How do you compare and contrast online plat maps with other survey data?

1 Check the source and date

Online plat maps may vary in quality and accuracy depending on the source and date of creation. Some may be based on official records, such as deeds, plats, or surveys, while others may be derived from aerial imagery, tax assessments, or GIS layers. Some may be updated regularly, while others may be outdated or obsolete. Always check the source and date of the online plat map before using it, and verify it with the relevant authority if possible.

2 Compare the scale and resolution

Online plat maps may have different scales and resolutions, which affect how much detail and precision they show. For example, a 1:24,000 scale map shows one inch on the map as 24,000 inches on the ground, while a 1:1,200 scale map shows one inch on the map as 1,200 inches on the ground. A higher resolution map has more pixels per inch, which means more clarity and sharpness. Compare the scale and resolution of the online plat map with your survey data, and adjust them if needed to match or complement each other.

3 Look for discrepancies and conflicts

Online plat maps may not always agree with other survey data, such as field measurements, monuments, or legal descriptions. This may be due to errors, omissions, overlaps, gaps, or changes in the land or the law. Look for any discrepancies or conflicts between the online plat map and your survey data, and investigate the cause and the solution. For example, you may need to reconcile different coordinate systems, datum, or projections, or you may need to resolve boundary disputes or encroachments.

4 Use online plat maps as a reference, not a substitute

Online plat maps can be a valuable reference for land surveyors, but they should not be used as a substitute for professional surveying standards and ethics. Online plat maps are not legal documents, and they do not establish or guarantee property rights or ownership. They are not a substitute for field work, research, analysis, or judgment. They are not a substitute for a certified survey map, which is the official product of a licensed land surveyor. Use online plat maps as a reference, but always follow the applicable laws, regulations, and codes of practice for land surveying.

5 Keep learning and improving

Online plat maps are constantly evolving and improving, as new technologies, data sources, and methods become available. Land surveyors should keep up with the latest developments and trends in online plat mapping, and use them to enhance their skills and services. Online plat maps can also be a source of learning and improvement for land surveyors, as they can reveal gaps in knowledge, areas of improvement, or opportunities for innovation. Keep learning and improving from online plat maps, and use them to deliver high-quality surveying solutions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?