Summary of our response
It would be valuable for estate agents to be trained in the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software, particularly for its use throughout the process of a sale and for marketing. GIS is a framework for gathering, managing and analysing geographical data, it can also be used to visualise the data – for instance, on an interactive map. Considering this, many estate agents will require training to understand geospatial procedures, workflows and software and how best to encompass this technology into their businesses.
Online courses and webinars are ideally suited to teach geospatial skills as they are both accessible and informative. The commission should consider hosting webinars for the various sectors included in this call for evidence. HM Land Registry provides webinars to understand the conveyancing process, which have been made freely accessible for the public on various devices. We believe the Geospatial Commission could replicate this service.
A bespoke geospatial skill course specifically for estate agents could be made available at varying levels of learning depending on demand. NAEA Propertymark offers courses for estate agents, some are online specific, and others can be location based or in-house. These are made available to both members and nonmembers. This course would then be advertised through our various communications such as mailers, articles, our magazine Property Professional and at events throughout the year.
The commission should consider working alongside private sector geospatial companies in offering training for businesses in geospatial skills. For example, Cadcorp provides clients with the option of either a standard or bespoke training course – which can be provided on or off site. Cadcorp is used specifically in land and property for GIS land management, and has use for estate agents, property developers (such as McCarthy & Stone), housing associations and lettings. Esri UK & Ireland provides a ‘Request a Demo’ service, where those enquiring can select a date and time and make requests to tailor the demo to their needs. Esri works with both private and public sector clients such as: Knight Frank and the Greater London Authority. Bespoke training provided by private companies work well for all parties involved, encouraging relationships between the commission and the private sector and offering more choice for those who require training.
GIS maps can provide visually appealing and highly interactive marketing materials for estate agents, an example of this being OS Open Zoomstack. OS Open Zoomstack is a comprehensive vector base map that shows detail of Great Britain’s mapping down to street level. This technology could be utilised in virtual tour videos of properties online. It has a ‘Fly to’ feature that allows users to zoom in on a specified location through animation and has differing maps for day and night. An example of this could be using the night map to highlight local nightlife for those looking to buy in a quieter neighbourhood. If Zoomstack progresses beyond trial stage, estate agents would benefit from accessing the technology through a licence. Ordnance Survey should consider marketing this to the property sector by providing online demonstration and user guides.
Encouraging further knowledge of geospatial procedures, there is added benefit for NAEA Propertymark members as any courses or webinars taken part in could be logged as Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which they must participate in at least 12 hours of per year with a minimum of four hours obtained through educational events as requirement of membership. NAEA Propertymark members already go above and beyond the legal requirements for estate agents, and we pride ourselves in being industry leaders, having geospatial skills will further the professionalism of our membership.
Finally, following the Government’s announcement to regulate property agents, a geospatial skillset could be a requirement of being a regulated estate agent. We have long lobbied for the regulation of estate agents. Should regulation be introduced, to promote geospatial skills in estate agency - there should be an additional requirement in qualification or at least the ability for legislation to be amended to add this requirement in the future to coincide with technological advances. This could include a basic working knowledge of using geospatial data or GIS in the sale of property and demonstrating a working knowledge of the software. This would ensure all qualified estate agents have a geospatial data skillset, thus futureproofing the sector for emerging technology.
