Best Tools for Finding, Cataloging, and Understanding Yield in Commercial Real Estate

For commercial real estate developers, efficiency and accuracy are critical when identifying potential sites, cataloging opportunities, and analyzing yield. Thankfully, a range of tools exists to support these workflows. From site discovery to yield estimation, the right combination of software can help developers streamline their processes and make better decisions. Here, we explore some of the best tools available and how they can fit together into an optimal workflow.

1. LandVision: A Go-To for Site Discovery and Analysis

LandVision has been a staple in the real estate industry for its ability to provide detailed property data and GIS mapping. It’s particularly useful for identifying parcels, understanding ownership details, and reviewing zoning information.

Key Features of LandVision:

  • GIS-Based Analysis: Offers robust geospatial data, including parcel boundaries, zoning layers, and infrastructure overlays.
  • Ownership and Property Data: Quickly access information about landowners and transaction histories.
  • User-Friendly Mapping Interface: Navigate and explore potential development sites with ease.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive property and zoning data.
  • Easy-to-use mapping interface.
  • Reliable for initial site discovery and analysis.

Cons:

  • Limited to static data visualization.
  • Not suitable for creating or iterating on designs.
  • Collaboration features are minimal.

2. Bluebeam: A Reliable Tool for Markups and Documentation

Bluebeam is widely used in architecture, engineering, and construction for document management and collaboration. It excels at facilitating PDF-based workflows, such as reviewing plans, annotating documents, and sharing markups.

Key Features of Bluebeam:

  • Markups and Annotations: Add comments, sketches, and notes directly to documents.
  • Document Management: Organize and version-control PDFs in a centralized way.
  • Collaboration Tools: Share files and markups with stakeholders, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.

Pros:

  • Excellent for detailed annotations and revisions.
  • Centralized document management for project teams.
  • Well-suited for construction and architecture workflows.

Cons:

  • Static PDFs make updates time-consuming.
  • Limited integration with site discovery and planning tools.
  • Not designed for conceptual design or yield analysis.

3. Google Earth: Providing Context and Visualization

Google Earth remains a popular tool for visualizing terrain, aerial imagery, and site context. It’s especially helpful for gaining a high-level understanding of a site’s surroundings and initial feasibility assessments.

Key Features of Google Earth:

  • Satellite Imagery: View detailed aerial imagery for site analysis.
  • Terrain Modeling: Understand topography and site elevations.
  • Street View Integration: Explore site surroundings in detail to assess access and amenities.

Pros:

  • Easy to use and widely accessible.
  • Provides excellent site context and visualization.
  • Free for basic functionality.

Cons:

  • Limited design and analysis tools.
  • Not suited for collaboration or detailed site planning.
  • Data may not always be up-to-date.

4. Integrating Workflows with Giraffe

While LandVision, Bluebeam, and Google Earth each address specific aspects of a developer’s workflow, using them together can create inefficiencies. That’s where an integrated tool like Giraffe comes into play, uniting these capabilities into a single platform.

How Giraffe Complements and Integrates with Other Tools:

  • Site Discovery and Analysis: Like LandVision, Giraffe integrates zoning, parcel, and topographic data directly into its platform, with added 3D visualization capabilities.
  • Collaboration and Planning: Giraffe allows multiple stakeholders to collaborate in real time, addressing the static limitations of Bluebeam.
  • Yield Analysis in Context: Combine the site context of Google Earth with dynamic design tools to create and iterate on site plans quickly.

Pros:

  • Search & Filter
  • Always in 3D, always in context, and always to scale.
  • Draw directly on the map and visualize concepts instantly.
  • Immediately calculate takeoffs, areas, and other critical metrics.
  • Consolidate all research and due diligence data into one place.

Cons:

  • Requires an internet connection for cloud-based collaboration.
  • May involve a learning curve for new users unfamiliar with integrated tools.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tools for Your Workflow

For commercial real estate developers, the best tools are those that help identify opportunities, streamline processes, and provide actionable insights. LandVision, Bluebeam, and Google Earth each play critical roles in the workflows of many developers, offering essential capabilities for site discovery, documentation, and visualization.

However, as projects grow more complex and timelines tighten, the need for an integrated solution becomes clear. Tools like Giraffe offer the flexibility to bring all these elements together, enabling developers to analyze sites, catalog opportunities, and evaluate yield within a single, collaborative environment. Whether you’re evaluating a single property or managing a portfolio of potential developments, an integrated approach can help you stay ahead in a competitive market.

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Giraffe is free to use for property developers, architects and governments. To access our full set of capabilities, integrate apps and add additional seats learn more about our paid plans.