• VERTICAL
  • VOLUME
  • GRADIENT
  • HUMAN

How to analyze terrain and elevation with your AI

Connect Nearmap to your AI client to turn high-resolution imagery into 3D insights. Once connected, your agent handles the math for heights and volumes.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I use my AI to analyze terrain and elevation?

Your agent pulls digital surface models from Nearmap to calculate specific measurements like building heights or stockpile volumes. You get precise 3D insights derived directly from high-resolution aerial data.

The results you get.

Data-driven site insights.

Your AI processes the aerial data to produce these specific outputs.

VERTICAL

Building height data

The AI compares ground elevation to roof levels. You get exact height measurements for structures in the imagery.

VOLUME

Surface volume math

Your agent calculates the volume of stockpiles or excavations. This provides clear data on material movement on site.

GRADIENT

Slope and grade analysis

The AI identifies steepness across the terrain. You can spot drainage issues or unstable ground from the data.

HUMAN

Visual verification

The AI provides the numbers, but you must check the imagery to ensure it didn't mistake a tree or vehicle for a building.

The workflow

What your AI does when the imagery arrives.

The AI converts raw pixels into geometric information.

  1. Fetch elevation tiles

    Your agent requests specific digital surface model tiles for your target coordinates.

    get_dsm_elevation_tile

  2. Map the surface

    The AI uses the elevation data to build a digital representation of the ground and objects.

    get_dsm_elevation_tile

  3. Calculate heights

    Your agent compares object tops to the base terrain to find vertical distances.

    get_dsm_elevation_tile

  4. Compute volumes

    The AI calculates the space occupied by surface features using the elevation data.

    get_dsm_elevation_tile

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin your analysis.

Starting points

Replace the bracketed text with your specific site addresses or coordinates.

Nearmap Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_oViNLOTWVhYk2I41UhrykHsqYqXvqSGGO7q494hx/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — Nearmap capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nearmap-high-res-aerial-imagery-ai-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_oViNLOTWVhYk2I41UhrykHsqYqXvqSGGO7q494hx/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Get the elevation data for the site at [insert coordinates] and tell me the average slope.

  • Use the Nearmap imagery to find the height of the warehouse at [insert address].

  • Calculate the volume of the dirt pile at [insert coordinates] using the elevation tiles.

  • Analyze the terrain at [insert location] and identify any areas with a grade steeper than 15%.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect Nearmap once, then ask.

One link connects your Nearmap account to your AI client. Your login stays encrypted, and you can start asking for terrain data immediately.

Connect Nearmap to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves.

  • 01

    Can the AI generate a 3D CAD file for me?

    No. The AI provides measurements and data in text, but it does not create downloadable 3D files.

  • 02

    Does the AI buy new imagery for my project?

    No. The AI only accesses the imagery already available in your Nearmap account.

  • 03

    Can I ask for elevation at a specific coordinate?

    Yes. You can provide exact coordinates for the AI to pull the relevant elevation tiles.

  • 04

    Will the AI fix errors in the aerial photos?

    No. The AI only analyzes the data provided by Nearmap; it cannot edit or fix the original imagery.

  • 05

    Can the AI calculate volumes for underwater areas?

    No. The tool is limited to the digital surface models provided by the aerial imagery.

  • More questions about Nearmap? See everything the Nearmap Connector can do

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