Vexcel Imaging

What Vexcel Imaging does

Vexcel Imaging GmbH, headquartered in Graz, Austria, is a privately held developer and manufacturer of large-format aerial camera systems and photogrammetric processing software, founded in 1992 and operating as a member of the Vexcel Group alongside the Vexcel Data Program and KASurveys. The company serves professional aerial survey operators, national and regional mapping agencies, and defense/security mapping units in more than 30 countries, and states that hundreds of UltraCam systems are deployed worldwide.

Its product portfolio is built around the UltraCam camera family (Merlin for premium nadir mapping, Eagle for large-format nadir, Osprey for combined nadir and oblique, Condor for high-volume mapping, and Dragon for hybrid photogrammetry-plus-LiDAR capture), tightly integrated with the UltraMap photogrammetric software suite, the UltraNav flight management and direct georeferencing solution (powered by TOPOFLIGHT MISSIONPLANNER/NAVIGATOR and Applanix POSPac MMS with IN-FUSION+ PP-RTX), and the UltraMount GSM 5000 gyro-stabilized camera mount. The 2025-2026 product cycle was anchored by first-mover adoption of Sony's 247 MP IMX811 CMOS sensor across three new UltraCam systems (Osprey 4.2 launched spring 2025, Merlin 5.0 and Dragon 4.2 launched at Intergeo 2025), enabled by Vexcel's custom lens design that allows two sensors to share a single lens via lateral shifting.

Vexcel's revenue model combines high-value six-figure hardware sales (camera systems, mounts, flight management hardware) with a growing mix of UltraMap software subscriptions and perpetual licenses, PP-RTX GNSS correction subscriptions (annual or multi-year), and 24/7 professional services including installation, calibration, training, and maintenance. Distribution is hybrid: direct enterprise sales via regional Sales Directors in Europe/Africa/Latin America, Middle East/South Asia/CIS, and Asia, supported by an extensive global authorized Sales & Support Partner network covering Iberia, Latin America, Southern Africa, Italy, Finland, Scandinavia, Poland and the Balkans, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, Australia, and Taiwan (added June 2026), with major deals typically signed at industry events such as Intergeo. The company holds ISO 9001 quality management certification and operates from 101-250 employees.

Name

Vexcel Imaging

Legal name

Vexcel Imaging GmbH

Website

https://vexcel-imaging.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Vexcel Imaging GmbH, headquartered in Graz, Austria, develops large-format aerial camera systems and photogrammetric processing software (UltraCam, UltraMap, UltraNav, UltraMount) for professional aerial survey firms, government mapping agencies, and defense clients across more than 30 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerial Imaging Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Photographic Equipment & Supplies (3861)

akta.pro primary industry

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) & Multirotor Drones (IMABAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

UAS Payloads (EO/IR, LiDAR, SAR, SIGINT) & Gimbals (IMABAIAI)

Keywords

• Aerial camera systems
• Photogrammetry software
• LiDAR imaging
• Flight management systems
• Aerial mapping solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Graz

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. UltraCam camera system sales: One-time hardware sales of large-format UltraCam aerial cameras and hybrid camera-LiDAR systems (Merlin, Eagle, Osprey, Condor, Dragon families) plus accessories such as UltraMount GSM 4000/5000 stabilization mounts and UltraNav flight management hardware. High-value enterprise sales typically signed at major industry events (e.g., Intergeo).
2. UltraMap software subscriptions (monthly/annual): Flexible subscription plans for the UltraMap photogrammetry software suite, allowing customers to license specific modules or additional processing power on a monthly or annual basis. Includes dedicated phone and email support for the chosen modules and access to the latest software versions.
3. UltraMap perpetual licenses: Lifetime/perpetual licenses for UltraMap, optionally combined with a maintenance package that grants access to the latest software versions and unlimited phone and email support for licensed modules. Targets customers seeking long-term ownership.
4. PP-RTX GNSS correction subscription: Applanix Post-Processed Trimble CenterPoint RTX (PP-RTX) GNSS correction service is available to UltraNav users via a subscription license, with annual pricing or a discount for multi-year commitments. Delivers centimeter-level GNSS/INS post-processing without base stations.
5. Professional services, support and training: 24/7 global expert support, installation, maintenance, calibration and training services delivered by Vexcel's own support team and through authorized Sales & Support Partners. Custom quotes are provided for service engagements.
6. Channel partner distribution of UltraCam/UltraMap systems: Sales and support of UltraCam hardware, UltraMap software and related services via an extensive authorized partner network across Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, CIS, SE Asia, Australia and Taiwan. Partners such as GTBibérica, Imagemaps, MapAfrika, ECOGIS and Terenzio Mariani handle presales, sales, installation, maintenance and training in their territories.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Vexcel Imaging designs, manufactures and sells large-format UltraCam aerial cameras (Merlin, Eagle, Osprey, Condor, Dragon) paired with the UltraMap photogrammetric processing software, UltraNav flight management and direct georeferencing system, and UltraMount gyro-stabilized mounts. Its products capture and process nadir, oblique and LiDAR aerial imagery for professional aerial survey companies, government mapping agencies and defense/security mapping units operating large-scale, high-volume mapping programs.

Product overview

Vexcel Imaging is a global leader in professional aerial imaging, offering a tightly integrated product portfolio rather than a single unified product. Its commercial offering is built around the UltraCam family of large-format aerial cameras — UltraCam Merlin (premium photogrammetric nadir), UltraCam Eagle (large-format nadir), UltraCam Osprey (nadir and oblique), UltraCam Condor (large-format), and UltraCam Dragon (hybrid photogrammetry + LiDAR) — that capture raw aerial imagery. The captured imagery is processed through UltraMap, Vexcel's all-in-one photogrammetric software suite, which generates derivative products such as DSMs, DTMs, orthophotos, and 3D textured TINs via pipelines including True Pixel Processing (TPP) and Adaptive Motion Compensation (AMC). Flight operations are managed end-to-end by UltraNav v7 (powered by TOPOFLIGHT MISSIONPLANNER/NAVIGATOR and Applanix POSPac MMS for direct georeferencing), and the UltraMount GSM 5000 provides 3-axis gyro-stabilized mounting for the camera heads inside the aircraft. The wider Vexcel Group also runs the Vexcel Data Program, a large-scale aerial imagery and geospatial data service powered by the same technology foundation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• UltraCam: Family of large-format professional aerial mapping cameras, including the UltraCam Merlin (nadir), UltraCam Eagle (nadir), UltraCam Osprey (nadir + oblique), UltraCam Condor (large-format), and UltraCam Dragon (hybrid imaging + LiDAR).
• UltraMap
• UltraNav
• UltraMount
• Vexcel Data Program

Products and services

• UltraCam Merlin 5.0 Premium photogrammetric nadir mapping camera featuring a 37,500 x 19,000-pixel footprint, three user-exchangeable lens kits (f90, f120, f150), Sony IMX811 CMOS sensors, RGB Bayer pattern & NIR, 1 frame per 0.7 seconds, and a true nadir cone assembly for distortion-free imagery. Combined with UltraMap's True Pixel Processing (TPP) and Adaptive Motion Compensation (AMC) for industry-leading image quality.
• UltraCam Osprey 4.2 Latest evolution large-format aerial camera for simultaneous photogrammetric-grade nadir and oblique image capture in a single flight, featuring Sony IMX811 247 MP CMOS sensors, 25,024 x 19,008 pixels PAN image size (nadir), 19,136 x 12,736 pixels Color image size (oblique), 22% greater flight line efficiency than predecessor, Standard and Tele lens options, Oblique Imaging Modes (all-active, nadir-only, corridor mapping), AMC, and TPP.
• UltraCam Dragon 4.2 Hybrid aerial imaging and LiDAR system combining two nadir cameras (RGB Bayer pattern and NIR) and four high-resolution oblique RGB cameras (19,136 x 12,736 pixels each) with an integrated RIEGL VQ-680 Waveform LiDAR scanner operating at 2.4 MHz. Features multi-axis scan geometry with five viewing angles across a 60° field of view, Sony IMX811 CMOS sensors, 2 focal length options (50 mm and 80 mm), and 35% more flight line efficiency than its predecessor.
• UltraCam Eagle Ultra-efficient, ultra-flexible, ultra-reliable large-format aerial camera for streamlined nadir image acquisition across diverse mission requirements, with user-exchangeable lens system and proven photogrammetric quality.
• UltraCam Condor Large-format aerial camera system from Vexcel Imaging for high-volume photogrammetric mapping production.
• UltraMap Suite Purpose-built end-to-end photogrammetric software suite for processing UltraCam imagery, providing a single integrated workflow optimized for high-volume production. Generates point clouds, DSMs, DTMs, orthophotos, and 3D textured TINs from raw UltraCam data. Includes True Pixel Processing (TPP), Adaptive Motion Compensation (AMC), automatic water handling, and a Command-Line Interface (from v6.10). Available as flexible subscription or perpetual license.
• UltraNav v7 All-in-one flight management and direct georeferencing solution for UltraCam systems, providing end-to-end mission control with 3D flight planning (TOPOFLIGHT MISSIONPLANNER), in-flight navigation (TOPOFLIGHT NAVIGATOR), GNSS/INS post-processing (Applanix POSPac MMS with IN-FUSION+ PP-RTX), and embedded IMU/UltraNav module within 4th generation UltraCam sensor heads.
• UltraMount GSM 5000 Gyro-stabilization camera mount for UltraCam systems, featuring 3-axis gimbal with hydraulic stabilization that automatically compensates for drift, roll, and pitch. Supports large-format aerial sensors up to Ø425 mm and 120 kg payload. Compatible with all current UltraCam models and UltraNav flight management. Includes advanced internal logging, optional lift-up function, and backward compatibility with GSM 4000 mounting points.
• Vexcel Data Program Building on the UltraCam and UltraMap technology foundation, the Vexcel Data Program delivers the world's largest aerial imagery and geospatial data program for geospatial intelligence at global scale.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 30% reduction in flight time for 3 cm GSD nationwide mapping (Kavel 10, Netherlands)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability6 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered new regional partner for taiwan, regional partner for southern africa, flagship regional partner for southeast asia, regional partner for italy and finland, flagship regional partner for iberia and latin america, regional partner for poland and the balkans, sales partner for norway and sweden, sales partner, regional partner for japan and korea, strategic technology partner for lidar integration, strategic technology partner for direct georeferencing, core technology partner for ultranav flight planning and strategic sensor supplier for 2025 product lineup.

• Linkfast Technologynew regional partner for taiwanChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 June 2026Newly announced authorized Sales and Support Partner in Taiwan as of 19 June 2026.
• MapAfrikaregional partner for southern africaChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2011Sales Partner since 2011 for Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe; 6 employees, headquartered in Cape Town (2 Dalsig Way, Durbanville). Owner Kevin Melhuish. Also sole reseller of PCI Geomatics in Southern Africa.
• Imagemaps Pte. Ltd.flagship regional partner for southeast asiaChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2009Authorized Sales & Support Partner since 2009 covering Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. Operates an UltraCam Service Center in Singapore (certified workshop and calibration laboratory) led by General Manager Lee Hon Chuan (15 employees with Credent).
• Terenzio Mariani (self-employed consultant)regional partner for italy and finlandChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2009Self-employed photography consultant and primary reseller of Vexcel Imaging in Italy and Finland since 2009. Based near Milan at Via Don Angelo Ferrario 29/F-H, 20012 Cuggiono, Milano, Italy. Active in the industry for nearly 47 years.
• GTBibérica S.L. (GeoToolBox)flagship regional partner for iberia and latin americaChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2002Authorized Sales & Support Partner since 2002 covering Spain, Portugal and Latin America. Provides presales, sales, installation, maintenance and training for UltraCam cameras and UltraMap software. Led by CEO Salvador Primo Lara with 15 employees. Based in Madrid at Manuel Tovar 26, Planta 1º, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
• ECOGIS Sp. z o.o.regional partner for poland and the balkansChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2000Sales Partner since 2000 covering Poland, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia and Kosovo. Provides geosolutions, photogrammetric equipment, digital maps, programming and consulting. CEO Krzysztof Konieczny, typically around 10 employees.
• Anders Nessesales partner for norway and swedenChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAnders Nesse serves as Vexcel Imaging's Sales Partner for Norway and Sweden.
• Marko Pasko / Expert for 3D Landscapesales partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarko Pasko is CEO of Expert for 3D Landscape and has been a Vexcel Sales Partner since 2003.
• Kamal Azar / GIS Transportsales partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKamal Azar is CEO of GIS Transport and a long-time sales partner of Vexcel Imaging.
• Shinji Inaba / Mirukururegional partner for japan and koreaChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShinji Inaba is CTO at Mirukuru and serves as Vexcel sales partner for Japan and Korea.
• RIEGLstrategic technology partner for lidar integrationTechnology or IntegrationRIEGL provides the VQ-680 Waveform LiDAR scanner integrated into the UltraCam Dragon 4.2 hybrid aerial imaging and LiDAR system. The LiDAR operates at 2.4 MHz with a multi-axis scan geometry of five distinct viewing angles (-20°, -10°, 0°, +10°, +20°) across a 60° field of view. RIEGL is a leading international provider of pulsed time-of-flight laser radar technology headquartered in Austria with main offices in the USA, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, UK, Germany and France.
• Applanix (Trimble)strategic technology partner for direct georeferencingTechnology or IntegrationApplanix POSPac MMS and cloud-based global GNSS correction service (PP-RTX) are integrated into UltraNav for industry-leading GNSS/INS post-processing. IN-FUSION+ PP-RTX delivers centimeter-level GNSS/INS results without base stations, with IonoGuard for ionospheric scintillation mitigation. PP-RTX is offered as a subscription license through UltraNav.
• TOPOFLIGHT (MissionPlanner & Navigator)core technology partner for ultranav flight planningTechnology or IntegrationTOPOFLIGHT MISSIONPLANNER and NAVIGATOR power Vexcel's UltraNav all-in-one flight management and direct georeferencing solution. Provides 3D terrain-aware flight planning, in-flight navigation with two displays (pilot + operator), mission splitting by region/operator/remaining parts, .TFX file exchange and post-flight quality control.
• Sony (IMX811 CMOS sensor)strategic sensor supplier for 2025 product lineupTechnology or IntegrationSony is the supplier of the IMX811 247 MP CMOS sensor (2.81 µm pixel size) that Vexcel Imaging is the first aerial system manufacturer to adopt, enabled by Vexcel's custom lens design. Deployed across the UltraCam Osprey 4.2 (spring 2025), UltraCam Merlin 5.0 and UltraCam Dragon 4.2 (both at Intergeo 2025).

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Leica Geosystems (Hexagon): Hexagon's Leica Geosystems division offers large-format aerial camera systems (e.g., Leica CityMapper, Leica DMC, Leica HawkEye) for photogrammetric and hybrid LiDAR mapping - the most direct large-format aerial imaging competitor to Vexcel's UltraCam family, serving the same professional survey and government mapping customers.
• Teledyne Technologies (Teledyne Optech / Teledyne CARIS): Teledyne's Optech and Geospatial divisions produce airborne LiDAR sensors and imaging systems (e.g., Galaxy, Titan, Prism) and integrated camera-LiDAR solutions for aerial survey and mapping - directly comparable to Vexcel's UltraCam Dragon hybrid systems in target customer base and product architecture.
• Phase One: Phase One manufactures large- and medium-format aerial cameras (iX- and PAS systems) used in professional aerial mapping and aerial survey, competing head-to-head with Vexcel's UltraCam family for both commercial survey firms and government mapping programs at the high-resolution photogrammetric tier.
• RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems: RIEGL is a leading provider of airborne LiDAR scanners (e.g., VQ-680, VQ-1560) and is both a strategic technology partner of Vexcel (LiDAR integrated into Dragon 4.2) and a direct competitor offering standalone airborne LiDAR systems to the same aerial survey customer base.
• Pix4D: Pix4D provides photogrammetry software (Pix4Dmapper, Pix4Dmatic) for processing aerial and drone imagery into 2D maps and 3D models - a direct software-side peer to Vexcel's UltraMap suite, though typically serving smaller-footprint drone-based workflows rather than continent-scale UltraCam blocks.

Others

• Applanix (Trimble): Applanix is Vexcel's strategic technology partner for GNSS/INS direct georeferencing (POSPac MMS with IN-FUSION+ PP-RTX integrated into UltraNav) and a Trimble-owned provider of position and orientation systems for airborne surveying - adjacent ecosystem participant with both partnership and partial competitive overlap.
• Esri (ArcGIS): Esri's ArcGIS platform is the dominant GIS and geospatial analytics software used by Vexcel's government and enterprise customers to consume and analyze outputs from UltraMap - adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor, but a critical downstream platform in the mapping workflow.

Broad incumbents

• Trimble Geospatial: Trimble offers a broad portfolio of geospatial hardware and software including aerial mapping workflows, GNSS positioning, and photogrammetry tools, serving the same professional survey and mapping customer base as Vexcel but as a much larger incumbent with a wider solution set.
• Topcon Positioning Systems: Topcon provides positioning, mapping, and geospatial hardware and software for the surveying and aerial mapping market, including GNSS reference stations and aerial imaging integration, overlapping with Vexcel in serving the professional aerial survey and government mapping agency segments.

Emerging players

• senseFly (Parrot Group): senseFly (part of Parrot Group) is a leading provider of fixed-wing and rotary drone-based mapping solutions (eBee, eMotion) used by smaller survey firms and emerging mapping operators - an emerging-player threat that addresses a different price point than Vexcel's high-end manned aerial systems but competes for the same end-customer mapping budgets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/vexcelimaging
• Facebookfacebook.com/vexcelimaging
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vexcel-imaging
• Instagraminstagram.com/vexcel.imaging
• Xx.com/vexcel_imaging

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vexcel Imaging