Sanborn CitySets^® Building Level Data

RMS applications now support a new level of data resolution that allows companies to geocode exposures down to the individual building, or 'four-wall' structure. This is accomplished using a database of structure locations and attributes developed in partnership with the Sanborn Map Company. Sanborn CitySets^® building level data covers the downtown areas of major U.S. cities. This unique capability has a direct impact on exposure data quality and geographic resolution, improving risk management for 'trophy' buildings and very dense urban settings.

Sanborn is a leader in photogrammetric mapping and data development for geographic information systems (GIS). It has a history of providing maps for insurance underwriting that dates back more than 100 years. RMS has collaborated with Sanborn to develop the building level data as a new and unique resource for improved urban exposure management in the insurance industry. To create the data, Sanborn starts with the collection of aerial imagery for cities. Using the aerial images, they create digital building outlines (footprints), and calculate the height, number of stories, and square footage for each structure. Additional attribute information is then associated with each building footprint. This is done using field surveys to gather addresses, building names, construction characteristics, occupancy, and year built. This data is then supplemented and validated using existing Sanborn maps.

Highlights

	Obtains better positional accuracy
	Recognizes place names for improved building level hit rate
	Assigns multiple addresses to a single building
	Provides point-and-click geocoding using building footprints
	Allows verification of building attributes for risk analysis, such as construction, occupancy, year built, height, number of stories, and square footage
	Covers 38 cities: Arlington, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Honolulu, Houston, Jersey City, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, St. Paul, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Florida, Washington, D.C.