BlomURBEX extended - a cost assessment
Through the previous stages we have shown the use of a number of datasets in working through producing topographic information and on to sections, elevations and ultimately a 3D rendered model. The user may of course use as few or many of these options as suits there requirements.
The costs illustrated here cover the data used and we also indicate the starting costs. All items of mapping are included although some are optional and many are likely to already be purchased as part of a job even at tender stage. All pricing shown is for a single year internal business use licence and was correct at the time of writing (July 2009):
| Dataset | Used in example | Min price |
| Ordnance Survey MasterMap topographic layer | £34.08 | £13.50 |
| BlomURBEX | £20.00 | £10.00 |
| Blom LiDAR (other LiDAR available) | £25.00 | £25.00 |
We have also recommended in this process the use of Global Mapper. The one off cost of a single licence for this product is currently approximately £190 + VAT (exchange rate dependent).
Finally, we recognise that the users time is also a cost to be considered. This is difficult to quantify precisely as it is dependent on the user's CAD knowledge and the amount of detail to be extracted. However, we would suggest that after any initial learning curve the creation of a basic "shell" as shown in the example is achievable with no more that 15 minutes to licence and download the data and anything from 30 minutes to query, construct and render the data.
The alternatives:
A site visit - the costs of a visit are clearly very dependent on the requirements, on the proximity of the site, the ability to access areas to make a measurement (e.g. roof areas etc) and the capacity of the individual to take relative or absolute measurements. It is acknowledged that the solution discussed here does not in all cases preclude a site visit but it is demonstrable that a more informed, targeted and efficient site visit may be made as a result and that detail may be captured which would otherwise be difficult to access.
A pre-built city model - assuming that in this instance we are considering the less expensive option of an existing model then it is possible the information may generalise some features and it is unlikely to include any detail from the facade. The costs of such a model typically begin at several hundred pounds.
A measured survey - typically only commissioned post tender and with the award of a contract, a topographic survey with elevations and sections will at an absolute minimum be several hundreds of pounds and is likely to be much higher and is unlikely to be subject to some delay (whilst the work is done) in supply.
Summary:
BlomURBEX offers an inexpensive and simple means of capturing information in it's own right. In conjunction with base mapping and other absolute height data such as LiDAR the possibilities expand.
With careful and considered usage, the accuracies of measurements with BlomURBEX do not differ significantly from (for example) the estimations of brick counting and can often be more easily and rapidly completed.
The tools and processes offer an excellent means to extend the depth of information which can be gathered before and on occasion instead of site visits.