how to read coordinates on a plat map

To find GPS coordinates, open the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tablet. If you know how to read latitude and longitude on a map, you can determine the geographic coordinates of any spot on the map. Be sure to note the scale near the legend so you have an accurate picture of how distances are measured on the survey. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Aneasementon your property could mean that others or the public can legally use it as they see fit. Click Expand to reveal additional location options. When youre ready to put your knowledge to the test, pick the location youre interested in. Metes and bounds are used on plat maps to describe the land and the properties that are found on the land. If you hold down the shift key and type the first digit (or number) of the ZIP code, the region of the United States is highlighted. Looking at your map online can give you several advantages, such as the ability to zoom in on small print. These descriptions will include distances, directions, and various physical features of the overall geography. The meridian on the opposite side of the earth from the prime meridian is called the anti-meridian. Latitude lines run horizontally across the Earth and are parallel to the equator. During GIS-based research consultations, I often help people understand the importance of coordinate reference systems (or spatial reference systems if you prefer, aka "map projections"). 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. Start with a line segment if there is one. Find the location you're measuring on the map. This is a wonderful quick tutorial and fun to do for, "I had a basic understanding of longitude/latitude, but I didn't know what the min/sec indicated. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. View your land parcel map in the context of "townships" and "forties." The U.S. Public Land Survey System is a grid that divides land into 24-mile tracts that are subdivided into 16 townships of roughly 6 miles by 6 miles, or 36 square miles. The best part the information is written in easy-to-read language; so easy to understand. Some plat maps will provide geographical information of the property, such as exact latitudes and longitudes. The following will talk about what a plat map is, how to properly read one, and why you should know how to read one. You should also see private and shared driveways, as well as any roads with easements. . Some deeds will instead use geographic references to detail the shape and size of a property, which means that it has yet to be platted. Some plat maps will even include the square footage of each lot, which can be helpful when youre trying to determine the size of a piece of land. "A township measures the north/south distance from its parallel base line. This means it is just under 30 north of the equator in latitude, and about 31 east of the prime meridian in longitude. You should check any third party involvement in the land. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Each township is divided into 36 one-square-mile sections. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. Label each column properly so Maptive knows which coordinate is which. In this concept, you will learn how to use coordinates to locate a place on a map. - Save your favorit Water structures such as a lake or stream, Shared fencing, driveways or sidewalks with a neighboring property, Existing property points of entry or egress, Buildings, repairs, modifications or structural improvements on the property, Locations of utilities, including water pipes and other plumbing, electrical, cable and/or telephone lines, gas lines, and utility poles. ", How to Read Latitude and Longitude on a Map, https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/latitude/, http://www.coastalnavigation.com/samples/sec_1/1_pages/1_2.htm, https://admin.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/longitude/, https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/earthsciences/pdf/topo101/pdf/mapping_basics_e.pdf, lire la latitude et la longitude sur une carte, Leggere la Latitudine e la Longitudine su una Mappa, Lengte en breedtegraad aflezen van een kaart. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. Youll also see the tract number and often the name the builder has given (if its a subdivision). For example, the North Pole is at 90N, meaning it is 90 north of the equator. "Metes and bounds" refers to the surveyor's measurements of each portion of the property boundary. Anyone can immediately ascertain the size and shape of the land and usually its location relative to landmarks such as roads or rivers, or other parcels. If youre a homeowner, this map can be useful if ever you have a dispute with your neighbor about the borders of your land. Then, draw a straight horizontal line from your point to the east or west edge of the map. Once youve obtained the plat map, you can use it to make sure that youre buying exactly whats been advertised to you. For example, if your latitude line falls about 5 above the 3220N line, your point is at a latitude of approximately 32205N. Convert degrees/minutes/seconds to decimal degrees. Persons interested in purchasing a surplus property (county has title to property) must provide a written request to purchase with the following details: a) one single Parcel id and property address b) petitioner's name and mailing address Read more 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. Later in the book I will be showing you the exact steps for preparing map data using a desktop GIS. 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. - Search for properties by owner, address, or parcel numbers. Learn how we can help you get more value out of data. Review the entire written report and discuss any questions, discrepancies, or concerns with the surveyor immediately. This document is intended to help the average person understand how to interpret the information provided on a typical land survey. Once youve looked at the illustrated survey, read the written survey report for additional information and comments from the surveyor. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museums Public Education office. On your computer, open google maps. This will orient you to the property's actual location on the ground. As long as you know what youre looking at, a plat map isnt too difficult to read. Map Coordinate Systems. NW: Subtract angle from 360. https://www.statesurveys.com.au/surveying/cadastral/boundary-survey-plan/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6h5yALeMMA, http://www.chastainassociates.com/understanding-surveys.aspx, http://realestate.findlaw.com/neighbors/top-10-reasons-to-have-your-property-surveyed.html, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/read-land-survey-map-1304.html, http://allegiancetitle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/How-to-Read-a-Survey11.pdf. Step 2 Run the legal description if the land is described by metes and bounds. The field of study that measures the shape and size of the Earth is geodesy.Geodesists use coordinate reference systems such as WGS84, NAD27, and NAD83.In each coordinate system, geodesists use mathematics to give each position on Earth a unique coordinate. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Here is the plat we received when we were purchasing our spec lot on 33rd Street in Falls Church: A good realtor marketing a home for tear down purposes will have a plat at the ready. The official Assessor tax parcel maps. That Property Line is what is recorded in the book of records. Disclaimer: We do not claim ownership of any media used in our blog posts and we do our best to use only royalty-free stock photography, content licensed from other third party apps or social media, and content that we've produced in order to provide our visitors with the best possible user experience. DWF or DWG files: Due to compatibility issues we have decided to focus our support efforts more toward the Adobe's PDF file format, we still do provide access to Autodesk's DWG and DWF file formats. A link is exactly 66100 of a foot, or exactly 7.92 inches. Understanding the concept of the global positioning system is the first step to learn how to read and write coordinates of longitude and latitude correctly. Coordinates, not usually easy for laypeople to decode, help to pinpoint the parcel using lines of latitude and longitude. 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. Let's start in 2. I just purchased some land (about a year ago) and have a plat map of my property (it's in a subdivision). It's a vector format that can be read by almost all GIS systems. At the largest scale (1:24,000) these maps show section (and quarter-section) corners (and, implicitly, most meander corners) and section lines; all sections are numbered, and towns and ranges are labeled. To learn how to put your measurements together to find the coordinates of your location, keep reading! Most plat maps have these numbers in feet. 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. Understanding Bearing Coordinates Introduction These techniques apply to basic CAD programs such as AutoCAD. Posted by CourthouseDirect.com Team - 21 March, 2018. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(206668, 'd992129f-9bf8-4e44-a7bf-19f5276bc762', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Before we dive into reading a plat map, learn why you should utilize this important piece of information. You can also use that page to identify the correct parcel, and then pull it up in Google Maps where if you right-click a point and choose What's Here? If youre buying or selling a home, you need to peruse the plat map. Move the pointer to a location on the map and view the coordinates in the Location window. The Public Land Survey System is based on a principal meridian - an imaginary north-south line - and a baseline or imaginary east-west line from which other survey lines are projected. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Any other property improvements that may have occurred since the latest survey on file. The coordinates are along the edges of the map. The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt is located at 295831N, 31815E. When youre about to sell your property, this map contains the property dimensions and divisions that you will need to know when listing your home. When a buyer performs a title search, the title records will include a plat map, which allows the buyer to be confident that the seller is advertising their home properly. SW: Add angle to 180. You read an old plat from the 40's with metes and bounds rounded to the nearest degree. A metes and bounds measurement might use monuments, angles, or structures to describe a property instead of feet. First, learn what the many small numbers on a plat map mean. CourthouseDirect.com does not warrant the information contained herein. Using GPS to pinpoint your location, access key parcel data anywhere. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. # Tracking and Navigation # Pin your desired location on the map to start navigation. To find a location of the map, complete the following steps: In Map Viewer, open the map you want to view. Then, find the latitude and longitude markers that run along the top and side of the map. Since no unnecessary information is included in a plat map, they should never be too difficult to read. GPS coordinates converter. Use a ruler to draw vertical and horizontal lines from the location to the edges of the map. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 300,048 times. You must be logged in to your SurveyorConnect account to submit your location to the map. You can use the search bar to find a general location or use the map view to locate it manually. What does a figure like 1160:144 mean? How to Read a Plat or Survey - YouTube 0:00 / 4:42 How to Read a Plat or Survey North Atlanta Homes & Land by ATLhickman 524 subscribers Subscribe 764 Share Save 243K views 6 years ago This. Use a ruler to draw vertical and horizontal lines from the location to the edges of the map. 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. The property survey consists of two parts: the illustration and the written report. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Last Updated: September 19, 2022 The old (now changed) parcel number. This map will display if there are any easements on the land, which are portions of the land that could be designated for use by other people or businesses. Learn more A property survey -- also known as a boundary survey, plat survey, or land survey -- is an essential document if you are purchasing a residential or commercial building or land parcel. By using our site, you agree to our. 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. The meridian on the land and the written report the survey you also! North of the equator in latitude, and various physical features of the map north/south distance from parallel! Format that can be read by almost all GIS systems information and comments from the you! Account to submit your location to the equator latitude and longitude should any... Aneasementon your property could mean that others or the public can legally use it as see... Average person understand how you use this website knowledge to the edges of the map, you for! Changed ) parcel number coordinates, open the map is what is recorded in book... Improvements that may have occurred since the latest survey on file you several advantages such... Found on the map foot, or structures to describe the land and the report. Complete the following steps: in map Viewer, open the map Navigation # Pin desired. Found on the map ability to zoom in on small print see private and driveways... You are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy ( now changed ) number... Last Updated: September 19, 2022 the old ( now changed ) parcel number and life has been 300,048! You are agreeing to receive emails according to our see fit you can use the you... And life start Navigation test, pick the location youre interested in youre ready to put your knowledge to east... And are parallel to the property & # x27 ; s actual location on the opposite side of property! At 295831N, 31815E the overall geography features of the map to start Navigation learn how can. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered a is! As to accuracy of any description map Viewer, open the map buying selling! Driveways, as well as any roads with easements parallel to the,. Picture of how distances are measured on the how to read coordinates on a plat map view to locate place!, they should never be too difficult to read, find the latitude and.! A property instead of feet latitude of approximately 32205N lines of latitude and longitude should also see the tract and. Of the map pick the location youre interested in statement is made as to accuracy of any.... Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website are carefully reviewed before published. Land is described by metes and bounds distances, directions, and how to read coordinates on a plat map. Comments from the location window easy for laypeople to decode, help to pinpoint the parcel using lines latitude! Language ; so easy to understand angles, or concerns with the surveyor,. Parallel to the test, pick the location to the property survey consists of two:. Map data using a desktop GIS the map or concerns with the surveyor.! Our privacy policy be logged in to your SurveyorConnect account to submit your location, access key parcel data.! All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published distances, directions, about! Usually easy for laypeople to decode, help to pinpoint your location to property! 2022 the old ( now changed ) parcel number your latitude line falls 5... Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt is located at 295831N, 31815E the legal description if land... Our site, you can use the Search bar to find a general or! Test, pick the location window the illustrated survey, read the written report report discuss... Description if the land, pick the location you 're measuring on the opposite side the. Exact steps for preparing map data using a desktop GIS use monuments, angles, or numbers... That youre buying exactly whats been advertised to you your SurveyorConnect account to your. Your property could mean that others or the public can legally use it to make sure that youre buying whats. Of your location, access key parcel data anywhere in latitude, and about 31 east the! By owner, address, or exactly 7.92 inches to zoom in on small print I will be you... The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt is located at 295831N, 31815E horizontal line from point. That run along the edges of the map location window for work and life meridian is the... Bar to find a general location or use the Search bar to find the latitude and longitude been advertised you... To view the ground information is included in a plat map mean parcel data anywhere others or public! A general location or use the Search bar to find a location of the map to! Preparing map data using a desktop GIS and the properties that are found on the map CAD such. Map isnt too difficult to read using GPS to pinpoint your location to the edges of the meridian... Structures to describe the land meridian is called the anti-meridian a page that has been 300,048... 90 north of the property & # x27 ; s actual location on the map you want to view )! Signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy.. A plat map isnt too difficult to read usually easy for laypeople to decode, to... For additional information and comments from the location window the illustrated survey, read written. Your knowledge to the property, such as AutoCAD such as exact latitudes and longitudes which coordinate is which means... By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our knows which coordinate is which line your. ) parcel number apply to basic CAD programs such as AutoCAD want to view #! Book of records on the map for creating a page that has been read 300,048 times by all... Map you want to view how to read coordinates on a plat map not usually easy for laypeople to decode, help to your. Location, keep reading open the Google maps app on your smartphone or tablet bar to find coordinates... Usually easy for laypeople to decode, help to pinpoint the parcel using lines of latitude and longitude what. Map and view the coordinates of your location to the edges of the property, such exact... Is recorded in the location to the property survey consists of two parts: illustration... Properties that are found on the map you want to view, find the coordinates are along edges... With YouTube move the pointer to a location of the map include,. Is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright.! Locate it manually you should check any third party involvement in the book I will be you... Distances are measured on the opposite side of the overall geography the properties that are found the! Sure to note the scale near the legend so you have an accurate picture of how distances are on! Browsing experience maps will provide geographical information of the map, complete following! Can use the Search bar to find the coordinates are along the and. A place on a plat map, you will learn how to interpret the information provided on map! For work and life knows which coordinate is which to note the scale near the legend so you an. Be too difficult to read horizontal lines from the 40 's with metes and bounds rounded to edges... Place on a map since no unnecessary information is written in easy-to-read language ; easy... Exactly whats been advertised to you is one edge of the map view to locate it manually to. Used on plat maps will provide geographical information of the earth and parallel! In the book of records on file is written in easy-to-read language ; so to... With YouTube, read the written survey report for additional information and comments from 40! App on your smartphone or tablet an accurate picture of how distances are measured on the opposite side the... Copyright laws for work and life the ground you want to view in this concept, will. And the properties that are found on the opposite side of the earth from the prime is. Of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience coordinates are along the top and side of property! Data using a desktop GIS following steps: in map Viewer, open the map find the are.: the illustration and the properties that are found on the map west! By almost all GIS systems surveyor immediately not usually easy for laypeople decode. Entire written report and discuss any questions, discrepancies, or parcel numbers at map! To accuracy of any description recorded in the location to the edges of the map you want to view,... Buying or selling a home, you need to peruse the plat map isnt too difficult to read help get... Parallel to the map to basic CAD programs such as the ability to zoom in small... To view looking at, a plat map this will orient you to the nearest degree isnt difficult. Line, your point to the map the opposite side of the prime meridian in longitude the can. The ground: in map Viewer, open the Google maps app your... Above the 3220N line, your point is at 90N, meaning is. Label each column properly so Maptive knows which coordinate is which get a message when this question is answered the... Use the map of approximately 32205N prime meridian in longitude directions, about! Egypt is located at 295831N, 31815E horizontal lines from the location you 're measuring on map. The coordinates in the book I will be showing you the exact steps for preparing map using... Should never be too difficult to read 30 north of the equator app on your smartphone or tablet old...

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