Comparables Mapping Software

[Kent Faver]

I am sure there is a Mapping Software thread, but I coudn't find it.

What are you all using presently for your Mapping software? I am still using Delorme. It's not very efficient and they have not updated the mapping program in 3 years. In non-metro areas you are going to need something that allows you to move the pin as Google and Bing can be highly unaccurate in rural areas. Thanks!

 

[RSW]

I use Delorme and I am able to draw any road in that is not there. I always compare the tax map with the Delorme and put the comps and subject property right on the spot. I've been using it since 1995 before the GPS devices even came out. My first GPS device was a big yellow block that took AA batteries.

 

[Michael P Jacobs MAI]

I am sure there is a Mapping Software thread, but I coudn't find it.

There are a couple threads out there... it's been a while since we lost Delorme and MS Maps. I'm on the latter. People keep trying to sell me on the html mapping software but the old-school is still best. I think it's mostly commercial (narrative) appraisers in trouble here, right?

 

[George Hatch]

I've used the maps in the various County GIS systems before - usually for assignments involving land sales out in the rural areas. Depending on what the system supports (which is most of them in this region) you can often use the graphics tools to trace a parcel outline for subject and each of the comps and it stays marked even when you zoom out. It's also handy when there's a topo layer or other overlays like zoning or general plan. flood plain, etc.

 

[Michael P Jacobs MAI]

<SNIP> various County GIS systems before - usually for assignments involving land sales out in the rural areas....

Yes, there is a mapping option everywhere I look and now of course embedded in all my data sources. But I think us commercial appraises are looking for an app with updated streets but nothing special beyond the ability to search for an address, change the label to a number or text, and maybe do a mileage-ring. HTML maps are just not efficient enough compared to the old apps, since many of them have "intelligent views" (that don't really permit finite zooming adjustments), difficult labeling and inconvenient file-saving so we can use the same "subject" map then for land, lease and improved sale maps. Maps need to be plain-jane, too, without all the business labels etc. Two minute maps.

 

[KHS445]

I use Google Earth Pro. Probably not the best or most efficient, but does everything I need and the price (free) is right. Most images are less than a year old and you can generally go more than 25 years to look at old images. Works nice when trying to figure what changes have occurred in a particular area. Also provides elevations, GPS coordinates, draw, search, measure, etc.

 

[pbidwell]

I am another long time user of Delorme Street Atlas 2015 (last version). It still works for 90+ % of my mapping requirements. Yes, on occasion there are new roadways. I would also vote for Google Earth Pro as another option if I didn't still use Delorme.

 

[Scott.A]

Most of the office are residential appraisers. They use Total and the staff runs accounts payable through it. And the other commercial guy and I use it for mapping.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Some of the vendors for county assessor data here have good mapping functions. With a bare bones photo editing program, you can add arrows easily.

 

[VALU8]

I use the Location Map tool in Total, shift the bubbles around so they aren't blocking anything important, then I print-screen it....Throw it into Paint, zoom out, crop out the crap, then print it. A paper map will never run out of batteries...and you don't have to juggle the phone/trying to scroll and zoom on the phone, driving (my car is a stick), and taking comparable pictures. That and you can write little notes like "Next to sewage plant." lol