presentation can be downloaded here

2008-12-04

Blom ASA — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:00:00 GMT

BLOM WILL PROVIDE THE IMAGES FOR THE NEW REPSOL GUIDE IN SPAIN

Repsol integrates BlomURBEX real oblique images, improving the users’ spatial perception when using the online Repsol Guide

Blom and Repsol, the international integrated petrol and gas company, have announced an agreement, in which Blom will provide its real oblique images for the new www.guiarepsol.com. This website will be the new version of the previous www.guiacampsa.com, one of the most popular sites in Spain for consulting routes and journeys within Spain.

Thanks to this new agreement, www.guiarepsol.com users will be provided with a more realistic view of the world, showing in great detail every city within the national territory. In order to accomplish these requirements and meet the very strict guarantee levels that form part of the agreement, Blom will provide urban images through BlomURBEX. BlomURBEX is a platform designed to supply unique services and content based on high resolution, real images, including oblique perspectives, via Web.

The data offered by Blom covers different perspectives and formats, allowing www.guiarepsol.com users to choose the best view of Spanish cities, according to their needs and route.

BlomURBEX images are captured using a fleet of planes and helicopters incorporating high-tech lasers, multispectral scanners, and orthophoto and oblique imagery cameras. Thanks to this use of the latest technology, highly detailed images of thousands of Spanish and European areas, both rural and urban, are obtained.

“This important agreement demonstrates Blom’s superior resources which are supported by its broad expertise. BlomURBEX is the highest quality solution available on the market, and has set a new standard in the sector”, indicated Håkon Jacobsen, CEO of Blom. “The demand for more personal and detailed navigation solutions is growing. The end user expects more than simple vector maps and is now looking for the solution to show detail, scenery and other elements as if they were physically in that city. In other words, consumers demand more realistic views.”

For further PR information please contact:

CFO Jan Erik Braathen, jan.erik.braathen@blomasa.com, tel: +47 22 13 19 24

2008-11-24

Blom ASA — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:00:00 GMT

BLOM GEOMATICS MOVED AERIAL OPERATIONS TO RAKKESTAD

Blom Geomatics, Blom’s Norwegian subsidiary, has moved its aerial operations to Rakkestad Airport, Aastorp.

At the international GIS day, Wednesday November 19, Blom Geomatics held an opening party at Rakkestad Airport in Aastorp, celebrating their recent move from Torp Airport and to introduce the Company to the local people. Håkon Andresen, Managing Director at Blom Geomatics, and Andreas Holter, Head of Resources at Blom ASA, were greeted with flowers by the local Mayor, Peder Harlem. He was proud Blom had chosen Rakkestad Airport as the company’s new location. This means approximately 18 - 19 new positions will be created in the area.

The hangar was open for the public and people of all ages visited the local airport. The visitors were allowed to have a closer look at the two Blom planes that were on the ground this day, for the event. In addition, Håkon Andresen held a presentation for the local students. The day turned out to be a huge success.

The hangar at Rakkestad allows for six planes to be on the ground at the same time. Norrona, who are responsible for all service and maintenance on Blom’s planes, are also located at Rakkestad airport. This is very convenient for Blom, and supports the decision to move to Rakkestad.

2008-11-24 (1)

Blom ASA — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:00:00 GMT

BLOM LAUNCHES ONLINE PLATFORM FOR GEO-REFERENCED, HIGH RESOLUTION OBLIQUE IMAGES

Meeting the growing demand for online access to Blom oblique and vertical images for both consumer and commercial applications.

Blom has launched its online platform BlomURBEX to deliver high-resolution oblique and vertical images of cities, towns and urban areas. The platform meets the growing demand for online access for the delivery of high quality images of over 1,000 European cities to either desktop or mobile devices for commercial and consumer solutions.

Application developers will be able to use BlomURBEX’s Software Development Kit (SDK) to build applications that use Blom’s rich data for consumer applications such as navigation and commercial applications for example urban planning, site appraisal and commercial property underwriting. The platform allows developers to create applications compatible with existing web and mobile platforms, including Windows, Symbian, iPhone, Java J2EE/JMEE and Linux.

Through the online delivery of the data and the BlomURBEX API’s, developers will be able to build aerial imagery seamlessly into applications adding functionality and depth that was previously was not possible. BlomURBEX content has already been used to create a new iPhone application allowing users to navigate with oblique images. The content can also be integrated into property development or underwriting processes, allowing access to detailed information and measurements of a property or an area to be made online without having to incur costly site visits.

Blom has a dedicated fleet of planes, deployed for the collection of high quality, high-resolution images which cover over 60% of the European population with up to 10cm resolution. BlomURBEX has been specifically developed to host this volume of data which can be accessed by a number of users and streamed via a range of applications through any access network, including LAN, internet or mobile, resolving large memory capacity requirements for the user.

“Blom has developed BlomURBEX in response to the increasing demand for this type of data, particularly in the mobile, navigation and web environments,” said Håkon Jacobsen, CEO, Blom. “There is no limit to the use of geo-referenced images and our unique offering allows access to the most up to date, detailed and accurate data that currently exists on 1,000 European cities and towns. We are excited to be part of such an innovative and growing technology sector and look forward to working with a number of different application developers on their use of BlomURBEX. ”

For more information please contact:

Ignacio Albisu, Blom Spain

Tel: +34 917 027 956
Email: ignacio.albisu@blomasa.com