“Yeah, those maps are more of a suggestion.”
That’s wild—feels like a scavenger hunt with no prize at the end. When I was trying to map out our backyard fence line, I went step-by-step: checked the online GIS, then the deed, then literally walked it with a tape measure. Still ended up confused. Did anyone else find that old survey markers just... don’t match up with anything online?
Title: Digging Into Property Easements—Anyone Else Find Online Tools Confusing?
Honestly, you’re not alone. I’ve seen GIS maps off by several feet compared to what’s actually staked in the ground. Even with a deed and a tape measure, things rarely line up perfectly. Sometimes those old survey pins are just... wishful thinking. It’s frustrating, but you did all the right steps—sometimes it really does come down to hiring a pro if you need absolute certainty.
Title: Digging Into Property Easements—Anyone Else Find Online Tools Confusing?
Yeah, those online maps can be a real headache. I’ve tried using the county’s GIS system to figure out where my back fence should go, and it was off by almost four feet compared to what the surveyor marked. It’s wild how much things can drift over time, especially in older neighborhoods where property lines were drawn up before GPS was even a thing.
I get what you mean about the old survey pins too. I found one in my yard that looked like it’d been there since the 60s, but when I had someone come out with modern equipment, it turned out to be way off. Makes you wonder how many fences and sheds are technically in the wrong spot.
One thing I’ve noticed is that even the “official” documents don’t always match up. My deed has measurements in chains and links (seriously), and trying to convert that into feet and inches just adds another layer of confusion. Sometimes I think these tools are more for general reference than anything precise.
I do wish there was a better way to overlay current satellite images with the actual legal descriptions, but maybe that’s asking too much from free online tools. At the end of the day, if you’re dealing with something important—like a new build or a dispute—it seems like paying for a real survey is just part of the deal. Not cheap, but probably less hassle than fighting with neighbors or the county later on.
Funny thing is, I’ve seen people argue over a couple of inches, but then you look at the maps and realize nobody really knows where the line is anyway. Guess it’s just one of those homeowner headaches we all have to deal with eventually.
Title: Digging Into Property Easements—Anyone Else Find Online Tools Confusing?
Man, I hear you on those old measurements—chains and links always throw me for a loop. I’ve run into situations where the “official” plat map and the actual survey don’t even come close to matching up, especially when you’re dealing with properties that have changed hands a bunch of times. I’ve had clients get frustrated after spending hours on the county’s GIS, only to find out it’s just a rough sketch. Ever had a neighbor swear their fence was in the right spot because of what they saw online, but the survey said otherwise? That’s always a fun conversation...
Ever had a neighbor swear their fence was in the right spot because of what they saw online, but the survey said otherwise?
- Ran into this exact thing last year. Neighbor insisted the GIS map proved their shed was on their land.
- Pulled up my survey—turns out the online map was off by about 3 feet.
- Those old measurements confuse me too. “Rods” and “chains” just make my head spin.
- Honestly, I wish these online tools came with a big disclaimer: “Not for legal boundaries.” Would save a lot of headaches.
