Value Per Acre Analysis

Compare assessed property value per acre and visualize the pattern by extruding parcels in three dimensions.

Start here

This page is the assignment method. Follow the workflow in order, use the linked workbench to build the product, and use the quality dimensions before submitting.

Complete the workflow

  1. State the comparison

    Define the geography, valuation year, parcel groups or districts, and the question that value per acre may help investigate.

    Proof before moving on: Analysis frame and comparison groups.

  2. Inspect the provided model and data

    Identify parcel geometry, assessed-value field, acreage field, exempt or public flag, zoning or use field, joins, and 3D model assumptions.

    Proof before moving on: Field-mapping and data-audit note.

  3. Clean before calculating

    Check invalid acreage, missing values, duplicate joins, multi-parcel properties, exemptions, and outliers. Preserve public and tax-exempt parcels unless another treatment is documented.

    Proof before moving on: Record counts for valid, invalid, excluded, and exempt records.

  4. Calculate consistently

    Compute assessed value divided by valid parcel acres. Preserve the original value and acreage fields and document the formula.

    Proof before moving on: Analyzed GeoJSON with value-per-acre field.

  5. Render the pattern

    Use the provided 3D model or web workbench. Height represents value per acre, not building height. Use a readable legend and transparent scaling.

    Proof before moving on: 3D view plus a 2D or tabular check.

  6. Compare fairly

    Compare like uses or districts before contrasting fundamentally different land functions. Investigate outliers and assessment artifacts.

    Proof before moving on: Pattern and outlier table.

  7. Interpret within limits

    Explain what the pattern suggests, what it cannot establish, and what employment, service, market, ownership, or infrastructure evidence is needed next.

    Proof before moving on: Planning interpretation, alternative explanation, and limitation.

Minimum evidence

  • Valuation year and field definitions
  • Valid and invalid record counts
  • Formula and units
  • Treatment of public and tax-exempt parcels
  • 3D scale explanation
  • Comparison groups and outliers
  • One limitation and next evidence need

Submission package

  • 3D rendering or interactive view captures
  • Accessible PDF or slide explanation
  • Analyzed data file
  • Field and method note
  • Interpretation and limitation statement
  • Signed honor statement

What strong work looks like

Calculation

The formula, units, joins, acreage validation, and record treatment are correct and reproducible.

Visualization

Extrusion and color communicate relative value without implying physical height.

Comparison

The analysis compares meaningful groups and investigates outliers.

Judgment

The conclusion does not equate assessed value with revenue, profitability, or social worth.

Original assignment requirements

  1. Use the provided parcel, zoning, tax-value, and 3D resources.
  2. Document valuation year, value field, acreage field, joins, missing values, and exclusions.
  3. Calculate value per acre only where acreage is valid.
  4. Include public and tax-exempt parcels unless you explicitly document another treatment.
  5. Label extrusion height as a value symbol, not physical building height.
  6. Explain what the pattern suggests and what it cannot establish.

Provided in this course

  • Parcel and value data
  • 3D model or parcel-extrusion tool
  • Field-mapping worksheet
  • Worked method example and rubric

Before you submit

  • Are units and height scaling visible?
  • Are tax-exempt and missing records handled honestly?
  • Have you avoided treating assessed value as fiscal revenue or social value?