Nearmap 3D and DSM content offers wide-scale, photo-realistic 3D models and elevation datasets for infrastructure projects across Australia and North America.
This article covers the resolution, export formats, constraints, and accuracy specifications for each 3D content type.
Coverage
To check whether your locations of interest are covered, use our interactive coverage map. This URL resolves to the content for your region.
Using 3D in MapBrowser
Refer to the following articles to learn how to use 3D in MapBrowser.
Understanding 3D reconstruction constraints
3D reconstruction depends on the ability to reliably resolve an object from at least two different viewing angles. Hidden or occluded objects are not reconstructed reliably. The following are also not reconstructed reliably:
- Ambiguous features, such as reflective surfaces, featureless surfaces, thin features, and complex features such as trees
- Objects smaller than 40cm
- Objects beneath another object, or semi-obstructed
These constraints apply to Textured Mesh and DSM. Point Cloud and True Ortho are derived from the same reconstruction and have additional constraints, described in their sections below.
Textured Mesh
Resolution
Specification
| Textured Mesh | Notes |
|---|
3D Mesh Geometric | 6 inches (15 cm)
| Approximate distance between mesh vertices in high detail areas. |
3D Mesh Texture/Imagery Resolution | 2.2-3 inches (5.5-7.6cm) | Range given since some parts are textured with oblique content. |
Export file contents
- SLPK
- Cesium 3D Tiles
- OSGB
- OBJ
- FBX
For more information, see Textured Mesh File Contents.
Viewing 3D Textured Mesh in Third-Party Applications
You can view Nearmap 3D Textured Mesh content in several third-party applications. For more information, see 3D Content in Applications.
Digital Surface Model (DSM)
GSD
6 inches (15 cm)
Export file contents
For more information, see DSM File Contents
Viewing DSM in Third-Party Applications
You can view Nearmap 3D DSM content in several third-party applications. For more information, see 3D Content in Applications.
Point Cloud
GSD
6 inches (15 cm)
Export file contents
For more information, see Point Cloud File Contents.
Viewing 3D Point Cloud in Third-Party Applications
You can view Nearmap 3D Point Cloud content in several third-party applications. For more information, see 3D Content in Applications.
Product Constraints
3D reconstruction is determined by the ability to reliably resolve objects from at least two different viewing angles. Objects hidden or occluded would not be reconstructed reliably.
- Typical sensible point spacing would be around 15 cm (i.e. consistent with our 3D resolution), however larger or smaller spacing can be supported.
- The point cloud will not contain any extra information than the textured mesh; if we cannot resolve in the mesh, the point cloud will also be the same.
- Point cloud will likely be significantly larger in file size than the 3D mesh. Specialized software can optimize the storage of point cloud to make it perform better
- The point cloud is unclassified in the sense that points are not labelled as ground, tree, building, etc. as is often done for Lidar point clouds.
True Ortho
Export file contents
Viewing True Ortho in Third-Party Applications
You can view Nearmap 3D DSM content in several third-party applications. For more information, see 3D Content in Applications.
Product Constraints
The Nearmap True Ortho product is derived from the Nearmap 3D reconstruction and could be considered a flattened textured mesh. Objects poorly reconstructed in 3D also lack high resolution in True Ortho.
True Ortho looks similar to the regular Vertical (ortho) product. It has a 5 cm pixel size, which is higher in resolution than the standard product.
Digital Elevation Model/Digital Terrain Model (DEM/DTM)
Resolution
MapBrowser export options include 30 cm (1 ft) / 60 cm (2 ft)/ 90 cm (3 ft) based on a source 15cm GSD. Offline exports can be based on these resolutions or user-defined.
Export file contents
For more information, see DTM File Contents
Delivery methods
3D Product | File Formats | Delivery Methods |
|---|
Textured Mesh | OBJ SLPK 3MX Cesium FBX | - Export from MapBrowser (if under 50 square kilometres)
- Secure Cloud transfer
|
Point Cloud | LAS | |
DSM | GeoTIFF | |
Horizontal Accuracy
3D Product | Absolute Horizontal Accuracy | Horizontal Datum/Projection |
|---|
Textured Mesh | 11 inches (28cm) RMSEr | SLPK exports: WGS84/UTM
Cesium exports: ECEF in addition to the datum listed below |
DSM | | - WGS84/UTM
- GDA94/MGA - AU
- GDA2020/MGA- AU
- NAD83/UTM - US/CA
- NAD83/SPCS- US/CA
|
Vertical Accuracy
3D Product | Absolute Vertical Accuracy | Vertical Datum/Projection |
|---|
Textured Mesh | 14.9" or 37.8 cm RMSEz | SLPK exports: WGS84/UTM Cesium exports: ECEF in addition to the ones listed below |
DSM | | - AHD (AusGeoid09) - AU
- NAVD88 - US/CA
- EGM2008 - US/CA
- CGVD2013 - US/CA
|
DEM/DTM | 14.9" or 37.8 cm RMSEz (Valid for bare Earth areas) | As listed above |
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