CHICAGO (Aug. 10, 2010) – A unique collection of theoretical and practical pieces published this week by the Appraisal Institute describes how innovative technology will define the future of real estate valuation. The Appraisal Institute is the nation’s largest professional organization of real estate appraisers.

“Visual Valuation: Implementing Valuation Modeling and Geographic Information Solutions” outlines how the valuation profession can make the transition from a data-poor discipline to a data-rich one by adapting the tools of “predictive analytics” used in other industries. Edited by Mark R. Linne, MAI, SRA, with Michelle Thompson, Ph.D., the book features 15 insightful chapters written by experts who provide practical discussions about how to use GIS and modeling technology in valuations. It also includes case studies by academicians who apply technology to solve problems in housing, resource management and other areas.

The valuation scenarios presented in the book range from the approachable to the complex, as various contributors with diverse expertise provide discussions and demonstrations that will educate appraisers new to valuation modeling and GIS while also addressing the concerns of more sophisticated users who are already comfortable with the technology’s practical applications.

A 318-page, soft-cover book, “Visual Valuation: Implementing Valuation Modeling and Geographic Information Solutions” (ISBN: 978-1-935328-10-0) is available for $60 ($50 for Appraisal Institute members) at https://www.appraisalinstitute.org/store/p-227-visual-valuation-implementing-valuati​on-modeling-and-geographic-information-solutions.aspx or by calling 1-800-504-7440.

Mark R. Linné, MAI, SRA, CAE, FRICS, has been a leader in the design, deployment and adoption of interactive valuation technologies for more than a decade. He is an author, editor, speaker, columnist, inventor, AVM expert, data standards proponent, software developer and veteran appraiser. Based in Lakewood, Colo., Linné is the coauthor of two previous books for the Appraisal Institute and serves as executive vice president for education and analytics for AppraisalWorld, Inc.

Michelle Thompson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the University of New Orleans department of planning and urban studies. Thompson was a licensed residential real estate appraiser but now focuses on teaching and applied research using public participation geographic information services.

The book’s other contributors are:

• Richard Bernknopf, Ph.D., economist with the USGS Western Geographic Science Center in Menlo Park, Calif.
• John Cirincione, SRA, CRE, FRICS, director of business development for JVI Solutions located in Lake Mary, Fla.
• John Connelley, appraisal systems manager for Farm Credit Services of America in Omaha, Neb.
• Ann-Margaret Esnard, Ph.D., professor of urban and regional planning and the director of the Visual Planning Technology Lab at Florida Atlantic University.
• Kevin C. Gillen, Ph.D., research fellow with the Institute for Urban Research at the University of Pennsylvania and a vice president of Econsult Corporation.
• Elizabeth Green, principal consultant with rel-e-vant, a consulting firm specializing in real estate finance technology and data-centric solutions.
• James Gresham, who is currently starting up a new business venture in Littleton, Colo.
• Michael W. Ireland, CAE, assessor in Bloomington, Ill., a position he has held since 1980.
• Kirk Manker, vice president/chief appraiser of Farm Credit Services of America, where he leads the real estate and chattel appraisal activities for the Farm Credit System Association.
• Christopher A. Miner, MAI, SRA, MRICS, chief operating officer of Greenfield Advisors.
• Patrick M. OConnor, an international leader in the field of computer-assisted appraisal.
• Milton Ospina, NAVTEQ’s business development manager responsible for supporting GIS enterprise implementations of NAVTEQ map data products, services and solutions.
• Ana Puszkin-Chevlin, Ph.D., real estate and environmental planning consultant for nonprofit organizations and private companies.
• Sumeeta Srinivasan, Ph.D., who teaches geographic information systems and spatial analysis at Harvard University, where she is affiliated with the Center for Geographic Analysis.
• James Russell Thimgan, partner in Thimgan and Associates.
• Francoise Vermeylen, director of the Cornell Statistical Consulting Unit.
• Susan Wachter, Ph.D., professor of real estate and finance at Wharton, where she holds the Richard B. Worley Professor of Financial Management Chair.
• Anne M. Wein, Ph.D., operations research analyst employed by the USGS Western Geographic Science Center in Menlo Park, Calif.