Satellite images can be used for space planning, site plans, design and analysis of existing and proposed sites, or to highlight areas and details of civil and large construction projects. More often than not, however, when using some of the more popular free satellite map and image applications available, the images we find are months, if not years, out of date.
That’s not the case with Nearmap, a location content provider specializing in high resolution aerial imagery. It captures images multiple times a year. Since they are aerial images as opposed to satellite images, the images aren’t affected by potential obstructions like weather or the atmosphere. Per its website, “Nearmap captures leaf-off and leaf-on aerial photos year-round under the best possible conditions.” It quickly processes images that are streamed to the cloud in a matter of days, where they are available for viewing and use on both desktops and mobile devices. This is accomplished through an innovative, powerful, patented imaging and processing technology.
Continuing with its innovation, Nearmap recently announced the release of new forms of location content—Nearmap Panorama and Nearmap Oblique—available through a new MapBrowser interface. Nearmap had these new forms of imagery on display at Autodesk University 2017. Prior to these new forms, vertical imager—also referred to as orthorectified imagery—is what Nearmap provided. Orthorectification is a process used to correct the terrain distortion in aerial or satellite images that results from variations in the surface of the earth and tilt of the satellite or aerial sensor being used to collect the data. This process allows accurate information to be gathered from the images such as distances, angles and positions.
The new Nearmap Panorama gives users views of locations and features from multiple directions in a single viewing experience. As opposed to needing to switch from one image to another to view content from multiple perspectives, Nearmap Panorama allows users to pan and zoom across any size geography in an uninterrupted fashion, allowing information to be reviewed much more quickly.
Nearmap Oblique allows users to take accurate measurements from aerial imagery. Measurements of locations and features, like buildings, landscape and terrain, can be taken in all three dimensions. Users can even export these images with the dimensions added in, allowing users to communicate even more detailed information to a project team.
The MapBrowser interface means you can switch from Nearmap Vertical to Nearmap Panorama or Nearmap Oblique content. It’s a web-based application that allows you to navigate and search Nearmap’s library of current and historical content. It also includes tools for measuring, designing and analyzing locations. A subscription gives you access to all of the functionality—Nearmap Oblique, Nearmap Panorama, Nearmap Vertical and MapBrowser.
In addition to the MapBrowser interface, Nearmap can be accessed through both Esri and Autodesk products. Visit here for a free trial or here for additional information.