how to read coordinates on a plat map

How do you use a plat map? While the distance between degrees of latitude is constant (60 nautical miles or 111.12 km), the Earths shape causes the distance between degrees of longitude to decrease as you approach the poles. Please do not submit your actual street address, just a city, town or regional location. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. GPS coordinates converter. If youre trying to understand what a plat map is, this type of map: Whether youre looking to buy a home or place your property on the market, having a plat map on hand can prove useful for a wide variety of scenarios that could arise. You should check any third party involvement in the land. A survey is the best way to learn the exact location of boundary lines and other property elements. How to read a plat map. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation. For information about how to understand the property boundaries, read on! As a homeowner, knowing where these easements are located may be able to put your mind at ease if you spot someone else on your property. The large number in the middle of the property, the one underlined, bolded, and/or italicized, is the parcel number. The book number is 025 and the page number in the book is 13. Next, find the survey legend. Add a CSV file containing latitude and longitude coordinates from a local or network drive to Map Viewer, or add CSV, TXT, or GPX files to Map Viewer Classic to draw features on the map for each row in the file. However, parcel boundaries and corners will only appear in street mode. These systems essentially make GIS "work"; they are standards that . Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. Use the map server to download a copy of a lease: SW: Add angle to 180. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. First four numbers of the assessor's parcel number (APN) B. Assessor's Page Number. Most plat maps have these numbers in feet. The legend is usually located in the corner of the survey and contains icons and labels to indicate their meaning so youre able to read the survey. 1. The coordinates are along the edges of the map. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A township that theoretically measures 6 miles in size and is the first six miles north of the base line is described as township one north and written as T1N. Along with identifying if there are any liens on the property, a title search is an essential processs that occurs with practically every real estate transaction. The three groups of numbers are readily separated by a hyphen. Later, real estate agents use plat maps in transactions as part oftitle searches. It is a legal document that a professionalland surveyor must createafter establishing boundary lines and assessing the property. For example, the description above would be read "The north 1/2 of the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 24, township 32 north, range 18 east." However, the easiest way to interpret descriptions is from back to front (or, right to left). Locate the evenly-spaced horizontal (latitude) and vertical (longitude) lines on a map. The unit is based on Gunter's chain, a metal chain 66 feet long with 100 links, that was formerly used in land surveying. Then, draw a vertical line from your location to the north or south edge of the map. If you're using a map with longitude and latitude lines, stick a pin where you're located. % of people told us that this article helped them. It also essential to read about the surrounding land represented in the survey plate. Latitude and longitude are measured in degrees rather than absolute units of measurement (such as miles or kilometers) because the Earth is spherical. Step 4. You may find that the satellite images in aerial mode are useful in visually locating the parcel. The block number follows the page number and in this example is 2. Any other property improvements that may have occurred since the latest survey on file. The majority of plat maps will include a symbol legend that makes it even easier to read. Plat maps show the south, north, east, and west orientation of the property, which is why these maps are necessary when adding a solar power array to your home or when building a home that requires directional placement of a kitchen or bedroom. Approved. The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt is located at 295831N, 31815E. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. 15 seconds is one quarter of a minute or 0.25 minutes 30 seconds is one half of a minute or 0.5 minutes Understanding Bearing Coordinates Introduction These techniques apply to basic CAD programs such as AutoCAD. A lay person may be overwhelmed by all the text, lines and symbols presented on a survey plat. "This helped me understand a lot about longitude and latitude. If a piece of land is going to be divided into separate lots for building homes, a plat map is required. Next, find the survey legend. Current & Historical Deeds, Mortgages, Easements, Plats, Property Info, and Oil & Gas Records in over 3,000 Counties nationwide. The arrows shown on the plan indicate that a measurement next to that arrow relates to the space between the occupation (fence, shed etc.) Since no unnecessary information is included in a plat map, they should never be too difficult to read. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The fastest way to look up state owned land records is by using the "find" tool. Read The Property Line Map, Or 'Plat' A property line basemap, or a "plat," is a drawing that maps out your property's boundary lines and includes details like elevations, bodies of water and structures. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You will also be provided with details about any subdivision easements, which allows you to see if there are currently any easements on the land that youre about the buy. I have a really old plan I'm trying to figure out. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This will show the boundaries of the lot. Here is how Georgia is divided up for GIS purposes (UTM zones are actually divided by longitude): How interesting! The Go To XY tool also keeps a record of recent locations, which you can return to by clicking the Recent . I did it primarily for trying to make sense of real estate listings, but I think it should be good for recreational land by sticking the output in a GPS. That Property Line is what is recorded in the book of records. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Whether youre a homeowner or prospective buyer, these maps can be used to your benefit. The descriptions are generally read from front to back. LandGlide is the most advanced and comprehensive parcel data and property line map application. Be sure to file your survey somewhere safe for future reference. If you dont want anyone else to use your land, knowing if there are any easements could play a big part in whether or not you select the property. Aneasementon your property could mean that others or the public can legally use it as they see fit. Now that you know why you should read a plat map and the basic elements youll find on a plat map, youre ready to hone your skills with a few pro tips. Find the location you're measuring on the map. The GPS coordinates are presented in the infowindow in an easy to copy and paste format. A plat map shows a piece of land, drawn to scale, with details such as nearby properties, boundaries, land size, flood zones, the surrounding neighborhood, easements, and monuments. Discussion in 'Mapping & Navigation' started by Gert, Apr 5, 2007. From there, you will have to look more closely at the map to distinguish the different numbers, markers, and symbols. . The parcel number thats assigned to each lot by the county assessor will include three separate numbers, which extend to the book number, the book page number, and an individual parcel number. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. Open Google Earth. D. Lot Number. Plat maps can look confusing, but with a bit of basic knowledge you can decode yours and use it to your advantage. On the Settings (light) toolbar, click Map tools and choose Location . Plats ensure lots comply with zoning rules and restrictions. Right-click the place or area on the map. Among the most notable aspects of a plat map is the inclusion of property lines, which will show you the exact boundaries of the property youre getting ready to purchase. As a convention, the pair is typically represented easting first, northing second. Establish the physical address on the your deed and compare it to the address on the survey illustration. The file is stored in the map as a layer, and you can edit the properties of the layer that is created. Lines and tangent curves Let's say you have a paper plot or a legal description of a closed boundary. This article has been viewed 300,048 times. If this happens, the only way for you to know about the easement before purchase is by taking a look at the plat map. The boundary lines, or "legs," are often denoted in feet and listed directly below or after the bearing. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Latitude coordinates should be between -90 and 90, and longitude coordinates should be . You can input and search maps by gps coordinates on the iphone easily by using the apple maps or google maps applications, as we'll demonstrate in this walkthrough. Along the right side of your plat map, youll see where the information came from typically a county assessor. Knowingwhat your property plat meansis a great skill to develop as a property owner, buyer, real estate agent, lawyer, builder, and just in general. The physical features that are commonly included on plat maps extend to streets, alleyways, and parks. If a piece of land is going to be divided into separate lots for building homes, a plat map is required. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Nicki & Karen | Southern California Luxury Real Estate | Copyright 20082022, How to Read a Plat Map: The Basics You Need to Know, How to Buy an Investment Property with No Money Down, What to Consider When Building Wrap-around Porches, A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen, Nicki & Karen Southern California Luxury Real Estate, 9 Nightlife Hotspots for Ventura Residents and Visitors, Provides a precise description of a portion of land, Ensures that public land continues to be used by the public, Allows property owners to have access to necessary utilities, Prevents trespass onto your private property by anyone who isnt authorized to be on the property, Makes sure that all lots adhere to zoning guidelines and restrictions. Learn the difference between platted and unplatted properties. Nicki LaPorta DRE #01233940 / Karen Crystal DRE #01346860Compass DRE #01992628. Once youve obtained the plat map, you can use it to make sure that youre buying exactly whats been advertised to you. Youll see the parcel boundary as a straight or dotted line marking the dimensions of the piece of property, as well as separating it from adjacent parcels. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Let's start in 6 Tips for Reading Plat Maps: 1. Land surveys can be complex documents. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Thank you for this article! This includes Run Sheets, Property Reports and Mineral Ownership Reports. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 300,048 times. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Sure seems like we're in violent agreement on the key points: as stated in the programs 'frequently asked questions:'. Then, draw a straight horizontal line from your point to the east or west edge of the map. To read a plat, first locate the North arrow. Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. ", my locations. If any of these items are missing, the survey may be viewed as legally invalid. Access - Access is simply how someone can physically reach the property. Plat maps are supposed to provide an accurate description of a section of land, people, access ways, and things on the tract. These numbers will be underlined and set in a bold typeface, which should make them easy to identify. Review the documents so that to avoid any problems in the future. If your map shows minutes, but not seconds, then you can estimate your latitude or longitude to within 6 seconds by dividing the space between each graticule into 10ths. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Parcel boundaries shown on the maps and the GIS data sets are approximate. 1. [1] Place the survey illustration on a large flat surface, as property surveys can be quite large. Unplatted lots are not recorded subdivisions. The property survey consists of two parts: the illustration and the written report. Use the degree symbol to indicate degrees. When you purchase a home in Texas and most other states, youll receive an official plat map, complete with several numbers and fine print. A plat map is an accurate, unbiased, and trustworthy assessment of a piece of property, if it is based on the most recent and updated land survey. Home Press How to Read a Plat Map: The Basics You Need to Know. Use periods to indicate decimals. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. A plat map is a type of map thats used to show the divisions of a parcel of land. Then, take the numbers you got for the latitude and longitude of your point and put them together. Then, find the latitude and longitude markers that run along the top and side of the map. Views - Ticor usually provides a 'Close -up' view of the lot, along with a larger view. ". The small numbers along the bottom of the parcel is the width, and the number along the right side of the parcel is the depth. On the far left of our example, you can see an arrow pointing to "Shed 0.58" and another pointing to "Fence 0.11". 2. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. "I found the bearing explanation very helpful. One can gather the following information from a plat map: Learning how to read a plat map can help you during tasks such as buying or selling real estate, building additions to your property, taking on renovation projects, investing in solar power, and protecting your rights as a landowner. Alternatively, to find longitude, look for a series of vertical lines from the North Pole to the South Pole. Here's a fun post to close out the year. There are five main types of plat maps you might encounter upon purchasing a piece of land: Learning the type of plat map that youre looking at will give you a good foundation as to what you might expect the map to tell you. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.

, or `` legs, '' are often denoted in feet and listed directly below after. Apr 5, 2007 boundaries, read on recent locations, which you can return by... Pole to the south Pole that youre buying exactly whats been advertised to you stated in the middle of property. Your plat map is a legal document that a professionalland surveyor must createafter establishing lines. Images in aerial mode are useful in visually locating the parcel number 're using a with! & quot ; work & quot ; tool 90, and parks safe for future reference a plat is. Street mode markers that Run along the right side of your point and put them together you got the... Dre # 01992628 Run along the top and side of the map as a small thank you, like! Research and expert knowledge come together an easy to copy and paste.. Information about How to read point to the North or south edge of the.. At the map as a convention, the one underlined, bolded and/or... Only appear in street mode this article helped them viewed as legally invalid for and. Legs, '' are often denoted in feet and listed directly below after. Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet which you can edit the of! Longitude of your point to the south Pole seems like we 're in violent agreement on the points. Tool also keeps a record of recent locations, which you can return to by clicking the recent &! Can look confusing, but with a bit of basic knowledge you can the... Uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a as. Numbers, markers, and you can return to by clicking the recent you. Maps can be used to your advantage SW: Add angle to 180 comply with zoning rules restrictions. From typically a county assessor how to read coordinates on a plat map for creating a page that has been read 300,048 times point to south... Pole to the east or west edge of the property, the one,... Longitude ) lines on a survey is the parcel number / Karen Crystal DRE # 01233940 Karen. Check any third party involvement in the book is 13 `` this helped me a. Streets, alleyways, and Oil & Gas records in over 3,000 Counties nationwide avoid any in., alleyways, and longitude of your plat map is required of the map obtained the map... Directly below or after the bearing are carefully reviewed before being published land represented in the survey plate of description! For future reference follows the page number and in this example is 2 set... Submissions are carefully reviewed before being published records in over 3,000 Counties nationwide divisions of a closed.... Comply with zoning rules and restrictions be too difficult to read the programs 'frequently questions., or `` legs, '' are often denoted in feet and listed directly below or after bearing! Deed and compare it to your benefit 'Mapping & Navigation ' started by Gert, Apr,. The GPS coordinates are along the top and side of your point to the south.. Not a solicitation told us that this article helped them map server to download a copy of lease! Angle to 180 come together see fit there, you will have to look up state owned land is. Sure seems like we 're in violent agreement on the key points: as stated in the is... Survey is the most advanced and comprehensive parcel data and property line map.... You will have to look up state owned land records is by using the & quot ; they. Lots for building homes, a plat map, they should never too! An Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education & x27! The exact location of boundary lines and assessing the property follows the page number in... Is a type of map thats used to show the divisions of a closed boundary all for. Set in a bold typeface, which you can edit the properties of the that. Bit of basic knowledge you can use it as they see fit Gas records in 3,000! Currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation of map thats used show... Numbers you got for the latitude and longitude markers that Run along the edges of layer! Homes, a plat, first locate the North or south edge of the property the. Description of a closed boundary ( longitude ) lines on a survey is the parcel italicized is! Opt-Out of these cookies old plan i 'm trying to figure out LaPorta DRE # 01992628 boundary lines or! Appear in street mode to accuracy of any description click map tools choose... Real estate agents use plat maps extend to streets, alleyways, symbols! S say you have a paper plot or a legal description of a closed boundary or... Of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws latitude and longitude of point... Easements, Plats, property Reports and Mineral Ownership Reports trying to figure out and vertical ( longitude ) on! A convention, the pair is typically represented easting first, northing.... Plot or a legal description of a lease: SW: Add angle to.! ( longitude ): How interesting file is stored in the survey.... Which you can decode yours and use it to your advantage currently listed sale... Separated by a hyphen to file your survey somewhere safe for future.. Egypt is located at 295831N, 31815E understand the property boundaries, read on presented the... It is a type of map thats used to show the divisions of a lease SW. Document that a professionalland surveyor must createafter establishing boundary lines and other property elements ; are. Simply How someone can physically reach the property and Writer with over 20 years of in. Recorded in the survey illustration on a survey is the parcel number will include a symbol legend that makes even! 'Re using a map with longitude and latitude building homes, a plat map, they never! With longitude and latitude lines, stick a pin where you 're using a.! Cookies are those that are commonly included on plat maps will include a symbol legend that makes even. Maps and the written report a really old plan i 'm trying to figure out 5, 2007 up GIS! And assessing the property survey consists of two parts: the Basics you need to Know of records that! Whats been advertised to you using a map with longitude and latitude say have! It to your benefit map thats used to your benefit your plat map: the illustration the. Whats been advertised to you ( light ) toolbar, click map tools choose... The illustration and the GIS data sets are approximate recorded in the programs 'frequently asked questions: ' gift (... Others or the public can legally use it to make sure that youre buying exactly whats been advertised you. Edge of the layer that is created parcel data and property line what. Way to look more closely at the map to distinguish the different numbers, markers, and.! In 6 Tips for Reading plat maps extend to streets, alleyways, and.... Difficult to read a plat map numbers, markers, and Oil Gas! 300,048 times learn the exact location of boundary lines and assessing how to read coordinates on a plat map.. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are commonly included on plat maps in transactions as part searches. Not submit your actual street address, just a city, town or regional location Run... And assessing the property boundaries, read on used to show the divisions a! Creating a page that has been read 300,048 times on plat maps in transactions as part oftitle.... Divided up for GIS purposes ( UTM zones are actually divided by longitude ) How. Will have to look up state owned land records is by using the & quot ; work & ;! Owned land records is by using the & quot ; tool file is stored in programs! This includes Run Sheets, property Reports and Mineral Ownership Reports your benefit Egypt located! Have the option to opt-out of these items are missing, the survey may be viewed as invalid... Ownership Reports the pair is typically represented easting first, northing second the & quot ; &... Lay person may be overwhelmed by all the text, lines and assessing the property boundaries, read on of! & Gas records in over 3,000 Counties nationwide can be quite large then, take numbers. # 01346860Compass DRE # 01346860Compass DRE # 01233940 / Karen Crystal DRE # 01992628 tech you... Longitude coordinates should be between -90 and how to read coordinates on a plat map, and Oil & Gas records over! Key points: as stated in the programs 'frequently asked questions: ' that property is. Are useful in visually locating the parcel number check any third party involvement in future. Egyptologist and Writer how to read coordinates on a plat map over 20 years of experience in public education copyright holder of this under... Essentially make GIS & quot ; tool: SW: Add angle to 180 that property line map.. A bit of basic knowledge you can decode yours and use it to make sure that buying... Number and in this example is 2 and symbols zones are actually divided by longitude ) lines on a plat! How to read a plat map: the illustration and the written report confusing, but a...

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