2014 Issue

64 1. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps are most often NOT a correct repre - sentation of true property lines. These are the maps that we find online and are often provided by state, county, or city governments. Although they are very useful for governance and organization these maps are not the panacea to answer all things regarding geography and land tenure. The apparent conflicts (overlaps and gaps) in property lines most often are a result of errors in deeds, or deed entry, which can often be observed in the representation of property lines in various Geographic or Land Information systems (GIS/LIS) employed by counties and other public entities. The organizations produc- Do I Need My Property Surveyed? A Few Points to Consider By Danial L. Perry. MBA, PLS Abstract. Four important considerations regarding the need for a property boundary survey are outlined. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps are most often NOT a correct representation of true property lines, accuracy of the legal description of the deed, there are many factors which determine the location of property boundaries, and a survey is NOT always required in order to convey property. ing GIS wish to provide their constituents withmyriad land information such as parcel; size, value, tax data, etc. all of which are very useful and invaluable to professionals who work with real estate as well as the general public. However, for surveying, GIS is used ONLY as a starting point for much broader and deeper investigation of properties and boundaries. It is CRITICAL for the user of GIS information to understand that these maps (online or printed) are most often not a representation of ACTUAL physical “on- ground” observations and measurements but are rather extractions of dimensional information taken from written legal de- scriptions of deeds. The dimensional basis of which is found in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). When a basis of bearing is extracted from the legal description it is not well understood by the GIS personnel and often mistakes and false assumptions are made which are not in conformity with the Manual of Surveying Instructions (BLM2009) which is the legal document governing the PLSS. For this reason developers and disseminators of GIS data and maps have wisely provided a disclaimer regarding their maps. For example Utah County has such a disclaimer quoted verbatim as follows: “This on-line parcel map is for reference purposes only. Utah County assumes no liability for its accuracy, correctness or pos- sible variations on actual survey.”