Assignment 03

Value Per Acre Analysis

Compare assessed value per acre across parcels, then explain what the mapped pattern can and cannot show.

Typical working time: 3–5 hours after instructor data are provided

Why learn this method?

A consistent value-per-acre calculation can help compare parcels and reveal patterns worth investigating. The result depends on valid acreage, correct fields and joins, and transparent treatment of missing or exempt records. Extrusion height is a visual symbol for value, not building height.

What you will learn

  • Identify the valuation year, assessed-value field, acreage field, and any joins before calculating.
  • Calculate assessed value divided by valid parcel acres and document the units and formula.
  • Track missing, invalid, duplicate, exempt, and excluded records instead of hiding them.
  • Read the 3D display as a relative value symbol, not a measure of building height.
  • Read the value-per-acre distribution curve and use quartile filters to explore the map.
  • Select exactly three properties yourself, investigate them, and explain what their differences could mean for future investment.
  • Compare like uses fairly and avoid treating assessed value as revenue, profitability, or social worth.

Key terms in plain language

Assessed value
The value recorded for tax assessment in a stated year; it is not revenue or necessarily market price.
Value per acre
Assessed value divided by parcel acreage when the acreage is valid.
Extrusion
A 3D height symbol on the map. Here it represents the calculated value, not a building’s actual height.
Quartile
A quarter of the valid parcels after their value-per-acre figures are sorted. The middle range contains the two middle quartiles.

Work through these steps

  1. State the comparison

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

    Finish this step with: 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.

    Finish this step with: 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.

    Finish this step with: 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.

    Finish this step with: Analyzed GeoJSON with value-per-acre field.

  5. Render the pattern

    Use the provided 3D model or web workbench and read the sorted value-per-acre distribution curve. Height represents value per acre, not building height. Quartile filters change what is displayed, not the calculation.

    Finish this step with: 3D view, curve, and a 2D or tabular check.

  6. Choose and compare three properties

    Select exactly three properties yourself. Use the lower quartile, middle range, and upper quartile filters to explore, then investigate each choice. Compare like uses where possible and explain what may affect future investment.

    Finish this step with: Three student-chosen properties with source checks, comparisons, and notes on uncertainty.

  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.

    Finish this step with: Planning interpretation, alternative explanation, and limitation.

What to submit

Prepare the items below, then submit the finished assignment in Canvas.

  • 3D rendering or interactive view captures
  • Value-per-acre distribution curve and three-property comparison
  • Accessible PDF or slide explanation
  • Analyzed data file
  • Field and method note
  • Interpretation and limitation statement
  • Signed honor statement

Minimum evidence to include

  • Valuation year and field definitions
  • Valid and invalid record counts
  • Formula and units
  • Treatment of public and tax-exempt parcels
  • 3D scale explanation
  • Value-per-acre distribution curve
  • Three student-selected property comparisons
  • One limitation and next evidence need

Read before you begin

Course examples and working materials

Choose three parcels and investigate the difference

Instructor-created arithmetic example with fictional parcels. You must choose your own three properties in the workbench.

What the example records

  • Parcel A: $80,000 assessed value ÷ 2.0 acres = $40,000 per acre.
  • Parcel B: $150,000 ÷ 0.5 acres = $300,000 per acre.
  • Parcel C: $420,000 ÷ 0.7 acres = $600,000 per acre.
  • Plot all valid parcels on the distribution curve; then use the lower, middle, and upper range filters to find candidates. The filters never choose your three properties.

What it suggests: These three values suggest different land-use or development questions. Inspect each parcel’s use, improvements, location, and assessment context before discussing future investment.

What it cannot establish: Three selected examples do not represent every parcel. Assessed value is not sales revenue, profit, tax yield, or a judgment about a place’s worth.

The example above was created for this course. The links are instructor-provided materials or data inputs. No past-student work is published here.

Open the workbench

Load provided parcel data, map fields, audit records, render 3D values, and export analyzed data and a method note.

Open 3D Value Per Acre WorkbenchFull assignment