Ashby company Bluesky International has been making the most of aircraft-free skies during the Coronavirus lockdown.

The aerial mapping company, based at the town's former railway station on Station Road, has captured more than 130,000 square kilometres of imagery updates across the UK and Ireland, reports Direction Mag

That includes ultra-high resolution data for a number of cities including Central London, Manchester, Newcastle, Leicester and Derby.

This was completed in just two months and also includes the completion of their first full coverage layer of the Republic of Ireland.

And it makes Bluesky the only company to have full coverage of the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

"It was a difficult start to the flying season as the country went into lockdown and we were not sure we would be able to operate at all," commented Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Bluesky International.

"But, with support from flying bases across the UK, air traffic control, and, of course, our own operations team we have been able to capture a phenomenal amount of data in a very short time all whilst adhering to government guidelines and maintaining social distancing.

"The combination of the fantastic weather we have been enjoying and reduced traffic in the skies has meant that we have already captured a record amount of data.

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"So, assuming the weather continues to be kind to us, we are on course for an exceptional year."

Bluesky usually manages its UK operation from its global headquarters in Ashby with planes operating from East Midlands airport.

But, as a result of lockdown, all office staff are currently working from home.

Their data will also update both national and international contracts with government organisations, utility companies and global blue chip companies.

Bluesky International is the leading aerial survey and geographic data company in the UK producing and maintaining seamless digital aerial photography and height data on a national scale in both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

As well as being an established and respected aerial survey company Bluesky International is also highly innovative and continually strives to develop new products and services by embracing new technology and methods.

This has resulted in the development of some unique products such as the National Tree Map.