DIGGING INTO PROPERTY EASEMENTS—ANYONE ELSE FIND ONLINE TOOLS CONFUSING?
You’re spot on about the data layers not always matching up. I’ve had surveyors flag a boundary that looked totally different from what the GIS map showed—sometimes by several feet, which is huge if you’re talking about setbacks or utilities. I do appreciate how much easier it is to get an overview now, but I still find myself double-checking everything in person. Even with all the advances, there’s just no substitute for boots on the ground... and yeah, some of those scanned records are basically unreadable. It’s a balancing act for sure.
there’s just no substitute for boots on the ground... and yeah, some of those scanned records are basically unreadable.
Totally relate to this—nothing like standing on the actual dirt to see where things really line up. I once had a project where the online easement map showed a utility line running through what was supposed to be open space, but when we finally tracked down the old paper plat, it turned out the line was twenty feet off. Made me wonder if anyone here has actually had luck getting corrections made to GIS data, or is it just a lost cause?
Made me wonder if anyone here has actually had luck getting corrections made to GIS data, or is it just a lost cause?
I’ve actually managed to get a GIS map updated once, but it took a bit of persistence. Here’s what worked for me: First, I gathered all the paper docs and photos showing the error. Then I emailed the county GIS office (with attachments) and followed up by phone a week later. Took about two months, but they did fix it. Not always quick, but not a total lost cause either... just takes some patience and proof.
I hear you on the patience part—it’s like waiting for grass to grow after overseeding, but less satisfying. I actually had a similar run-in with our county GIS last year. The map had my fence line drawn halfway through my living room... not ideal for resale value. Took a few rounds of emails, a coffee-fueled trip to the courthouse, and a neighbor vouching for me, but eventually they fixed it. Definitely not a lost cause, just more of a slow-motion adventure.
DIGGING INTO PROPERTY EASEMENTS—ANYONE ELSE FIND ONLINE TOOLS CONFUSING?
- Honestly, I’m not convinced it’s ever as “fixable” as they make it sound.
- I tried to get a minor boundary issue sorted online—ended up with more questions than answers.
- County GIS maps look official but half the time they’re outdated or just plain wrong.
- Not sure running around to the courthouse should be the default fix for a digital tool that’s supposed to make things easier.
- Maybe I’m just cynical, but I feel like these systems need a serious overhaul before they’re actually useful for regular folks.
- Anyone else feel like you need a law degree just to read some of these easement docs?
