A 3D mapping specialist has spent a seven-figure sum expanding its operations in North America.

Yotta, which is part of technology group Oxford Metrics plc, has bought Mobile Video Services, a US data collector for the assessment of property tax.

The deal accelerates Oxford Metrics’ strategy of growing Yotta’s operations in North America. This is the next step in the mapping company’s development and follows its acquisition of UK company Data Collection in July.

The acquisition moves Yotta into the highway survey and mapping market by putting its technology into Mobile Video’s vehicles, while expanding its data collection services in the property tax assessment market.

The deal was agreed for £2 million ($4 million), with £1.25 million in cash and shares paid on completion. The balance is due in the next two years if financial targets are achieved.

Oxford Metrics chief executive Nick Bolton said he is pleased with Yotta’s acquisition of Mobile Video. “Bringing these businesses together gives me further confidence in Yotta’s global growth prospects.”

Mobile Video, which was founded in 1986 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri, captures geospatial images of properties for tax administrators, GIS departments and the emergency services. It employs some 40 staff operating a fleet of 16 field vehicles across the US, and manages several contracts with local government agencies.

Oxford Metrics is a technology group that provides motion capture systems to the entertainment, defence, life science and engineering industries. The Oxford-based group has offices in the US and clients in some 50 countries, including Guy’s Hospital, Ford, BMW, Airbus, Sony, Sega, Nintendo and Mouchel Parkman.