DAS unveils 3D mapping for rural property sector insights

Geospatial technology firm DAS has introduced a 3D mapping solution designed for the regional and rural property sectors to aid in the visualisation of land topography.

This newly launched technology is regarded as a significant development for real estate, finance, and agribusiness sectors globally. DAS anticipates an increased adoption by its existing property industry clients, including JLL, Ray White, AWN, and various smaller agencies, who have noted a rising demand for remote property trading to accommodate international buyers.

Data from the Foreign Investment in Australia Bureau indicates a slight increase in foreign ownership of farmland, rising from 12.3% in the 2022 financial year to 12.9% in 2023. Most overseas owners are from China and the UK.

"Charting topography is a major component of selling land," remarked Anthony Willmott, CEO of DAS. "Significant hills and slopes, existing vegetation, and water supplies are defining aspects of a rural property. They can affect its value, its resilience to disasters and the overall use cases. All of this easily accessible, immersive information helps facilitate qualified buyers through a transaction lifecycle, and can help properties stand out."

Willmott explained that the new technology applies 3D virtual tour capabilities, traditionally used for urban properties, to a regional setting in a more detailed manner. "This technology brings data that typically resides in spreadsheets to life, so both business and their customers can visualise specialised information that affects land value, productivity and utility in a meaningful way. Think 'walking through' a rural property and its 'layout' without leaving your home or office," he said.

Prior to this development, landowners and the property ecosystem often had to rely on manual topographical assessments or on-site inspections. "This world-first innovation from DAS, being pioneered for Australia and New Zealand, will save so much time," added Willmott.

The development of this technology was influenced by feedback from DAS' customers within the finance and insurance sectors, who use such data to assist in evaluating loans, risks, and financing options for rural properties. For clients, the tool is crucial in assessing a property's risks due to climate change, identifying crop types, land use, and predicting agricultural yields.

DAS' recent advancement is built on progress in geospatial technology, contributing significantly to decision-making in areas such as risk mitigation, food security, and land use mapping. These tools are important for implementing various policy agendas, including spatial finance and trade, which rely on precise data and assessment.