GIS and Land Records — Revisited

GIS and Land Records — The ArcGIS Parcel Data Model was published by Esri Press in 2004. A lot of technology has happened in 16 years and it is time to update the content. The original book followed the themes in the first Esri local government data model. The plan for the revision is to focus on the fundamental principles of parcel data, its history, its representation in GIS mapping, and the resulting fitness of use.

Several sections or chapters are near completion but others are still in the outline stage. The sections/chapters in progress are as follows.

Types of Parcels: This covers title, tax, easement, zoning, survey, and other types of parcel providing definitions, source information, and applicability of each type.

History of Land Records: This section is based almost entirely on the History of Land Records david Moyer developed a number of years ago. We are collaborating on an update.

Parcel IDs: This was not covered in the original text but recent projects have highlighted the need to at least summarize the various parcel identification systems and their use and applicability as we continue to move to web based features and state aggregation

Land Descriptions: This was an appendix in the original book but is moving to its a separate section or chapter. Byron Johnson’s work on land description principles has influenced an update of this material and some added content related to descriptions by coordinates

PLSS: No parcel book can be complete without yet another reference on PLSS land descriptions. This section will rely heavily on the materials developed for the Cadastral Standard.

My ask from you is what topics would you like to see included? What are the stumbling blocks or questions you have in developing and maintaining your parcel data? would you like to see parcel data applications included or provided as a separate text or in a separate publication?