Our Partners Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre

Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre

As part of our move to a new purpose-built facility in the Seven Hills Business Park, Edinburgh, we have also fostered a relationship with the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre. This will facilitate our capability to store and preserve the millions of digital images produced by NCAP.

Data-driven innovation

Based at the University of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre (EPCC) hosts the Edinburgh International Data Facility (EIDF), which together play the key role in the "Data-Driven Innovation" put forth by the City Region Deal. Funded through the UK and Scottish Governments, the aim is to establish Edinburgh as data capital of Europe. 

Collaborating with the EPCC grants NCAP access to a wealth of expertise, significantly enhancing our ability to process vast amounts of high-resolution digital imagery. This relationship is crucial to our mission of preserving the invaluable and often unique information contained in our 30 million images. 

Leveraging high-performance computing infrastructure, we aim to disseminate millions of high-resolution historical aerial images of locations worldwide. Our joint venture will offer the global research community access to an ever-expanding library of datasets.

Ongoing improvements

The NCAP team is always seeking to improve its processes by embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to managing the archive, making our collaboration with EPCC and EIDF immensely rewarding. Through this partnership, we continually enhance our understanding of geospatial intelligence and aim to build a community of interest spanning industry, academia, and government. This initiative will greatly benefit from the data-driven innovation that EIDF facilitates through the use of NCAP imagery.

EIDF at the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre - external

IN THIS SECTION

A large modern, multistorey building is the focus of the image. It is primarily made from glass sheets, with white panelling between them. Our view is partially obscured by large, low bushy trees, which are spaced in between areas of grass. Decorative paving is laid directly in front of us and leads to a low, sweeping glass entranceway.

National Archives and Records Administration

In 2016, NCAP began a partnership with NARA to copy its extensive holdings of aerial photography, with a particular focus on images from the Second World War.

Approximately 60 figures stand in a loose group in front of a large, grey stone building. Shrubs grow on either side of the group, and appear to be climbing up the building. The figures are arranged across a stepped patio area and tiered garden. Some figures smile gently. They wear a mix of military type uniforms - there are four or five variations. For example - a navy blue fitted jacket, pencil skirt and grey tights, or a dark khaki green jacket with gold coloured buttons, and straight legged trousers.

The Medmenham Association

With significant elements of the NCAP collection originating from RAF Medmenham, our relationship with the Medmenham Association remains a valuable one.

The city of Edinburgh, as seen from Calton Hill. The bright blue sky is crossed with stripes of cloud. In the lower half of the image buildings of varying heights and widths are clustered together, seen from above from our placement on the hill. On the left of the image is the Dugald Stewart Monument. It is composed of a circle of columns on a podium.

The University of Edinburgh - external

NCAP is committed to collaborating with staff and students at the University of Edinburgh, to further understanding of our collection and provide valuable research opportunities.

A long, low profile building fills the frame. It has lots of square edges and sharp angles, and our view of it is partially blocked by spindly trees and dense, low bushes. The photograph has been taken at night, and the clear, dark blue sky glows behind the building. Three rows of windows are illuminated with orange light from inside.

Directorate of Overseas Surveys Partnership

Working with Stockholm University and the University of California (Berkeley), this partnership delivered a pioneering digitisation programme.