Aerial photography operations

As Ordnance Survey are a major company collecting aerial photography I would appreciate it if you could give me some information about your operation:

1. Do you use your own fleet of aircraft to capture aerial images or do you contract through a 3rd party?

2.How many aircraft and what types are involved?

3.How many flying hours are involved to satisfy your data capture requirements?

4. Has there been an increase or decrease in the requirement for aerial photography? 

Thank you for your e-mail dated 17^th March. We are pleased to provide you with the following information, and respond to your questions in order:

1. Ordnance Survey does not own any aircraft but leases them from a third party. The aircraft are fitted with our sensors and management systems and are operated by Ordnance Survey staff.

2. We use a Cessna 404 and a 402.

3. The number of hours depends on our programme of work and how geographically dispersed it is. Last season the total flying time was 500 hours.

4. Neither. Our programme volumes have remained the same for the past 3 years.

Please note that your enquiry has been processed to Freedom of Information guidelines.  As all requested information has been provided, we have determined that in all the circumstances of this case the Public interest consideration (section 17 FOIA) is not applicable in this instance.

If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal to our Appeals Officer at:

Complaints Team

Customer Service Centre

Ordnance Survey

Romsey Road

SOUTHAMPTON

SO16 4GU 

Please include the reference number below. The Appeals Officer will ensure that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of additional information if appropriate.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Reference number: FOI1051/March 2010