Soon, maps will become the dominant component of the MLS system’s user interface.  Although both Tempo and WyldFyre Listings have mapping modules, the maps in these existing systems are subordinate to traditional text-based search forms. We are about to see a revolution in MLS maps. These new systems will be built around the map as the dominant feature of the user interface. Not since the mechanization of MLS data from the MLS Books to online systems, has there been such a fundamental upgrade in MLS system utility. Interactive maps will complete the integration of MLS and public record data with a powerful visual appeal. These mapping and visualization tools will allow agents to more accurately identify and communicate relevant information to each other and their clients.

Search is the fundamental function every Realtor® uses to locate properties of interest for clients, both sellers and buyers. For the sellers, it is the location of similar properties to determine possible market value and to understand the competition from other properties on the market. For the buyers, it is the search for properties, which the buyer might consider for purchase.

Integrated mapping will reinvent searches.
Integrated mapping will give agents the ability to place homes of interest on a map, along with important other considerations such as schools, transportation, proximity to desired activity centers, etc.  This application also allows the Realtor to "show" the area in easily understood images without actually going to the location and gaining feedback from the clients. For the consumer, the agents can easily show places of employment and shopping and even transmit the data to remote locations for the clients to view and gain perspective prior to selecting locations to visit. Consumers, especially Internet-savvy ones, find map applications very valuable in understanding the location of properties of interest.

Maps exist at all levels.
One of the most important recent happenings in the map business is the digitizing of the maps into large databases, which can be cross-referenced and displayed.  There are many different types of maps that show varying detail of a particular location.
• Aerial maps are actual photos of the area, which are becoming increasingly available for integration. 
• Plat maps describe in detail the lot on which a subject property resides. 
• Surface maps can provide all levels of detail from global to national to state to regional to local and contain details on streets, intersections, water, parks, churches, schools, etc. 
• Subsurface maps illustrate what is under the land including water, electric, sewer, cable, subways and mineral rights. 

Latitude and longitude
The grid-work of lines that circle the globe and criss-cross maps form the basis for all mapping capabilities.  Although the user interface might be comprised of intuitive maps and pictures, the underlying data is based upon coordinate geometry.  Every point, line and parcel is merely a collection of X/Y coordinate pairs.  Latitude measures the number of degrees that a property is located either north or south of the Equator, while longitude measures the number of degrees that a property is either east or west of the Prime Meridian.  The Prime Meridian is a rather arbitrary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole through a suburb of London, England, where several map makers worked during the 17th and 18th centuries.  So, a home in the suburbs of Houston, Texas can be precisely described by a simple pair of numbers: latitude = 29.76862 and longitude = -95.56079.  Five decimal places of precision are sufficient to locate the front yard of a typical home.  These numbers are no more complicated than a pair of telephone numbers, and are in fact much easier to store and display that a street address. Latitude and Longitude are the essential values required to make maps useful to Realtors and consumers alike.

Technology is the key to the map revolution.
The underlying computer technology has been in place for more than a decade, but recent advances in several key technologies finally created the framework for the deployment of interactive maps.
Bandwidth – Mapping is graphically intense and requires a large quantity of data.  These applications do not happen quickly unless you have access to a broadband Internet connection.  Thanks to DSL and cable modems, most businesses and many homes now have access to over 1-megabit connections.  This is more than 30 times faster that the typical dial-up connection that was the standard several years ago.
Hardware – Today’s computers are more than 10 times more powerful and cost half as much as the computers sold only five years ago. Mapping is computationally intense and a typical household PC is now capable of supporting interactive maps.
Base Map Data Sets – Data is much more available and at more reasonable prices.  Early map data was ugly and difficult to view.  Curves were jagged and freeways were difficult to discern from small surface streets.  A combination of government spending and private money has produced much more attractive and intelligent data.
 Geo-Coding – These automated systems can convert a street address into an estimated location for the property.  Geo-coding software allows a program to easily convert tabular data into a picture.

GPS, the golden key.
The Global Positioning System (GPS), is the coolest spin-off from the space program, since NASA gave us Velcro and Tang.  This once secret satellite system, can locate any spot on the globe within a few feet.  A special receiver, like a radio, allows a user to establish their precise location relative to several satellites orbiting the earth. Because the military keeps precise information on the location and orbits of these satellites, the GPS receiver can convert these complex radio signals into an exact latitude and longitude. Like most technology, GPS receivers have become smaller, more accurate and less expensive over the past several years. Many cars and most boats now come with GPS systems as standard equipment. Use of GPS systems will allow home shoppers to easily navigate a strange, new neighborhood like natives.  GPS will allow Realtors to precisely spot the location of a subject property on a map. The current generation of mapping systems has been an improvement, but we do get frantic complaints from sellers who are anguished about mistakes made by automated geo-coding systems. GPS will bring a new level of accuracy, clarity and reliability to map-based MLS systems.

Maps are the future.
Get up on it, get used to it, get comfortable with it and integrated mapping will become your friend and servant.

My thanks to Jim Sherry, a consultant to HAR on informational and MLS issues for his assistance in exploring this emerging issue and co-authoring this article.