X-Plane Photographic Scenery: England & Wales

Now available from Horizon Simulations Ltd. is X-Plane Photographic Scenery: England & Wales (XPPS). Created in cooperation with Getmapping, Circle Software & Simulation and Intermap Technologies, this scenery is based on detailed photographs taken by a fleet of aircraft flying over the entire area at 5500 feet. For full details, click on Read More.

Following the success of VFR Photographic Scenery, Getmapping's acclaimed countrywide aerial photography is now being used to give X-Plane simulation pilots the views from their virtual cockpits that real pilots enjoy in flight.

Experiencing a bird's eye view of England and Wales has historically been reserved almost exclusively for the rich and the feathered. However, for those who enjoy flight simulation with Microsoft's Flight Simulator, this was resolved by Getmapping and Visual Flight with the first countrywide photographic scenery upgrade of England & Wales, VFR Photographic Scenery.

But for those that prefer X-Plane's enchantments, discovering a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, or reincarnation, remained the only options; until now that is...

In association with Circle Software & Simulation Ltd, a specialist software development company, Horizon Simulation is using Getmapping's incredible Millennium Map(tm) aerial photography to upgrade and replace X-Plane's make believe scenery with glorious photographic scenery of England & Wales. The new series of products is to be called X-Plane Photographic Scenery: England & Wales (XPPS).

Acquired using a fleet of 4 aircraft flying along meticulously planned flight-lines at 5,500 ft AGL, and using the best in camera technology and global positioning equipment, Getmapping's incredible Millennium Map(tm) aerial photography is the definitive visual record of England & Wales in the new millennium, and the perfect source of data for use as scenery in flight simulation.

To be released as a series of 3 volumes, each containing 3 CDs full of data, X-Plane Photographic Scenery lets you enjoy the majestic patchwork of fields, forests, lakes, villages, towns, and cities that make up England & Wales in the 21st century, whilst learning to fly from the comfort of your own home. For additional value, the developers have included a replacement terrain mesh, derived from the UK's most accurate countrywide elevation survey, Intermap Technologies' NEXTMap Britain(tm).

XPPS lets X-Plane enthusiasts go aerial sight-seeing, plan/rehearse real flights, and even practice visual navigation techniques:

In addition to providing more attractive views out of the cockpit window, the use of aerial photography and real elevation data dramatically increases the level of realism of the simulated flying environment, which in turn increases the potential for its use in training and instruction. For pilots aiming to acquire a license to fly, or simply to keep up to speed with navigation techniques, X-Plane with X-Plane Photographic Scenery allows realistic VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flying, with point to point navigation.

The first volume (Midlands, East & South East England) of X-Plane Photographic Scenery: England & Wales is on sale now - RRP is £29.99 (including VAT and UK delivery).

About Horizon Simulation Ltd

Horizon Simulation Ltd is a UK based simulation software publishing company. Horizon works with leading data providers and database/software developers to provide accurate, detailed, and realistic digital models of the real world for use in training and gaming simulations.

In working with exceptionally skilled development partners and the leading international data suppliers, Horizon strives to create highly functional and accurate, innovative and immersive scenery products for users and territories throughout the world.

About Circle Software & Simulation Limited

Circle Software and Simulation Limited is a specialist software development company focusing on bespoke software and systems for a wide range of industries.

Having worked with many international household-name organisations since the mid 1980's providing bespoke solutions written in Fortran, C/C++, Visual Basic, Microsoft SQL Server and associated web based technologies, Circle Software can provide extensive experience and skill for a range of diverse applications.

With a passion for flight simulation and aviation in general, Circle Software is ideally positioned to create high quality scenery upgrades for Laminar Research's X-Plane and other simulations.

About Getmapping PLC

Getmapping PLC was formed in 1998 with the specific aim to create the first full-coverage and up-to-date photographic map of the UK.

In April 1999, Getmapping commissioned four aircraft, specially equipped with state of the art cameras, to fly the length and breadth of the country acquiring highly detailed aerial photographic images. Since that time, Getmapping has built up the most comprehensive and up to date photographic archive of the UK. The resulting seamless mosaic of imagery is known as The Millennium Map(tm).