Ground Truth
A blog by Nearmap
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Nearmap & Betterview: One year later
later Jan 2025 David Tobias, GM of Insurance Jan 2025 David Tobias, GM of Insurance A year ago, Nearmap took a bold step by acquiring Betterview , a leader in property intelligence solutions for P&C insurance. At the time, CEO Andy Watt put it perfectly: “Integrating the Betterview platform and AI solutions into the Nearmap technology stack will enable better visualization of the truth on the ground with a richer, more powerful set of AI capabilities that combine the best of both companies.” It was a turning point for both companies — and the industry. Over the past year, we’ve worked together to achieve milestones that wouldn’t have been possible alone. As we look toward 2025, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on where we’ve been and share a glimpse of where we’re headed. "Best user interface" “We picked the Betterview platform because we thought it was the best user interface for our underwriters to interact with. But when you see what Nearmap does with the frequency of imagery updates and potential in the AI space, it’s even better. These teams coming together to own the whole stack is exciting to see.” — Chad Combs, Vice President, Personal Lines Underwriting, Ohio Mutual Video Testimonial The first end-to-end solution Even before Nearmap acquired Betterview, our longstanding partnership delivered meaningful results for insurers. But it didn’t take long for both teams to see the bigger opportunity: joining forces. Together, we could tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges — like rising property losses, severe weather risks, and inflation — with solutions that went beyond what either company could achieve alone. That vision became a reality in early 2024 with the launch of the first true full-stack property intelligence platform for insurance . By integrating Nearmap high-resolution imagery and pre-processed AI-driven insights with Betterview’s advanced SaaS platform and AI models, we created something truly unique: a solution for faster, smarter insights that empower decision-making at every level. The result? The Betterview platform by Nearmap . Today, this platform provides insurers with unrivaled tools to detect property conditions, model risks, and act quickly with confidence. More than 200 carriers now depend on this unified platform to manage risk, predict and prevent losses, and provide a better experience for their customers. Gen6: An expanded library of AI insights At Nearmap, our focus has always been on one thing: delivering real, practical value to our customers. In 2024, we took a significant step forward with the launch of our 6th generation of AI insights , a milestone reflecting years of learning, iteration, and commitment to solving our customers’ toughest challenges. Why does this matter? This latest evolution of our AI in the Betterview platform empowers insurers to better detect, assess, and mitigate risk across their portfolios. With access to the largest library of property condition detections in the industry, insurers can see risk more clearly and act more decisively. Here’s what’s new: The largest AI detection library : With over 130 property condition detections — including peril-specific risk scores — insurers now have greater visibility into potential risks. Enhanced AI models : Improvements across the board mean higher accuracy and confidence for everything from roof condition to wildfire vulnerability. Validated peril scores : Covering wildfire , hurricane , hail , and wind , these scores are not only predictive of claims but also approved for use in rating plans in numerous states. With these tools, underwriters gain a more holistic understanding of each property’s risk profile. That means faster, more accurate decisions, streamlined workflows, and fewer surprises down the road—all critical to managing costs and improving outcomes. “Gain greater insights” “The advancements that Nearmap continues to make, like the investment in Betterview, help them become a stronger company with more machine learning and artificial intelligence. It is only going to help us gain greater insights into our exposures.” — Rob Jacobson, President & CEO, Rockford Mutual Video Testimonial Proven credibility: Delivering on what matters At Nearmap, trust and reliability aren’t industry buzzwords — they’re at the core of what we do. Over the past year, we focused on two critical goals that demonstrate our commitment to insurers: expanding our imagery coverage and validating our peril models with state regulators. First, we tackled imagery coverage. By integrating data from Hexagon’s Content Program into the Betterview platform, we extended our reach into rural areas, regions that have historically been plagued by infrequent and low-resolution imagery capture. Paired with Nearmap data, which already covers 87% of the U.S. population , insurers now have a clearer, more comprehensive view of properties nationwide, whether urban or rural. What does this mean for insurers? It’s about more than just having great imagery. By combining this expanded coverage with predictive risk scores, regional hazard data, and tools like permit data and replacement cost analysis, insurers can: Streamline underwriting decisions with greater confidence. Cut down on the time and cost of physical inspections. Offer policyholders meaningful mitigation advice. We didn’t stop there. Our second focus, validating AI-powered peril models, led to significant progress. To date, our AI-powered peril models have received regulatory approval in 30 states and Washington, D.C. These filings, completed in collaboration with Milliman Appleseed, allow insurers to quickly adopt advanced models to assess and price risk. Additionally, these models are proven to predict claims for wildfire, wind, hurricane, and hail, and serve as a lifeline for insurers navigating today’s volatile climate. They not only offer deep insights but also help insurers act faster and smarter, ensuring they stay ahead of the next big challenge. Real-world impact: Responding to severe storms 2024 was a year of relentless storms, testing insurers across the country. With one of the most active hurricane seasons on record, the need for rapid, accurate data became clearer. That’s where the Nearmap ImpactResponse System stepped in. The solution delivers rapid, actionable data to help insurers allocate resources effectively and support recovery efforts. Take Hurricane Milton, for example. When the storm devastated Florida on October 9, 2024, insurers needed to act fast. Nearmap delivered: Damage insights within 32 hours of landfall, giving insurers a near-instant view of the situation. Detailed analysis of 5.3 million buildings , identifying 39,000 structures that were majorly damaged or destroyed. Lightning-fast AI processing : A median time of just 2.6 hours, with 90% of damage data ready within 3.4 hours. The result? Insurers could quickly assess losses at the property level, allocate adjusters where they were needed most, and accelerate claims processing like never before. For policyholders, this meant faster payments and a quicker path to recovery. At its core, this isn’t just about technology — it’s about making a tangible difference when it matters most. By equipping insurers with the tools to respond effectively, we’re helping them deliver on their promise to protect and support their customers in their moments of greatest need. “An unparalleled solution” “The combination of Nearmap and Betterview really enhances the suite of products available on the platform. Nearmap’s breadth of imagery delivers an unparalleled solution for underwriters to make decisions.” — Peter Mahler, Vice President, Religious Markets Underwriting, Church Mutual Video Testimonial Looking ahead Year one of the Betterview acquisition has been nothing short of transformative — not just for us, but more importantly, for our insurance customers. By staying in constant dialogue with them, we’ve been able to ensure that every decision we make aligns with their unique business needs. The feedback has been very positive. But we’re not stopping here. With every enhancement to our technology, we’re helping insurers embrace a new era of proactive risk management. It’s about delivering measurable outcomes: better loss ratios, happier policyholders, and faster, smarter decisions across the board. The best part is there’s still much more we can do to serve the industry. With exciting innovations on the horizon in 2025, Nearmap remains committed to accelerating underwriting, streamlining claims response, and reducing loss ratios. Together, we’re not only addressing today’s challenges, we’re shaping the future of insurance.
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The 15 most viewed U.S. locations of 2024
We’re back with our list of the top 15 U.S. locations our users viewed from above in 2024.
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What is geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI)?
is geospatial artificial intelligence? What is geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI)? Jan 2025 Jan 2025 Imagine understanding locations of interest with just a few clicks — no more lengthy site visits or guesswork. That’s the power of geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI). By blending artificial intelligence with geographic information systems (GIS), GeoAI transforms how we analyze and interpret geospatial data . Automatically detecting materials, conditions, and spatial patterns, GeoAI speeds up decision-making and gives businesses the tools they need to act smarter and faster. For industries like insurance , government services, and urban planning, it’s a true game-changer that is reshaping how organizations approach spatial analysis. What is AI in GIS technology? AI in GIS is a way to take traditional geographic systems to the next level. By layering machine learning over vast spatial data, it’s no longer just about looking at maps but uncovering actionable insights from aerial imagery . With AI-powered location intelligence, you can instantly detect key features like solar panels, roof materials, or surface permeability. This means less manual work and more time focusing on what matters: making decisions based on accurate, up-to-date information. What is the role of AI in GIS? AI’s role in GIS is to completely transform how industries use geospatial data. Gone are the traditional methods of relying solely on static maps or historical geospatial data. Today, AI can analyze complex datasets across huge areas, automatically detect property features, and provide real-time insights. GeoAI-based solutions, for instance, can identify everything from roof pitch to vegetation, giving decision-makers the critical data they need for planning, asset management, and risk assessments. How can GIS use artificial intelligence? GeoAI offers practical ways to use AI in GIS: Automate mapping and feature detection: With AI, property features, such as building structures and yard objects, can be detected automatically, speeding up workflows and cutting out the need for manual inspections. Efficient workflow integration: GeoAI insights can seamlessly integrate its insights with existing GIS platforms through APIs or vector layers, enriching your data and making project management more efficient. Frequent updates: Say goodbye to outdated data. Aerial imagery is refreshed multiple times a year in urban areas, so you’re always working with current, accurate information. What are the benefits of GeoAI? GeoAI is changing the way industries operate by delivering faster, more accurate, and scalable solutions: Time savings: Automated AI insights eliminate the need for time-consuming onsite inspections, allowing users to assess property conditions remotely and make quick, informed decisions. Comprehensive analysis: GeoAI offers detailed analysis, instantly detecting features across 87% of the population . This gives you a complete picture of your site’s condition. Improved accuracy: Nearmap AI has been trained over 13 years on a massive dataset of 1.42 million images, powering greater reliability and accuracy Scalable solutions: Whether you’re analyzing a single building or an entire city, GeoAI scales to meet your needs, delivering the insights you need to tackle projects of any size. GeoAI for insurance: Transforming risk assessments and underwriting When it comes to insurance, GeoAI is particularly powerful. AI-powered imagery helps insurers quickly assess property risks , speed up claims processing, and improve underwriting accuracy. For example, by detecting roof condit i ons or solar panels from aerial imagery, insurers can evaluate a property’s risk profile without needing to visit the site. This leads to faster claims processing and more accurate decisions — benefiting both insurers and policyholders. Not just for insurance — GeoAI is also invaluable for government services. With precise, real-time data, government agencies can monitor infrastructure, plan public works, and manage transport systems more effectively. The benefits are clear, from maintaining compliance to improving service delivery. Nearmap GeoAI technologies offer precise, AI-powered insights that help companies understand locations more deeply without conducting labor-intensive on-site inspections. By automating the detection of over 130 property features, from roof conditions to vegetation, GeoAI is reshaping how industries approach spatial analysis. Ready to learn how you could maximize your insights with GeoAI? Get in Touch
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What is machine learning in GIS?
is machine learning in GIS? What is machine learning in GIS? Dec 2024 Dec 2024 Machine learning in geographic information systems (GIS) is reshaping how industries operate, from construction and engineering to government and insurance . By combining machine learning with geospatial data, organizations can gain fresh insights that inform smarter decisions. Explore what machine learning means for spatial analysis, learn its benefits, and examine how Nearmap is leveraging these technologies to drive innovation. AI Layers Building Med & High Vegetation What is machine learning for geospatial analysis? Machine learning for geospatial data refers to the application of algorithms that enable computers to learn from and make predictions based on geospatial information. By integrating machine learning into GIS, organizations can enhance their spatial analysis capabilities, enabling more informed decision-making. Machine learning models thrive on diverse spatial data, such as terrain maps, population density statistics, and environmental conditions. This approach provides the foundation for valuable new applications, from urban planning to disaster response. At Nearmap, we’ve integrated artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into our aerial imagery processes, enabling us to deliver insights at an impressive scale. According to Dr. Michael Bewley, Senior Director of AI Systems at Nearmap, “We do AI at the same scale that we do imagery.” With each aerial survey, our customers gain access to over 200 AI-derived insights about specific locations — covering everything from vegetation to construction sites. What are the advantages of machine learning in GIS? The combination of GIS and machine learning offers fantastic benefits for organizations: Enhanced accuracy : One of the standout benefits of machine learning is improved accuracy. Machine learning algorithms minimize human error by leveraging large datasets, allowing for insights that manual methods might miss. Nearmap AI models provide optimal accuracy, delivering results that are hard to achieve through traditional labeling methods. Increased efficiency : By automating data processing, professionals can analyze billions of features across vast areas simultaneously, which means faster insights and time saved. Predictive capabilities : With machine learning, GIS can help anticipate future trends based on historical data. This is invaluable for sectors like urban planning and disaster management, where proactive decision-making is crucial. Scalability : The power of machine learning makes it easy to handle large datasets. This scalability is essential for comprehensive geospatial analysis, particularly in complex fields like environmental science and urban development. Applications of machine learning in GIS Machine learning is already making waves in various applications, including: Urban planning : By analyzing factors like population density and land use, machine learning can help urban planners make informed decisions about resource allocation and development. Environmental monitoring : By processing environmental data, machine learning uses image segmentation techniques to help track changes in land use, monitor deforestation, and assess climate change impacts. Transportation and logistics : Optimizing route planning and analyzing traffic patterns are just a couple of ways machine learning is streamlining transportation and logistics. Disaster management : Machine learning aids in predicting and managing natural disasters by analyzing both historical and real-time data, enabling quicker and more effective responses. The Nearmap approach to AI and machine learning We’ve developed a seamless system that combines aerial imagery with AI and machine learning to deliver enhanced insights to our customers. With our latest updates, users can access more than 130 data layers organized into AI Packs, providing valuable, scaleable geospatial intelligence on a wide range of features — from roof conditions to surface types. Imagine the possibilities with 3D mapping data — our immersive high-resolution visuals let you see your project environment in full context. Whether it’s a detailed 3D mesh for urban planning or assessing changes over time with our robust historical library, Nearmap technology provides a comprehensive view that transforms traditional approaches to location intelligence . Gain fresh insights that inform smarter decisions. Get in touch with our team of experts today to learn how machine learning in GIS could transform your workflows. Get in touch
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Driving ROI with AI-derived risk insights: A guide for P&C insurance leaders
59% of US P&C insurers believe the industry will be powered by AI in the future.
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Put your team on the same map with...
and share Put your team on the same map with... Dec 2024 Dec 2024 At Nearmap, when we ask for your feedback, we’re always listening. Many of you had let us know that you’d love to be able to collaborate and comment in real time on projects in MapBrowser. Now you can! The challenge: collaboration bottlenecks 25% of productivity is lost through ineffective project collaboration 1 . 70% of workers agree that poor collaboration is limiting their productivity and wasting their time 2 . 61% believe better collaboration would result in greater business growth opportunities 3 . The solution: Share MapBrowser projects Now you can easily share a project in MapBrowser with others on your subscription or in your organization, making teamwork more seamless by helping you all work together on the same map. When you share a MapBrowser project, you can choose view or edit permissions, to ensure your projects are managed according to your preferred access settings. How to create a project: When you browse any location in MapBrowser, the area is saved by default as ‘Untitled Project’. You can name your project by clicking on the name and typing a title, or to create a new project you can click the Projects icon at the top of the sidebar menu, and in the dialog window, click NEW PROJECT. If you don’t wish to create a project, just leave the title as is and continue browsing as normal. You can also add labels to projects to help keep track of your work. Projects are saved automatically as you work, so there’s no need to manually save changes. Collaborate in real time Collaboration is a huge improvement for teamwork. Once you’ve shared project in MapBrowser, other people with access to the same project can see comments and mark-ups in real time. Clearer communication across your projects helps reduce delays and minimising errors. Commenters can tag tag other team members in the project, with all comments viewable in a single panel. To add a comment, click the Comment icon in the top toolbar in MapBrowser. You’ll see a comment callout appear on the map — you can drag that to the relevant location on the map and click to insert. Roofing contractors, we’ve got your back. To streamline commercial and residential roofing projects, make notes about features on a roof and share them with your team without having to export and make annotations in other software – do it it all in MapBrowser. Get the window seat for airport logistics Simplify managing complicated traffic in and out of airport properties, and keep track of critical maintenance issues with a view of changes over time. Ensure the details are reflected across your team, helping keep to schedule for time-critical repairs and replacements. Supervise asset management, remotely Assign portions of the areas you’re managing to different team members so everyone is working with a consolidated source of truth – removing confusion and saving the need for each employee to export and then consolidate different annotated maps. Bring intelligence into urban planning Work with a single source of truth to make notes and share with teams including utilities and roadways , with the ability for all contributors and decision-makers to make notes and ensure everyone is informed. This brings a new level of efficiency into MapBrowser, helping you and your team work smarter, with clearer information and a real-time view of who’s doing what in your MapBrowser project. With collaboration, you can see measurements and comments made by other stakeholders in the same project, giving you a clear view of the latest project updates. Along with these updates, you’ll also notice that we’ve updated the dashboard in the MapBrowser MyAccount view. The new grid layout displays your projects in an intuitive layout. Each project tile has an action menu where you can open, duplicate, rename, or archive a project. You will also be able to see who’s currently working on a project, and their access level. Your notifications window in MapBrowser will appear in the top right of the screen, directly under the bell icon. What’s your view on these updates? We’d love to hear how these MapBrowser enhancements are helping you do more – let us know in this survey. Your feedback helps us shape future product updates coming your way. Take Survey
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Mapping minds, shaping the world: GIS Day 2024
GIS Day 2024 is dedicated to sharing, teaching, and inspiring others with GIS. This year, Nearmap celebrates the 25th anniversary of GIS Day with highlights from customers and employees!
Discover more
Across the globe, GIS professionals are using Nearmap to advance their understanding of the world. Learn more about how these geospatial experts in commercial, government, and insurance sectors are optimizing their efficiencies with our solution.Customer Stories
Go behind the scenes with GIS pioneers to see how they’re using Nearmap.
Events
Meet us in person and demo our products at one of the events we’ll be attending this year.
Webinars
Tune in for a lineup of industry experts highlighting how they’re changing our livable world
Newsroom
Get the latest Nearmap scoop by reading what publications are saying about us.