Introducing: Nearmap for Post-catastrophe Response
Post-catastrophe imagery and AI-derived property damage and condition data unite to help insurers process customer claims more efficiently.
Post-catastrophe imagery and AI-derived property damage and condition data unite to help insurers process customer claims more efficiently.
When MapBrowser Classic was first released to the market more than 10 years ago, it was designed around the capabilities and needs of our users at the time. In technology terms, 10 years is a long time!
Today, new technology capabilities and enhancements mean it’s time to say farewell to MapBrowser Classic.
The new MapBrowser platform offers an intuitive, fast way to browse Nearmap content — so you can work with expanded capabilities.
With new MapBrowser, depending on your subscription, you can access premium content — for example, 3D, Oblique and AI — via intuitive tools and shortcuts specially designed to help you work more effectively.
This five-minute guide is designed as a quick introduction to some of the changes you’ll notice in the new platform MapBrowser, compared to MapBrowser Classic.
Let’s start by looking at the new MapBrowser interface.
Screen shot of the new MapBrowser interface
When you first login to new MapBrowser from MapBrowser Classic, you’ll notice a streamlined layout, with new-look toolbars and menus. The interface has been intentionally designed with UX-centered principles at its core to ensure ease of use.
If you’ve been used to MapBrowser Classic and the new view seems unfamiliar at first, don't worry — you’ll soon find the layout, menus and commands second-nature.
One difference you’ll notice is that instead of the survey timeline appearing along the top of the screen as it did in MapBrowser Classic, survey dates appear in a pop-up menu at the bottom of the screen in the new MapBrowser.
Start typing an address into the search bar in new MapBrowser and you’ll notice that the address field will show multiple address options that match the text as you type.
Get to know your most commonly used commands via keyboard shortcuts to save time and work more efficiently.
At the top of screen, you’ll see a new-look toolbar. This contains tools to measure and annotate imagery. You can use the map pin to mark a location; click the camera icon to take a snapshot of the current location (this downloads the image as a PNG file); click the 'A' symbol to add text to imagery; and use the measurement tools — line, polygon, rectangle and circle — to measure height and width, area, perimeter and circumference.
Compact toolbar in new MapBrowser
By clicking on the icons in the compact sidebar at the left of the screen you can create and label new projects, access feature and data layers, go to the export panel, and see downloads (3D exports and AI exports).
From the sidebar, you can also go to the Knowledge Hub, access keyboard shortcuts, contact support and share feedback. At the bottom of the left-hand menu click your initials to go to your account.
Collapsible sidebar in new MapBrowser
While you’re viewing imagery in the new MapBrowser, right-click to: access Google Street View; see any oblique photos available for the location (access to oblique imagery is available as an add-on to any vertical imagery subscription, and only in select areas); add a marker to help with site planning or identify a location; and, copy location details including address, coordinates and MapBrowser link.
Right-click menu in new MapBrowser
The new MapBrowser includes intuitive navigation tools. Click the location symbol to bring the map to your current live location; use the + and – tools to zoom in and out; rotate the map by 90 degree increments; click and drag the compass tool to rotate the map. Please note: compass rotation is not available when viewing Panorama and Oblique imagery.
Intuitive navigation in new MapBrowser
Compared to MapBrowser Classic, in addition to standard vertical and panorama imagery, the new MapBrowser provides new content for even greater location insights. Depending on your subscription, you can access oblique imagery, AI data and 3D content. (Get ready for a “wow” moment when you start exploring what’s possible with AI attributes!)
Oblique imagery provides a 45-degree view. When you select this data layer, you will see individual photos of an area, rather than continuous, blended vertical imagery.
Oblique imagery gives a 45 degree view in new MapBrowser
Selecting the 3D layer displays the imagery in Cesium 3D format. With a subscription that includes access to 3D texture mesh, you can smooth pan, zoom, rotate, and tilt, and easily take height, pitch, and length measurements.
3D textured mesh content in new MapBrowser
If your subscription includes AI access, you can select Artificial Intelligence (AI) layers from the Data Layers menu. These layers include tree overhang, solar panels, construction sites — with the ability to identify cranes, construction vehicles, buildings under construction and construction sites — roof condition, roof material, roof shape, light poles and power poles, buildings, vegetation, surfaces (asphalt, concrete, lawn), swimming pools, and even trampolines. You can view specific AI attributes at scale, from individual property, to suburb, city, state and national level.
AI attributes in new MapBrowser
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If you have any feedback while using MapBrowser, just click the '?' symbol and share to let us know. If you need a specific guide, check the Knowledge Hub. Enjoy exploring your new-look MapBrowser.
