LightBox ID FAQ

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Q: What happens to a LightBox ID when an entity it is assigned to fundamentally changes?

A: When fundamental changes occur with a parcel, a new LightBox ID will be assigned.

Example - Parcel

There are times when s get split into multiple smaller parcels or two or more parcels are merged into a single large parcel. Typically when this occurs the will assign new APN values to these properties even though the address changes.

LightBox sees this as a fundamental change and will retire the original and create new LightBox IDs

Example - Building

If the geometry change between the old building and the new building is significant, a new will be assigned. This is also the case if a major add-on to the existing building has been added and significantly changes the geometry of the building. Another scenario is when a building is removed and a new building is added. Typically these structures will have a different shape thus getting a new LightBox ID.

Q: Is there one LightBox ID that relates to each object?

A: LightBox IDs are unique across all LightBox objects.

Q: Are LightBox IDs persistent over time?

A: Yes, LightBox IDs persist over time, if the object has significant change then we consider it a new object and will return the old ID and create a new ID.

Q: In the data that was delivered to me, how do I tell the difference between a LightBox ID and general ID?

A: LightBox IDs are represented in our on-site data with a "LID" (LightBox ID) suffix. Examples are PARCEL_LID, ASSESSMENT_LID, ADDRESS_LID, BUILDING_LID

Q: Why do I not see _LID within the API responses?

A: Our APIs follow a strict ontology so all IDs are called id. You will find that if it is a LightBox ID it is documented.

Q: Do all LightBox data carry a LightBox ID?

A: No, only specific datasets carry a LightBox ID. All of our core data sets carry a LightBox ID.

Q: Are other ID's that are not LightBox IDs also persistent?

A: Unless it is specifically specified in the documentation other IDs are do not persist over time.

Q: What are the benefits of this connectivity?

A: The benefits are varied and broad.

Without the LightBox ID and the relationship tables we find that our clients will go through this process on their own. This adds to an incredible amount of resource time work through the relationships which costs your company money. This ends up reducing your ROI on our products.
Let LightBox focus on the laborious part and all the nuances that are riddled through this process so your team can focus on your product.
Due to resource constraints, when our clients go on their own, we find that they will do one or two of the relationships that meet their current needs. With LightBox providing all the linkages, even if they are not needed right now they are available without any additional work for your team to take advantage. This provides a level of agility that becomes difficult when it is not already built.

Q: What kinds of questions can this the LightBox connectivity model answer?

A: Some examples below:

Where is this address located?
Which/How many buildings are on this parcel?
What parcels are associated with a given building?
How many parcels does this building span?
What parcels have sold in the last year?
What parcels are single family residential with lots greater than two acres?
Do all of the buildings on this group of parcels have the same ownership?
How many addresses are associated with this building or parcel?
What is the complete list of addresses associated with this building?
Does this building have any secondary addresses?
How far is the building from the road?
What is the aggregate square footage of all the structures on a parcel?
How many non-occupied buildings (garages, storage buildings, pool houses) are on the property?
How close is the nearest building with a different address?
Comparables
Physically proximity
Ownership
What is the risk?
Financial
Environmental

What information can be obtained for 1:many relationships?

Multiple buildings on a single parcel
One building on multiple parcels
What are the ownership details?
What are the land use details?

Q: How is ADDRESS_LID determined?

A: ADDRESS_LID utilizes the address, unit, and 5-digit postal code of the standardized address.

Q: Do we keep historical LightBox IDs that we retire?

A: Not as a product offering.

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Geocoding API FAQ

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