One thing that’s helped me is overlaying printed maps with tracing paper and sketching in what I know for sure—kind of old school, but it works when the tech doesn’t.
Funny, I’ve done almost the exact same thing—sometimes I feel like I’m back in drafting class, squinting at lines and hoping I’m not missing a hidden easement. The GIS layers never quite match up with reality on site. I’ve even had surveyors shrug and say, “Well, that’s what the county says…” Not super reassuring. At this point, I trust a tape measure and some boots on the ground more than any online map.
Title: Digging into property easements—anyone else find online tools confusing?
Yeah, I hear you. I’ve had site plans that looked perfect on the screen, but once you’re out there, nothing lines up. I’ve even seen utility easements marked in the wrong spot by a good 10 feet. Ever tried to explain that to a client? At this point, I double-check everything with a physical walk-through. The tech’s great for a starting point, but it’s not gospel.
The tech’s great for a starting point, but it’s not gospel.
That line really hits home. I remember thinking I could trust those online parcel maps when we bought our place—turns out, the fence line was off by almost a foot compared to what the county showed. It’s wild how much faith we put in those digital tools, only to find out the ground tells a different story.
Ever notice how even the “official” records can contradict each other? I’ve seen plat maps, GIS data, and surveyor stakes all disagreeing. Makes you wonder which source is supposed to be the authority. Maybe it’s just part of the adventure of owning property... or maybe it’s a test of patience.
I get why you double-check everything. There’s something about walking the land, tape measure in hand, that just feels more real than any screen. Do you ever find yourself second-guessing even after a walk-through, though? Sometimes I wonder if I’m being too cautious, but then again, better safe than sorry, right?
Title: Digging Into Property Easements—Anyone Else Find Online Tools Confusing?
Totally get what you mean about the “official” records not lining up. I’ve had to plan a fence install and ended up triple-checking everything—online maps, county docs, even pacing it out myself. Still felt like a guessing game. At this point, I trust my tape measure more than any app. If you’re second-guessing, you’re not alone... sometimes I think being a little paranoid is just part of the process.
Title: Digging Into Property Easements—Anyone Else Find Online Tools Confusing?
Honestly, I’ve never trusted those online parcel maps or GIS tools much. They’re fine for a rough idea, but when it comes down to where you can actually dig or build, they’re just not precise enough. I’ve seen property lines on the county’s website that are off by several feet compared to what’s staked out on the ground. That’s a big deal if you’re pouring concrete or setting posts.
I get why people want to use the digital stuff—it’s quick and looks official—but I’ve learned the hard way that nothing beats walking the lot with a tape and a set of old-school survey stakes. Even then, I’ve had neighbors swear up and down that their “app” says something different. At the end of the day, if you want to sleep at night, get a real survey done. It’s not cheap, but it’s a lot less hassle than having to move a fence later. Paranoia? Maybe, but I’d rather be safe than fighting over a few inches of dirt.
