Comparables Mapping Software

[RSW]

We use WinTotal in our office, has a map feature in it for location, comps, and other maps..

Most of us use that for the appraisal report. I believe the OP was asking about mapping and using with a GPS devise such as the Street Atlas USA by Delorme or the Streets and Trips by Microsoft.

 

[NachoPerito]

Batch Geo is particularly useful when you are converting a list of addresses in excel to a map. Aside from that, our software automatically produces comp maps.

At my previous firm we had to use DeLorme. I loathe making comp maps, it truly is a waste of time. Anything that a secretary or junior can do without significant guidance should be something that your software can do for you.

@NachoPerito how is Valcre working out for you? If I weren't with my current firm, I would purchase that thing in a second.

I use Narrative1. Can't afford Valcre , but Narrative1 has gotten better.

 

[NachoPerito]

When I don't use the Narrative1 embedded program I use Google Earth and it looks like this

 

[GregoryK]

We only write narratives, and I replace my laptop Saturday. By Wednesday, after all the setup and work-arounds, I discovered I've lost my last living CD of Streets, so had to do something in a hurry. It took half the day going thorough options but I've settled on Google my maps. I watched a few You-Tube videos and it wasn't all that bad figuring things out. Not being able to "touch" the icons and lacking zoom-control are bears, but I'll get used to it... until Google decides to change too.

There are copies of Street Atlas 2017 (new) floating around. Check Amazon. But since they were bought by Garmin, it does not appear they are interested in affordable options.

 

[CVal]

There are copies of Street Atlas 2017 (new) floating around. Check Amazon. But since they were bought by Garmin, it does not appear they are interested in affordable options.

How do you get labels on the comps. I've never been able to customize.

 

[Amy Perkins]

Most of us use that for the appraisal report. I believe the OP was asking about mapping and using with a GPS devise such as the Street Atlas USA by Delorme or the Streets and Trips by Microsoft.

If you have access to residential form software you can just copy the map and paste it into your narrative report.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

How do you get labels on the comps. I've never been able to customize.

Draw > Map Notes
I know where my comps are so I don't need a mapping function to find them. Then I size the map


The under print, print preview zoom in and should be ready to print or copy and paste

 

[2planker]

My old man just rang me saying that support for his map program was ending and he needed a new solution. I tried Google Earth but it seems really clunky for what's needed. I've been out of the loop for a few years (still holding onto my license though) so did some searching and found this thread. Anyone ever try PowerPoint? I just made up this test map following these steps:

1. Go to google maps, center map for your area and take a screenshot
2. Paste screenshot into PowerPoint
3. Insert a call out shape, relabel and position as needed
4. Save slide as an image (tif, gif, jpg or png) then insert into report, or just take another screen grab of powerpoint and paste into report if using word.


This is the result:



If you wanted you could use satelite image or terrain map in google maps and you could customize the call out shape with any different colors or text really easily. I tried to attach my sample powerpoint file to this thread but .pptx extensions are not allowed. If you want it, pm me with your email and I'll send you a copy.

 

[CVal]

We only write narratives, and I replace my laptop Saturday. By Wednesday, after all the setup and work-arounds, I discovered I've lost my last living CD of Streets, so had to do something in a hurry. It took half the day going thorough options but I've settled on Google my maps. I watched a few You-Tube videos and it wasn't all that bad figuring things out. Not being able to "touch" the icons and lacking zoom-control are bears, but I'll get used to it... until Google decides to change too.

How do you get labels on the subject and comps in my maps? Far as I can see, not quite customizeable that way.

 

[Michael P Jacobs MAI]

How do you get labels on the subject and comps in my maps? Far as I can see, not quite customizeable that way.

I hope the following makes sense, I spent much of the weekend flying kites at the beach during our heat wave with a 10 year old that never tires, and have a marathon week to look forward to. I'm beat but won't have a chance to post again for a while.

First, find and download a set of free Google compatible mymaps icons, which you'll have to sort through until you are satisfied. Mine (I don't remember where I got them) are like squares with a little spike at the bottom. red, and have sets of 0-9 and the alphabet. I found a big red star for the subject. Then it's a matter of learning how to add a subject prop to a new map, "star" it by inserting a custom icon (which you have to do for each comp over and over), then adding the next set of comps, labeling them, etc.

It's tedious but it works, and you will be able to move the icons around if one is covering another or wrongly placed.

See you on the other side of next week...