Alternatives to Real Estate Graphics?

[LAEVE]

If you're talking about making maps or marking up assessor plats then you can just print to a pdf and use the markup tools in Adobe or whatever PDF editor you use. For assessor maps I use the polygon tool set to a 50% transparency.

For street maps I use the online maps at the cities or counties and their own internal markup tools. If I'm working in a county or city that doesn't have that combo I just use the L.A. County Dept. of Regional Planning map tool (Z-Net) , which a couple of their base maps cover the entire country and which also has internal markup tools. The map below isn't even located in L.A. County - it's in Orange County.

View attachment 72570

I like the way that looks. I've been able to locate fairly decent online maps (RIP Streets and Trips) but now will have to create the labels and locations. I've got a few different PDF editors and will experiment.

 

[LAEVE]

My maps...mymaps.google.com
Google product...not Google maps, allows pin drop, address search, lat/long pin drop...re-label and color code pins.

Checked out mymaps.google.com. I've been seraching for a decent map program since Streets and Trips and will try this out. Thanks.

 

[LAEVE]

Many digital options are very useful and efficient once you figure them out. I used PaperPort for many years as you could import most file types and add the same arrows and labels you used to, but without any clutter on your desk. SnagIt also takes screen captures and allows some annotating, all on your screen.

Buy Snagit

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www.techsmith.com

I'll check it out. Thanks.

 

[Geoff Hatcher]

So Real Estate Graphics finally made good on their 2011 threat to cease operations.

I think they started as "Forms and Worms".

Anyone know an alternative?

I just use photoshop.

 

[Mejappz]

Checked out mymaps.google.com. I've been seraching for a decent map program since Streets and Trips and will try this out. Thanks.

If you're looking for mapping, you can check out Mappro. They offer a 30-day trial, and the annual subscription is $250.00

Company Profile - MapPro.com

MapPro's mission is to provide the nation's real estate and banking industry instant access to critical geographic and location information.

www.mappro.com

 

[TerryRohrer]

I haven't used it, but OpenStreetMap is getting pretty sophisticated.

OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

www.openstreetmap.org

 

[George Hatch]

One challenge is finding a map format that has enough detail but not too much clutter, and which doesn't require using another program to annotate. Free is nice, too.

 

[Zephyr999]

Checked out mymaps.google.com. I've been seraching for a decent map program since Streets and Trips and will try this out. Thanks.

It works fabulous for land sale studies...plot as many as want to get 1,000 foot view.
I then map them via Googlemaps...so much better than Plat books.

 

[AirstreamCO]

I have been trying my maps and it works well. Have you figured out how to get the straight line distance from the subject to the comps?

I use Google Earth to figure out the straight line distance from the subject to comps or anywhere else (CBD, downtown, etc.). I find the Google Earth app is superior to the web-based version. Just click the ruler icon in the Toolbar and you can draw lines, paths, circles, or polygons.

 

[LAEVE]

If you're looking for mapping, you can check out Mappro. They offer a 30-day trial, and the annual subscription is $250.00

Company Profile - MapPro.com

MapPro's mission is to provide the nation's real estate and banking industry instant access to critical geographic and location information.

www.mappro.com

Mappro looks interesting. Especially since they also offer flood plain mapping.

On their website, the cost is tied to location. I don't do that many appraisal per month; I do a fair amount of litigation support work. And strange and/or complex properties that require long involved appraisals.

Thanks!