Woolpert Enhances Geospatial Capabilities with Bluesky International Acquisition

Woolpert, a prominent name in the geospatial services industry, has made a significant leap by acquiring Bluesky International. Based in the United Kingdom, Bluesky International stands as the largest commercial aerial survey firm in the region and has earned its reputation as a trusted supplier for the UK government, especially in fields like aerial photography and elevation data.

This acquisition brings a wealth of resources to Woolpert. With more than 130 skilled professionals in the aviation and surveying sectors, Bluesky has a notable presence in the UK, Ireland, the US, and India. The integration of Bluesky’s innovative technologies and its expert workforce vastly enhances Woolpert's ability to mobilize quickly for geospatial data collection across diverse geographies.

The strategic alliance between these two firms positions Woolpert at the forefront of the geospatial industry, enabling it to deliver a comprehensive suite of services not only in North America and Europe but also in regions like Africa and the Asia-Pacific. Bluesky's array of aerial imaging capabilities, which includes LiDAR technology and 3D modeling, will complement Woolpert's existing services, ensuring a seamless approach to client needs.

One standout product from Bluesky is the Mapshop, an online platform offering high-resolution geospatial data that various clients can purchase to meet their infrastructure and planning requirements. With this addition, Woolpert can enhance its offerings significantly, carving a niche for itself in the geospatial market.

Neil Churman, the president and CEO of Woolpert, expressed that Bluesky was an obvious choice for acquisition due to its commitment to geospatial excellence and customer satisfaction. The merger promises not just to enhance operational efficiency but also to open new frontiers for growth and innovation. The collaborative synergy of Bluesky’s technology and Woolpert’s expanded resources is expected to generate substantial benefits for customers in both companies, providing unparalleled service in geospatial solutions.

Rachel Tidmarsh, CEO of Bluesky, articulated her excitement about joining Woolpert’s global network. She believes that the shared vision of leveraging data and analytics for geospatial solutions can positively impact various communities and clients. The integration opens doors to lawfully utilize Woolpert’s architectural and engineering services, thus broadening the spectrum of what the newly combined entity can achieve.

Churman also pointed out the strategic fit of this acquisition with Woolpert’s previous acquisition of Murphy Geospatial in 2024. Murphy Geospatial excels in mobile mapping, asset monitoring, subsurface engineering, and the development of 3D digital twins, primarily serving clients in Ireland, the UK, and across Europe. The combined expertise of Bluesky and Murphy will significantly elevate Woolpert’s capabilities in delivering comprehensive geospatial solutions.

Bluesky International has a strong track record in maintaining aerial photography and elevation data across the UK and Ireland, ensuring the data is consistently updated through periodic surveys. Their advanced fleet of aircraft, equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, including three Ultracam Eagle Mark 3 systems, positions Bluesky to offer unparalleled solutions tailored to diverse client needs, ranging from government contracts to services for private entities in sectors like finance, utilities, and telecommunications.

For more than a century, Woolpert has committed itself to leading in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, the company has grown to house over 2,700 employees and maintain more than 60 offices across five continents. Woolpert has been recognized as one of the top geospatial companies worldwide and aims to elevate its status further through innovation, client service excellence, and a robust support network as it integrates Bluesky into its fold.

With an eye toward the future, the partnership promises to strengthen Woolpert's geospatial services portfolio while ensuring that both companies continue to thrive through innovation and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. To learn more about the new developments following this acquisition, keep an eye on both Woolpert and Bluesky's channels for updates and insights into their future endeavors.

For further information on Bluesky’s services, check their website at www.bluesky-world.com. Likewise, insights into Woolpert’s extensive offerings can be found at woolpert.com.