Mapping Rural Land Parcelization: A Methodology to Analyze the Intensity of Parcelization using Real Property Data

Rural lands in New York are in danger of becoming less manageable and fragmented due to the process of parcelization. Parcelization describes the subdivision of land into smaller parcels; as properties diminish in size they become less manageable. The methodology proposed here was able to identify patterns of privately owned rural land parcelization using the Finger Lakes and Mohawk Valley regions of New York as case studies. Real property data were used to perform a parcel-based density analysis protocol (P-DAP) at two points in time, ten years apart. The resulting densities were subtracted to generate a ten-year differential, where locations of increased parcel density represent parcelization. The resulting hotspot and coldspot patterns were measured against social and environmental factors. This methodology facilitates the identification of parcelization regardless of scale and study area size. Local officials may use this cost-effective methodology to take action before valuable rural lands become less manageable.