DIGGING INTO PROPERTY EASEMENTS—ANYONE ELSE FIND ONLINE TOOLS CONFUSING?
Yeah, those online maps can be more trouble than they’re worth sometimes. I’ve seen them mark utility easements that don’t even exist anymore, or worse, miss the ones that actually matter. It’s wild how often the digital stuff just doesn’t line up with what’s on the ground—or in the paperwork.
You’re right about the deed and plat being the gold standard. It’s not glamorous, but it’s reliable. I’ve had clients get spooked by something they saw on a county GIS map, only to find out after digging through the records that it was just outdated info or a mapping error. The digital tools are fine for a ballpark idea, but if you’re planning anything serious—like building or adding on—you really can’t skip the old-school research.
Honestly, I wish there was a better system by now. You’d think with all the tech out there, someone would have figured out how to keep these things updated and accurate. But until then, yeah... double-checking is just part of the process. Beats having to tear up a driveway because someone missed an easement line twenty years ago.
It’s a hassle, but you’re definitely doing it right by not taking those online maps at face value. Better safe than sorry when it comes to property lines and easements—those mistakes can get expensive fast.
DIGGING INTO PROPERTY EASEMENTS—ANYONE ELSE FIND ONLINE TOOLS CONFUSING?
Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stared at those GIS maps and thought, “Wait, is that a sewer line or just a weird shadow?” The tech’s cool in theory, but when it comes to my own place, I still end up digging through old paper files. Anyone else ever find an easement that wasn’t even on the map? Makes you wonder what else is hiding out there...
“Wait, is that a sewer line or just a weird shadow?”
- Been there. GIS maps are cool but sometimes feel like a guessing game.
- I’ve found easements on old deeds that never showed up online—makes you wonder how much gets missed.
- My trick: check the county recorder’s site for scanned plats (usually free), then compare to the GIS. Not perfect, but it’s saved me from a few surprises.
- If you’re on a budget, skip hiring someone unless you hit a wall. Sometimes just asking neighbors what they know turns up more than any map.
Totally get the confusion—those online maps are helpful, but I’ve had to double-check with paper plats more than once. One time, the “creek” on GIS was just a drainage ditch. Neighbors really do know weird stuff about the land, too.
One time, the “creek” on GIS was just a drainage ditch.
That’s a classic example of why I never trust the GIS maps alone. They’re useful, but I’ve run into similar issues—once, a “utility easement” marked online turned out to be obsolete and not even recorded on the official plat. It’s surprising how much local knowledge can fill in those gaps. Cross-referencing with paper plats and even old survey records has saved me headaches more than once. The tech is getting better, but there’s still no substitute for digging into the details.
