Take a walkthrough MapBrowser essentials, and learn about the core tools and features in MapBrowser to get up and running quickly. Given below are answers to some questions that were asked during the webinar. You'll find detailed information in the MapBrowser documentation in this site.
Search and navigation
Can I search by lot/plan or DP number?
Not yet. The search bar works with suburb, street address, lat/long, and places of interest. To navigate to a specific parcel, search by its address or coordinates.
How do I plot coordinates in MapBrowser?
Enter lat/long (decimal degrees) in the search bar. Pin the spot permanently with the Marker tool.
Can I see road names in vertical view?
Yes. Open the Layers panel on the left sidebar and enable the Roads overlay — road names appear on top of the aerial imagery.
Measurement and annotation
How accurate are the measurement tools?
Typically ±15 cm for distances up to 200 m. Our latest camera system achieves 14.1 cm RMSEh horizontal accuracy. Full accuracy specs
Is the elevation tool only available in oblique view?
Height and width tools need oblique. On vertical imagery, draw a Line to pull up an elevation profile. The full tool matrix by content type is here.
Can annotations point to a specific location with an arrow?
There's no dedicated arrow tool yet. The best workaround is combining the Text tool with a Marker — it's a reliable way to direct attention without obscuring the imagery underneath.
Does MapBrowser have snap points like AutoCAD?
Not currently. Measurements can't snap to existing lines or polygons. For precision snapping, bring Nearmap imagery into your GIS platform via API.
Projects and collaboration
Are my markups and notes visible to Nearmap?
No. Your annotations, measurements, and project data stay within your organisation. Nearmap never accesses your project content.
Can I share a project outside my Nearmap account?
Projects are limited to users in the same subscription. Export your feature layers as a JSON file and send it — your colleague imports it, and every coordinate lands exactly where you left it. Learn how to import/export feature layers.
How do I copy a line or polygon to another project at the same location?
Export Feature Layers → share the JSON → Import Feature Layers in the destination project. Coordinates carry across exactly.
Is there a faster way to delete multiple layers?
Hold Shift or Ctrl to select multiple layers in the Feature Layers panel, then press Delete.
Importing and exporting
How do I overlay a plan drawing on Nearmap imagery to compare scales?
Export a georeferenced image from MapBrowser (Basic export → include the georeferenced file). Load both your plan and the Nearmap image into ArcGIS or QGIS, then align, scale, and adjust transparency there. Alternatively, drop a KML overlay into MapBrowser for a quick visual check.
Can I import shapefiles?
MapBrowser accepts KML and MapBrowser JSON. Convert shapefiles to KML first, or use the Nearmap API to bring imagery directly into the GIS platform where your shapefiles live.
Are there size limits on high-resolution georeferenced exports?
Yes — the 7.5 cm option isn't available beyond a certain area size. For larger coverage, export multiple smaller tiles at full resolution and mosaic them in ArcGIS Pro or QGIS.
Imagery and content
What does the date shown in MapBrowser mean?
It's the survey start date — when we began capturing that area. Use the Marker tool to see the exact photo capture date for any individual tile.
Are DSM and DTM updated with every new capture?
Generally yes, for flights on HyperCamera 2 or 3 (the majority of our current program). Some earlier camera systems don't update elevation with every survey.
How often does Nearmap capture imagery?
Urban and regional areas across Australia, NZ, the US, and Canada are captured multiple times a year. Check nearmap.com/au/coverage for your specific area and expected update schedule.
Subscriptions and data usage
Oblique isn't showing in my account — why?
Oblique access is tied to your subscription tier. Reach out to your account manager, or email us — we're happy to walk through what's available for your team.
When will LGA, electoral, and suburb boundary layers come back?
This has been raised with the Product team. In the meantime, import your own KML boundary files into MapBrowser, or view Nearmap via your GIS platform where those layers are already available.
Does saving a project or leaving MapBrowser open consume data?
No. Data is only counted when you actively view Nearmap aerial imagery at zoom level 14 or above. Saved projects, idle tabs, and 3D viewing are free. Complete data usage guide
AI features
Can I use AI to detect canopy cover or solar panels?
Yes — Nearmap AI includes a Vegetation pack (canopy, woody veg, grass) and a Solar Panels pack. Both are subscription add-ons. Talk to your account manager to explore what fits your workflow.
Can I request a custom AI layer?
Nearmap's AI catalog is built around broad demand. Send product ideas to support@nearmap.com and the request goes straight to the AI team. The catalogue grows regularly.