FAQ - AO Prospect: User Documentation

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FAQ

How can I view the buildable area analysis/constraint maps for a project where it was already run?
Check out this page on how to view the constraint maps. 
What are the sources for the Buildable Area Analysis?
We've linked the source name/data next to each setting in the Buildable Area Analysis form. 
Why isn't there any parcel data in my area? 
Our parcel data provider, ReportAll, has nationwide coverage for the U.S. but there are occasionally counties or townships with no coverage or minimal attributes. 
ReportAll (our provider) generally has the widest coverage of any parcel data company. There are only 46 counties they don't have coverage (as of April 2022). Most parcel companies lack data in ~300-750 counties. That is why we work with them.
It is pretty rare that other providers have data or attributes that our provider does not. In the rare times that it happens, it's often because certain attributes recently became available and they haven't updated their copy yet.
However, every parcel data company has different data. They set up deals with counties that align on a price, attributes provided, etc. We chose ReportAll because they had the best overall coverage that we've seen, but we can't guarantee there won't be one-offs where it is missing an attribute that's available elsewhere. You'd run into a similar issue more frequently with another service.
Missing a parcel? Turn on the parcels layer (map toolbar > Parcels ) and zoom in close to the map. If no parcel boundaries display then it means that ReportAll does not have parcel data for that area.
Check out their parcel data coverage page and scroll down below the map to view available data by county (they also have percentage of owner name, mailing address, site address, etc. if you click on the county link).
How can I add an additional user or state to my account? 
Reach out to your account manager for account changes and pricing - [email protected]
Can I import/view my own data and map layers?
We want to make sure you can see all the data and layers you need in one place. Check out the options below.
KML/KMZ Imports
If the data is in a KMZ or KML, you can import those files yourself -- check out our KMZ import instructions. 
If the files are extremely large files (e.g. all transmission lines in a state), see instructions below for Shapefiles/TAB. 
Shapefiles/TAB 
Reach out to your account manager with the files (or we can set up a Google Drive folder if they are too large to email). We can get them integrated (typically about 1 week).  
Public Map Layers 
There are lots of great mapping resources available and we can typically integrate in public map layers. Just email us the link to the public layer and we can work with you to get it integrated as a layer.
Why aren't pipelines included in the Buildable Area Analysis infrastructure constraints?
We would love to add pipelines into the Buildable Area Analysis, however, the broadly available data isn't suitable for constraint analysis. 
 
The publicly available EIA data on pipelines locations ("Pipelines" layer in the U.S. Nationwide Layers section) is only accurate to within +/- 1000 ft of the actual pipeline route and only includes major pipelines. This doesn't make it accurate enough to use in buildable area calculations or setbacks.
 
PHMSA has more accurate pipeline data available online, but they have very strict terms on exporting/republishing this data outside their system which prevents us from leveraging it for the automated analysis. Given that, we haven't found a broadly available (and accurate) datasource to use. Texas does have a better quality dataset from the Texas Railroad Commission which is available in the Texas layers menu. In the future we hope to offer more state-specific analysis and will likely include this layer, but at this time, the analysis is focused on nationwide datasets.
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