Using the map function to search

By Catherine Erney
Xceligent

Last month we wrote about the latest upgrades in the CDX. This month we're going to look at one of them in depth -- Mapping. Xceligent recently changed our mapping supplier from MapQuest to Microsoft Live Earth. This switch brought about significant improvements to our mapping function including:

• The ability to include maps in any report
• The ability to include more than 15 properties in a map
• Aerials, hybrid aerials & street maps of buildings on the CDX
• Birds eye view of buildings on the CDX from all angles

While the birds eye views are impressive, they do have some practical applications. You can use them to count parking spaces and drive in or dock high doors.

Searching for tenants, available properties and sales comparables using the mapping function has changed with the recent upgrade. The method is a bit different than you're used to -- but has the significant advantage of automatically closing your polygon, so it's worth the tiny bit of time it takes to learn to use it. Once you get comfortable with map searches, you'll never go back to the other geographic methods. It's much more flexible -- you're not stuck with zip code or submarket boundaries -- you can be very specific establishing trade areas.

You begin your tenant, property or comps search in the same way you always have. First, click in to "The Search." Select your property type in Step one, make appropriate selections in steps two and three, and move right down to the geographic searches in step four. (As you will remember, this would be where you would select "switch metro" if you were searching properties in one of Xceligent's other markets.)

The primary thing you will notice when you click into the map is that it looks cleaner and crisper than it used to. In place of the cursor that you would have seen in the past, you'll see a "Hand." Once you left click with your mouse you can use the hand to slide the map around. In the upper left hand corner of your screen, you can see the "Zoom Tools."

First, position the map so that your target area is in the center. Then, click on the Zoom in tool to move in closer to see the streets and landmarks that define your trade area or Tenant farm. To select properties, comps or tenants within a particular area, begin by selecting "Polygon" After you select polygon as an option, place your cursor in the first corner of your target area, left click and release. Your first point has been created. Then move your cursor to the second point. Left click and release. When you move your cursor to the third point, left click and release, you will see that the boundaries of your polygon have been established, it will seem like a stretchy rubber band that expands to take in as much space as necessary.

Continue to establish corners by left clicking and releasing your mouse. You can create a polygon that is as simple --or as complicated -- as you choose. When you have established your desired area, right click on your mouse to let the map know you are done. Finally, push the "Finish Drawing" button. You will know your polygon has been established when you see the red pushpin.

If this sounds complicated, trust me -- it really isn't. When you've used the map function two or three times, you'll prefer it to any of the other geographic criteria. It's much more versatile and flexible than the other geographic searches. You can search up to four polygons and four radii at the same time. So, if you had a retailer who wanted to be positioned at a freeway exit ramp -- you could search for available land in eight distinct sites at one time.

Tip: If you've drawn and cleared a polygon a few times and the system seems to have stopped working, cancel out of the mapping program and click back in. Sometimes the mapping system just needs a little reboot.

That's all there is to it. Again, once you've used the map search function a time or two, you won't use any other method. If you have questions or problems -- with this or anything else in the system-- feel free to call our office (430-3343) or Angie Utz (537-0967) or me (202-7025). We're always happy to help.

COCIE Membership
Columbus:                                              Nationwide:
# of buildings tracked -- 13,362                  72,106
Square feet tracked -- 696,231,737             5,176,700,940
Properties for lease -- 4,662                       64,520
Properties for sale -- **2,144                      42,162
# of users -- 619                                       24,935

** Includes 315 Multi-unit housing & 680 land listings.

New companies since last publication:
Century 21 Darfus
Highland Real Estate
Moore Real Estate & Development
Myers Real Estate
Ohio Real Estate Consultants
Oreste Realty

COCIE Classes
INTRO - COCIE (CDX) Training at CBR
April 8 ^_l 1-4:15pm ^_l 3 credit hrs. ^_l $30 if CE is requested
Learn how to: search and report on commercial availabilities; use advanced search techniques such as map search; produce tour packages for client tours; send CDX Mails; add, edit and manage listing inventories.

ADVANCED - COCIE (CDX) Training at CBR
April 17 _^l 9-11am _^l 2 credit hrs. _^l $20 if CE is requested
Learn how to use the CDX to: calculate vacancy rates, create absorption reports; find sales and lease comparables by date; etc.

ONLINE
Available through Xceligent University: CDX 101; Market Intelligence; Marketing Your Listing; Site TraX Sales Comparables. These free classes are offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30a our time -- sign up online at www.xceligent.com.