GIS, GPS, and Remote Sensing for Real Estate Litigation Support

Author: D. K. Humphrey
Organization: GEOWAREHOUSE

150 Sunset Ridge
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
USA

Phone: 512-264-2037
Fax: 512-264-1228
devon@geowarehouse.com

GEOWAREHOUSE has been engaged as a qualified expert witness to supply GIS and GPS services for litigation support in a recent real estate case in Texas. The case involves restricted access through existing easements and a barrier to access from a subdivision road due to rugged terrain.

ArcView GIS and ArcView 3D Analyst were used in conjunction with GPS data collected on the ground using ArcView Tracking Analyst, Digital Orthophoto Quads (DOQs), and digital elevation models (DEMs) to demonstrate the fact that access to the property is impossible through the platted road and that instead access should be granted through an existing disputed easement. Scanned subdivision plats were also integrated into the demonstration to clearly show the problems of access and existing easements. Without the GIS demonstration, the facts of the case could not be easily explained to the court and would be debatable. With the GIS, the facts speak for themselves and the case is being resolved.