AI System For Generating Site Plans From Satellite Data

Challenge

In the U.S., obtaining a topographic site plan is a labor-intensive, expensive, and extremely slow process. Surveyors must physically visit the site, perform measurements, and then prepare the final drawing over several weeks. This can cost up to $18,000 and take more than a month.

Our client’s goal was to make getting a site plan as easy as opening a web page. They approached us to automate the entire process — from data collection to generating the final plan.

Solution

Based on satellite maps and open government data, we developed a web platform that automatically collects all the necessary information about a plot: boundaries, topography, buildings, even sun exposure and wind conditions. After gathering this information, the platform generates a PDF drawing ready to be shared with architects or local authorities.

Data Collection from Images

The first step in the business process is data collection and aggregation. To create a plan, it is necessary to know:

• land plot boundaries,
• topography,
• existing structures, pools, water bodies, vegetation, and other natural features.

Plot boundaries are retrieved via APIs from sources similar to a land registry. Using the GPXZ.io service, the system obtains elevation and terrain data (topography).

Next, based on satellite images, the actual site plan is generated with buildings and objects georeferenced to coordinates.

Additional data such as solar exposure and wind conditions are optional and integrated from public registries.

Web Interface

On the client side, we developed a fully functional web application that allows users to:

• Select a plot by address or coordinates,
• Explore the area in 2D and 3D,
• View layers: boundaries, terrain, infrastructure, zoning, solar zones,
• Work with objects on the site: add, move, delete, and annotate,
• Automatically calculate distances, boundary offsets, and compliance with building codes.

We also integrated a “pseudo-CAD” module — designed to mimic the UX of tools like AutoCAD or VectorWorks. It supports contour drawing, parameter input, area measurements, and saving modifications.

Export & Reporting

An important part of the system is the reporting module, which allows users to:

• Generate an electronic plan with precise scale,
• Export the plan to PDF with satellite imagery, labeled objects, zoning data, and even solar exposure,
• Export in CAD (DXF) format, so that architects can continue work in professional design tools.

3D Visualization & Simulation

The platform can also generate a 3D representation of the site, with features like:

• “Cutting” terrain cross-sections,
• Measuring elevation differences between points,
• Simulating sun movement across the plot throughout the day.
• This is especially valuable for architects when positioning new buildings with respect to sunlight and terrain.

AI Assistant

The core feature of the platform is an intelligent assistant built on RAG architecture and OpenAI models. It analyzes uploaded documents and images for each project, takes into account administrative regulations applicable to the region, and answers questions related to the specific site.

This way, users receive fast and accurate recommendations without the need to consult multiple specialists. Construction is a complex field: different types of buildings are subject to different standards and tolerances, which may also vary from state to state.

Mobile Application

For field staff working on real sites, we have developed a mobile application. It allows them to take photos on-site, add comments, and automatically upload data to the project.

All information is synchronized with the web platform and immediately becomes available to both the AI assistant and the user.

Payment System

The platform integrates with Stripe: creating a new project requires payment ($240 per project). The platform operates as a full-fledged SaaS service.

Results

We helped the client produce the first automated land site plans that are comparable in quality to professional surveyors’ work. But instead of taking weeks, the process takes only minutes. And instead of costing tens of thousands of dollars, each plan costs just a fraction of that.

In the future, the system will evolve into a full-fledged design tool: users will not only be able to generate up-to-date site plans but also design buildings on them with automatic compliance checks against building regulations.