Using GIS and large-scale digital data to implement hedonic pricing studies

This paper describes how a standard GIS package can be used to convert larg e-scale vector digital data (point, line and annotation features) into poly gons using standardised and replicable methods. Building area, garden and l and use polygons are all derived from such data (Ordnance Survey Land-Line. Plus). These entities are then combined with further sources of digital dat a to derive more refined information such as property types. Finally, compl ex DEMs are developed for use in visibility studies. The variables calculat ed are subsequently employed in a property valuation study where many are f ound to be significant determinants of property price. The main exception i s variables relating to viewsheds, although it is argued that this does not invalidate the techniques used in their deviation but highlights the diffi culties involved in modelling a large number of variables in a property pri ce analysis.