Using Google Earth and Satellite Imagery in Property Tax Appeals
TL;DR
Satellite imagery from Google Earth can document property condition, lot issues, proximity to negative features, and neighborhood context. Use historical imagery to show changes over time. Capture screenshots showing your property's relationship to busy roads, commercial areas, power lines, or other value-reducing features. Print aerial views showing lot limitations like wetlands, slopes, or unusable areas. Label each image clearly.
What Google Earth Can Show
- Lot limitations: Wetlands, steep slopes, irregular shape visible from above
- Proximity to negatives: Distance to highways, commercial zones, industrial areas, railroads
- Property condition: Roof deterioration, overgrown landscaping, visible damage
- Neighborhood context: Overall area character, density, nearby development
- Historical changes: Use the timeline feature to show how the area has changed
How to Capture and Present
- Open Google Earth and search your address
- Take screenshots at multiple zoom levels (property, neighborhood, area)
- Use the measurement tool to show distances to negative features
- Use the historical imagery slider to show changes over time
- Print images in color with clear labels and scale references
When Aerial Evidence Is Most Useful
- Documenting proximity to highways, rail lines, or commercial areas
- Showing lot shape irregularities or unusable areas
- Demonstrating that your property is different from comparables the assessor used
- Showing before-and-after neighborhood changes
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