Parcel Map Conversion

Our company history is steeped in providing parcel mapping solutions for local government; our parcel mapping team members have worked on an average of nearly 50 projects each and average over 15 years in experience. We invite you to contact any of our conversion clients to inquire about the quality of our mapping and the level of service we provided.

Best Mapping Practices

Cadastra can convert property data using a variety of industry standard mapping techniques. Using experience gained from numerous projects, we work with cities and counties to select an appropriate conversion strategy based on accuracy requirements and budgetary constraints. To achieve the most accurate product, coordinate geometry (COGO) commands are used to digitally construct parcels from their boundary descriptions. During this process, survey information on the original property source documents (deeds and plats) is used to create the parcel boundaries. Often, when a new digital land base is created, property lines from existing cadastral maps need to be adjusted or "best-fit" to the more accurate base. The Best-fit mapping methodology is an industry-accepted approach for registering the property boundaries from the cadastral maps to features on the ground. Cadastra extends the Best-fit practice using a method we call "Constructed Best-fit". Using dimensions from the tax maps, parcel lines are constructed considering both the platted distances and orthophoto evidence, creating a COGO-like data product with superior geometric fidelity. If source documents conflict or lack sufficient information, our mappers document the issue using errata text to communicate the mapping action that was taken. This feature-specific metadata helps to describe the manner in which the data were created and can be invaluable during periodic maintenance. 

A Streamlined Production Environment

Years of experience have taught us the best way to optimize parcel conversion projects. Our organized production process, coupled with our team of highly qualified Cadastral Mapping Specialists, is the basis by which we can offer a quality product within a reasonable budget. We also use an organized approach to communication to prevent disruptions of our clients' business operations.

Organized Source Document Management

Cadastra works with each jurisdiction to establish an appropriate protocol for obtaining required source documents-tax maps, plats, deeds, etc. All documents are recorded in a master control database and linked to a collection of digital files, with paper records scanned as necessary. The source document database organizes documents and can be integrated into the client GIS to provide a direct link between the parcels and their supporting records.

Quality Assurance

The Cadastra conversion process was designed with quality assurance at its core. Consistent tools and methodology ensures a quality product, while comprehensive, built-in quality control checks verify the integrity of the data throughout the production process.

Translation and Deployment

Cadastra can deliver data in any desired GIS format, including shapefiles, ArcInfo coverages, geodatabases and many others. Our company is a leader in parcel database design and has contributed to refinements of the Land Parcels Data Model developed by Fairview Industries.