Advancing Real Property Valuation: AI, Drones and Emerging Digital Technologies in Professional Practice and Education

Digital technologies are reshaping the way property and asset values are assessed, regulated and trusted. From automated valuations to drone-assisted site inspections, these advances are influencing professional practice and testing the legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks – including those established by IVSC, API and RICS – that underpin it. This book examines how AI, drones and emerging digital tools are being integrated into valuation processes across varied contexts. Its scope extends beyond traditional property valuation to urban markets, public assets, infrastructure and ESG assessments. Drawing on insights from leading academics and industry experts in Australia and internationally, it’s organised into four sections: digital foundations and frameworks, real-world applications and innovations, advancing education and training and legal, ethical and future perspectives. Across these sections, comparative analysis explores how different jurisdictions and sectors are adapting, with particular attention to regulatory compliance, professional standards and the boundaries of automation. Rather than framing technology as an inevitable disruption or existential threat, this book encourages careful, critical engagement with how digital systems shape professional judgement, data transparency and institutional trust. It offers theoretical grounding and curricular models that prepare the next generation of valuation professionals to operate in technology-rich environments and provides detailed case studies and practical strategies to uphold standards, manage risk and ensure accountability when using advanced digital tools. It is an essential resource for anyone concerned with the future of valuation, as well as those seeking to upskill and build confidence in using advanced technologies that are transforming property valuation methods and practices.