Geo-info firm hopes for boost with Google Earth

Oct 9 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A SOFTWARE business that produces detailed geo- information is hoping to work with internet giant Google after being bought out by a division of a £3.5bn company.

Newcastle-based Imass Design Solutions (iDS) has been purchased by Leicester firm Infoterra for an undisclosed sum and now expects its turnover to jump from £12m to £17m by the end of the year.

Infoterra, which provides detailed satellite mapping for companies looking to expand, will use Imass’ expertise in assessing any underground problems to provide a fully integrated service.

As well as providing day to day office software to a range of industries, Imass uses advanced data analysis to provide companies with detailed geological information.

The technology has seen it work with a number of firms in the oil and gas sector as well as fire services in the North East, which use the technology to gauge where the nearest hydrants are as well as what to expect when they turn up at a blaze.

The two companies are now in talks with Google Earth to bring their services to the mass market as well as a number of other companies looking to expand.

As part of the deal, Imass has been guaranteed that it will remain in the North East for the next five years, where it employs a 136-strong workforce.

iDS business development director Colin Watson believes the company will be able to create more jobs with the support of Hampshire-based Astrium Services, Infoterra’s parent company, which last year made a turnover of £3.5bn and is in itself a subsidiary of aerospace giant the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).

Imass is now hoping to set up operation in a number of English speaking countries and hopes to be in Australia and Canada by next year.

Mr Watson said: “We are very excited about the deal.

“Although we had some success as a stand alone company, the integration with Infoterra will allow us to grow at a much faster rate.”