TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is related to computer-implemented detection of physical layout elements of an architectural structure. More particularly, the embodiments disclosed herein are directed at estimating a first floor height of an architectural structure for location-based applications and analyses.

BACKGROUND

First floor elevation of an architectural structure is important for the insurance industry to evaluate the risk of property damage in the event of flooding. For example, the lower the first floor elevation of a building relative to a ground level, the higher is the risk of flooding. The potential cost of damages in a flood event increases when flood waters reach the occupied levels of a home. Flooding in the first floor not only causes damage to the structure itself, but also the possessions on the first floor. The additional value of these assets, in addition to cost of repairs to the structure, is factored into the insurance assessment of flood risk. The conventional standard is to have a land surveyor physically establish first floor elevation. The surveyor assesses flood risk by physically measuring the height of the first floor from the ground level. However, this is cumbersome, time-consuming, prone to human error, and expensive. This can be further challenging when the number of buildings (whose flood risks are to be assessed) in a geographical area are in the millions or hundreds of millions.

