Property Boundaries
Definition
Property boundaries are legally defined extents of land ownership recorded in deeds, plats, and cadastral surveys. In GIS they are represented as polygons (parcels) with attributes like lot numbers, areas, and encumbrances (easements, rights-of-way). Boundaries may not align with visible features like fences or walls, and their precise location depends on survey control, monuments, and legal descriptions (bearings, distances, curves). Accuracy and lineage are critical because boundaries carry legal consequences for taxes, development rights, and disputes. Maintenance requires record-driven updates, topology checks for gaps/overlaps, and versioning with effective dates. Public releases often omit personally identifiable information while linking to authoritative records.
Application
Assessors compute taxes; planners review permits; title companies clear transactions; utilities attach service addresses; courts resolve disputes. Open parcel maps support transparency, redevelopment analysis, and emergency response addressing.
FAQ
Why do parcel lines differ from what owners see on the ground?
Physical markers can drift or be erected incorrectly. The legal boundary follows the survey description; field surveys reconcile discrepancies.
Can GIS boundaries be used in court?
Only authoritative datasets tied to survey records carry legal weight. Many web maps are advisory and labeled non-authoritative.
How are easements represented?
As separate polygons/lines linked to parcels, with rights and restrictions documented. Easements can cross multiple parcels and persist through sales.
What’s the best practice for updates?
Versioned edits tied to recorded instruments, QA for topology, and public changelogs to maintain trust.
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