Honestly, I’ve had better luck with a notepad and a cheap metal tape than any of those fancy online maps. Half the time, parcel lines don’t even line up with fences or landmarks. I get why surveyors charge what they do, but for basic stuff, piecing together old deeds and neighbor stories usually gets me close enough. Just wish counties would update their records more often…
- Totally get it—those online maps are never as accurate as you’d hope.
- I’ve had a few close calls where the “official” lines put my fence halfway into a neighbor’s yard… not fun.
- Best trick I’ve found: overlay the county GIS with your own measurements on graph paper. Not perfect, but at least you can spot the big discrepancies.
- Agree, updating records more often would save a ton of headaches.
- Sometimes just walking the land with an old deed and talking to folks next door gives you more clarity than any digital tool.
Digging Into Property Easements—Anyone Else Find Online Tools Confusing?
Yeah, those digital maps are just a starting point at best. I’ve had surveyors come out and find markers in spots that didn’t match anything online or in the county’s records. Honestly, nothing beats old survey pins in the ground, if you can find them. Had to dig around a bit, but they were there—saved me from moving a fence twice. Talking to neighbors helps, but I’ve learned to trust the physical evidence more than any website.
Totally get where you’re coming from, but I’ll admit I’m a bit of a map nerd—I actually like poking around those GIS sites, even if they’re a mess. That said, digital tools are only as good as the data behind them, and half the time, it’s outdated or just plain wrong. I once found an “easement” on a map that turned out to be a typo from the ‘80s. Physical markers don’t lie, but I wish counties would invest more in updating their layers. Would save a lot of headaches…and shoveling.
Honestly, I’ve run into the same thing—those old easement lines can be a nightmare, especially when you’re planning a landscape overhaul or a new pool. I get why people love the convenience of digital maps, but nothing beats walking the property with a surveyor and seeing the stakes in the ground. It’s wild how often the “official” online info doesn’t match reality. I wish more counties would prioritize accuracy; it’d make high-end projects so much smoother... and save on those surprise costs when you dig.
