Question on the Use of GIS

[H.B. Userman]

Every time my ARC News and ArcUser magazines arrive, I wish I had the software, knowledge and datasets to use the applications. just imagine, you can basically map ANYTHING that is spacial as long as the data is there.

In a feasibility class a couple years ago, the instructors owned a consulting firm that specialized in this type of analysis. They advised a client on the design of a Columbia County subdivision with lake views. They were able to map out the locations of the topography that had clear views of the lake. I think they were able to redesign the layout that created double the amount of lake view lots, and ultimately probably doubled the value of the project just by knowing how to use technology that's available.

I wonder how much primary data needs to be collected for most advanced uses. If I wanted to integrate a thematic map that displayed listings, closed sales, soil data, timber data, owner age, owner zip code, etc. I'm assuming I'd have to collect some of the info. There can't be a database with everything. Regardless of the learnig curve, the applications are impressive and possibilities are endless.

Learn as much as you can.

 

[OSU Beavers]

Our County GIS under control of the appointed assessor won't share any data with anyone, not even the field assessors. County planning still draws buffer zones on paper maps by hand. Our Emergency Readiness Department has had their own GIS from the feds for 15 years and don't share with anyone either.

Everyone is so concerned with protecting their turf that I don't think we will ever get into the 21st century.

 

[rbrienza]

I am a commercial trainee also, I use the many GIS systems that the local governments have and for the most part they are great. I also have thought about taking a class, but I have put that class farther down on the list for a couple of reasons. 1. my supervisor said that there are other classes to take first. 2. I can stumble threw it ok and county GIS people are very helpful (probably learning more.) 3. Because I did not like the AI info on it.

I do see the GIS as a Very valueable tool in any RE apprisal.

 

[Metamorphic]

I am a commercial trainee also, I use the many GIS systems that the local governments have and for the most part they are great. I also have thought about taking a class, but I have put that class farther down on the list for a couple of reasons. 1. my supervisor said that there are other classes to take first. 2. I can stumble threw it ok and county GIS people are very helpful (probably learning more.) 3. Because I did not like the AI info on it.

I do see the GIS as a Very valueable tool in any RE apprisal.

Which software package are you using?

 

[Wendy]

Our County GIS under control of the appointed assessor won't share any data with anyone, not even the field assessors. County planning still draws buffer zones on paper maps by hand. Our Emergency Readiness Department has had their own GIS from the feds for 15 years and don't share with anyone either.

Everyone is so concerned with protecting their turf that I don't think we will ever get into the 21st century.

Try a backdoor. Get friendly with the IT guys - they might have access to the shapefiles. Better yet, hire a good lookin' assistant and send her after the data! :Rof:

We are fortunate that our county governments are most generous with data. Most stuff can be downloaded for free now. Even several years ago when this was all new, they would copy the data onto CDs for a few bucks.

 

[CBBoston]

Why is anybody surprised at the lack of willingness to share data? Data is often expensive. Plus if you have a lucrative market niche why would you give it away to you competition. Thens there's all the privact issues that governments are so sensitive about. Some assesors will barely tell if the property is in their town.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

then use Snag It to add exhibits in my reports.

I print to paperport, then edit and annotate the pix and save as jpg in the report folder

 

[Wayne Tomlinson]

CBBoston
The really good reason to share the information is that information that the assessor has is bought and paid for by the citizens, and should be available to them.

When an assesor or other public official refuses to share public information, it usually can be attributed to that official wanting to be not replaceable in their position and having more power.

They are often also insecure and often quite offensive.

Most the time the public entity paid for their training, owns the data and it becomes the "property" of that official.

I guess that would be a good time to file a Freedom of Information request.

It just occurred to me. You are listed as a non appraiser. Are you one of those in charge of one of those public owned but not available to the public sites?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Wayne Tomlinson