When accuracy matters down to the centimeter, there's no room for workflow inefficiencies or data procurement bottlenecks. PLW Modelworks, a leader in creating highly accurate 3D city models, has found that streamlining geospatial data acquisition is just as critical as the proprietary software they've developed to process it.
The company provides low-polygon, lightweight 3D models built from high-resolution aerial imagery to clients spanning simulation and training, architecture and construction, government GIS and city planning, broadcast and film, defense and security planning, and real estate. Their client roster includes Lockheed Martin, The Weather Company, Woolpert, NASA, various universities and other organizations that require precision-engineered digital twins for mission-critical applications.
From Fragmented to Unified
PLW Modelworks needed an efficient data acquisition process and a streamlined way to order and download the high-resolution aerial imagery. Using UP42's centralized platform fulfilled that crucial need.
"We use UP42 for the high-resolution aerial imagery we utilize to create our 3D city models," says Stephen Nemethy, Business Development Manager at PLW Modelworks.
"UP42 has an online catalog of Oblique and Nadir Vexcel imagery that covers most of the US as well as many areas of Europe that we can input into our software to create our 3D buildings and photo-accurate texture map."
The platform consolidates access to leading satellite, aerial, elevation, and lidar data providers into a single environment. For PLW Modelworks, this means immediate access to the imagery they need.
"UP42's platform allows us to order imagery directly from the online catalog and seamlessly download it for our use," Nemethy explains, "The centralized platform has allowed us to save time and create a more efficient pipeline when ordering aerial imagery.”
And, PLW has also seen other tangible benefits, including to their work hours and project costs. "Ordering Vexcel imagery through the UP42 platform has allowed us to save time through the imagery ordering process, which has saved us time and money on many projects,” said Nemethy.
The Accuracy Imperative
PLW Modelworks has built its reputation on a specific promise: models that are "precise down to the pixel." This level of accuracy isn't just a marketing tagline. It's a technical requirement driven by client needs, from military training simulations to urban planning initiatives where miscalculations can have significant consequences.
"The Vexcel imagery is typically 5-7 cm GSD (pixel size), which allows our digital twins to be highly accurate," explains Nemethy.
"The smaller the pixel size, the higher accuracy to the real world we can achieve. Our digital twins are typically 1-2 pixel sizes in accuracy so the Vexcel imagery allows are digital twins to be 5-14 cm. accurate to the 'real' world."
Achieving this level of precision requires more than sophisticated modeling software. It demands consistent access to high-quality source imagery that meets exacting specifications.
Beyond Simple Data Access
Many organizations working with geospatial data are challenged by navigating a fragmented landscape of data providers, each with separate procurement processes, legal frameworks, and technical specifications. This complexity adds friction to every project. The UP42 platform, by contrast, handles the data and contract complexity so geospatial teams can stay focused on analysis.
UP42's value extends beyond serving as a data marketplace. The platform emphasizes interoperability, providing standardized, harmonized data in cloud-native formats with STAC compliance. This ensures that imagery can be immediately ingested into existing workflows and ML models, or streamed directly into GIS software like Esri or QGIS.
For a company like PLW Modelworks, where their choice of processing software is central to their value proposition, this seamless integration is essential. They have found that the UP42 platform handles the data acquisition complexity, allowing the team to focus on what they do best: creating accurate, lightweight 3D models that perform smoothly in simulators and visualization software.
And on top of the software, there’s a human element to consider. Thankfully, as Nemethy reports, UP42 has a customer service team that is “great and always willing to help” if there are any issues.
Looking Forward
As geospatial intelligence becomes increasingly critical across industries, the ability to access, manage, and process data efficiently will separate leaders from followers. PLW Modelworks' experience demonstrates how the right platform infrastructure can transform operational efficiency while maintaining the technical standards that clients demand.
For organizations evaluating their geospatial data strategies, Nemethy shares a straightforward bottom line:
"UP42 has a vast repository of geospatial intelligence available on a global basis. While PLW normally only utilizes nadir and oblique aerial imagery, UP42 also has multispectral and hyperspectral satellite imagery, SAR, elevation, lidar, and other data available. Their staff is very knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to work with clients to provide the geospatial data they need."
See UP42's platform for yourself:
Register for the upcoming free webinar, Powering Urban Planning with Aerial Data and Photorealistic 3D Models on February 25 to connect with the team, and learn more on UP42s website.
