> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.buyparceldata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Flat files

> Bulk parcel data delivery for high-volume, benchmarking, and AI/ML use cases.

## Overview

In addition to the API, BPD offers parcel data as flat file exports: full county or statewide datasets delivered as structured files. Flat files are the right choice when you need to process large volumes of parcels, run offline analysis, or build embeddings and AI pipelines.

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## API vs. flat files

|          | API                                                     | Flat files                                                  |
| -------- | ------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Best for | Real-time lookups, geographic queries, app integrations | Bulk processing, AI/ML, benchmarking, high-volume workflows |
| Delivery | On-demand via REST                                      | File delivery (S3 or direct download)                       |
| Volume   | Up to 5,000 parcels/month on Professional plan          | Entire states or nationwide                                 |
| Latency  | Real-time                                               | Batch                                                       |
| Updates  | Reflects latest data                                    | Delivered on a scheduled cadence                            |
| Pricing  | Subscription by parcel limit                            | Per state or nationwide                                     |

**Use the API when** you need real-time access, geographic queries against user-submitted polygons, or per-parcel lookups in a live application.

**Use flat files when** you need more than 5,000 parcels/month, are benchmarking data quality before committing, building embeddings for an AI workflow, or loading parcel data into your own data warehouse.

***

## AI and ML workflows

Flat files are the preferred delivery method for AI and ML use cases because they let you:

* **Generate embeddings** from full parcel records in batch (e.g. using Databricks, Spark, or a local pipeline)
* **Build vector search indexes** over parcel text fields (owner, address, legal description)
* **Run natural language search** by embedding query text and retrieving semantically similar parcels
* **Power agentic AI workflows** that need offline access to the full parcel corpus

The flat file schema matches the API response schema exactly (the same fields, the same null behavior), so pipelines built against flat files work against the API and vice versa.

***

## Pricing

Flat files are priced per state or as a nationwide dataset. Pricing depends on the states and update cadence required.

Contact [support@buyparceldata.com](mailto:support@buyparceldata.com) for a quote.

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## Frequently asked questions

**Can I use flat files for benchmarking before buying?**
Yes. Sample data is available on request; contact [support@buyparceldata.com](mailto:support@buyparceldata.com).

**Are updates included?**
Yes. Coverage expansions, data improvements, and additional counties added to your licensed area are included at no additional cost.

**What format are the files in?**
Contact [support@buyparceldata.com](mailto:support@buyparceldata.com) for current delivery format options.