GIS Frequently Asked Questions

Geographic Information Systems is a computer assisted drafting system. Complete and accurate maps are essential to the Property Appraiser’s Office and of benefit to various other government and non-government users.

At the Property Appraiser’s office, the GIS department has worked diligently to complete the base map for the county, which provides an automated method of combining the information on the CAMA system, and mapping capabilities for end users. This reduces redundancy, provides more accurate and timely parcel and sales information, and expands existing applications of the mapping department for all end users.

In the future, they will be able to build maps which could include land use information, zoning, topography, utilities, 911 and general street addressing, census tract information, state and federal jurisdictions, fire districts, school board boundaries, and aerial photography.

Users have an abundant amount of information available on a common information map, including: parcel identification numbers, improvement data, parcel size and dimensions, right-of-ways, easements, and sales data.

Users are able to obtain information by location or object, such as parcel identification number. The information is stored in data bases and consists of both graphic and non-graphic information. Examples of graphic information, or data, include; parcel lines, dimensions, acreage, roads, and bodies of water. Non-graphic data could include: sales information, the type and quality of improvements, the age of the improvements, property classifications, valuations, and property ownership information. There will be a tag or link between the graphic database and the appraisal database.

Sales information is accessed and combined with layers of graphic information so that GIS users can produce maps depicting sales on demand. The user can determine what information or data elements to be displayed i.e., sale price, sale price per unit, sale date, deed book and page, etc. The data will be accessed from the CAMA system, combined with layers of graphic information, and finally plotted on a sale map which could be used for appraisal analysis.