Harnessing the Power of AI: Nearmap’s Pioneering Gen 6 at Autodesk University

At the heart of San Diego’s Autodesk University, innovation was in full display as Nearmap, a global leader in location intelligence and aerial imagery, unveiled their latest technological breakthrough—Gen 6 AI. In an exclusive interview, Jeff Saunders, Director of Product Management, and Steve Santovasi, Director of Product, took the time to share how Nearmap’s advancements are transforming industries with unparalleled precision and efficiency.

With the release of their sixth generation AI technology, Nearmap is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in geospatial intelligence. “We’ve got over 180 layers of data and attributes that we’re gathering from our vertical captures,” Saunders shared. But this isn’t just about amassing data—it’s about turning that data into actionable insights that have the power to reshape decision-making across industries.

Showcases different AI packs and layers including: Buildings & Vegetation, Hard Surfaces, Pole detection and Pavement damage.

From civil engineering to asset management, and government to insurance, Nearmap’s Gen 6 AI is providing businesses with the tools they need to streamline workflows, minimize risks, and anticipate needs long before issues arise.

Gen 6 AI: A Leap Forward in Location Intelligence

Nearmap’s Gen 6 AI is the latest evolution in their pursuit to bring smarter, faster, and more reliable location-based insights to their customers. With over 180 distinct layers of data, the system now offers more than just static imagery—it provides dynamic, real-time intelligence about property conditions, infrastructure, and environmental factors.

“For example, we’re not just identifying cracks in the pavement,” explained Saunders. “We’re analyzing entire segments of roads, tracking the extent of wear and tear across time, and helping cities understand when and where they need to prioritize maintenance.”

This shift from isolated data points to broader insights is crucial in how businesses and governments can better manage their assets. The AI’s ability to evaluate trends across vast geographic areas makes it easier to make informed decisions—whether for planning public works projects, managing commercial properties, or predicting future risks in insurance portfolios.

This images shows the different kinds of content Nearmap has, which includes: Vertical, Panorama, Oblique, 3D, AI and ImpactResponse.

Revolutionizing the AEC and Insurance Industries

For the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, Nearmap’s Gen 6 AI is already a game-changer. Santovasi pointed out that civil engineers now have the ability to evaluate property and infrastructure conditions remotely, saving time and resources. “We can assess the condition of roofs, roads, parking lots—really any aspect of the built environment—and track its degradation over time,” he said. “This helps companies schedule repairs before small issues turn into costly problems.”

One standout application of Nearmap’s Gen 6 AI is its capability to detect and analyze pavement striping and condition assessments. “In a jurisdiction, for example, officials can see where the pavement striping is starting to fade, where crosswalks might need repainting, and even evaluate the condition of handicap spaces in parking lots,” Santovasi explained. These granular insights can be pivotal for cities trying to maintain safety standards while optimizing their budgets.

Insurance, too, stands to benefit greatly from Nearmap’s cutting-edge AI tools. With the acquisition of Betterview and Tensorflight, Nearmap has extended its influence in the insurance sector, where property risk assessments and loss prevention are paramount. Gen 6 AI’s ability to monitor roofs, vegetation encroachment, and environmental risks like fire hazards allows insurers to take a more proactive approach. “It’s about improving risk assessments with a higher level of confidence,” Saunders noted. “We can now evaluate properties with unprecedented accuracy, which not only enhances the underwriting process but also reduces claims.”

The addition of vegetation overhang detection is one such AI improvement that aids in fire risk management. This is especially relevant in areas prone to wildfires, where vegetation close to structures can significantly increase the chances of damage. By identifying this, insurers and property owners can take preventive action before disaster strikes.

Post-Catastrophe Resilience: Helping Communities Rebuild

Nearmap’s impact goes beyond preemptive measures; it’s also critical during disaster recovery. In the wake of hurricanes and other catastrophic events, Nearmap’s Gen 6 AI has proven invaluable in assessing post-event damage quickly and efficiently. “We pre-position our aircraft so that as soon as it’s safe to fly, we can begin capturing data,” Saunders said.

This rapid response allows for immediate analysis of damage—from downed trees to destroyed roofs—helping governments and insurers allocate resources effectively. “We’ve been able to assist in everything from identifying where trees have fallen to assessing the structural damage of buildings,” added Santovasi. This real-time insight has helped communities and insurers get a clearer picture of the damage and start the recovery process sooner.

Nearmap Sync: Integrating AI into Industry Workflows

A standout product discussed at Autodesk University was Nearmap Sync, an advanced widget technology that integrates Nearmap’s high-resolution aerial imagery directly into other platforms, including Autodesk’s solutions. This seamless integration allows users to access detailed geospatial data within their existing workflows without the burden of downloading large datasets.

Nearmap Sync’s capabilities go beyond just imagery. It allows organizations to incorporate Nearmap’s AI-driven insights—whether it’s through detecting crosswalks, assessing vegetation growth, or analyzing parking lot striping—into their GIS and asset management systems.

Santovasi highlighted how Nearmap Sync is being used by government agencies and utilities to manage assets in real time. “Utility companies can now track utility poles, manholes, and underground infrastructure more effectively,” he said. “This not only saves time but reduces the amount of manual fieldwork required.”

The solution is particularly valuable in industries where real-time updates are critical. “Users can access 20 to 30 petabytes of data directly inside their environment, without needing to manipulate or process it themselves,” Saunders noted. This means faster decision-making, greater accuracy, and a reduced need for costly data storage.

Global Reach and Future Expansion

Currently operating in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Nearmap’s global footprint is growing, with ongoing discussions about further expansion. Nearmap’s ability to capture high-resolution imagery multiple times per year in urban areas allows customers to monitor changes over time and make informed decisions faster.

“We control the entire process, from our patented camera systems to flight planning and data processing,” Saunders said. “This gives us an unparalleled ability to ensure the highest quality data.”

Looking ahead, Nearmap is poised to expand its capabilities even further, with potential integrations in platforms like Google Maps and Bentley Systems. “We’re not stopping with Autodesk,” Santovasi emphasized. “The goal is to bring our AI technology into as many industries and workflows as possible.”

A Future Powered by AI

As AI continues to reshape the landscape of geospatial intelligence, Nearmap is at the forefront of this transformation. By combining advanced AI capabilities with their unparalleled imagery and geospatial tools, Nearmap is helping industries make smarter, more informed decisions at every level.

“AI is no longer just an interesting concept—it’s a valuable tool that’s being integrated into everyday workflows,” Saunders concluded. “With Gen 6 AI, we’re empowering our customers to see their world in ways they never thought possible.”

Whether it’s through risk mitigation in the insurance industry, proactive asset management for governments, or accelerating civil engineering projects, Nearmap’s Gen 6 AI and Sync technology are setting new standards for how aerial imagery and AI can be harnessed to create meaningful change across the globe.

As Nearmap continues to push the boundaries of AI, the future of location intelligence looks brighter—and smarter—than ever.

Tags: aerial imagery, asset management, Gen 6 AI, geospatial intelligence, Nearmap Sync, risk assessment

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