How to obtain measurements using the BrownDog interactive GIS map:
1) Use existing mapped features such as text, lines, and polygons on the parcel map:
- After zooming to a parcel of interest, you'll see the parcel dimensions as text on most of the parcel boundary lines. The map text reflects the recorded document we have on file at the county (plat, CSM, deed, etc).
- Abbreviations used:
- M/L or +/- = More or Less
- to S/L = To Section Line or other Government Line
- C/L = To Centerline
- ' = Feet
- RODS or RDS: Unit of measure, 1 Rod = 16.5 feet.
- CH: Chain (unit of measure). 1 chain = 66 feet
- WLY = "Westerly" NLY = "Northerly" ELY = "Easterly" SLY = "Southerly".
- ROW or R/W = "Right of Way" sometimes noted in measurements.
- PCL = Parcel
- ALG = Along
- If you want to darken the parcel text: In the Layer List, click the three dots ( .... ) to the right of the layer named Parcels. This will bring up an option to set Transparency. Drag the slider bar to the left to make the parcel text darker (opaque).
- Most parcels also show acreage or square footage as text display with a fuchsia color. The area measurements are taken from the recorded plat, CSM, or deed associated with the parcel.
- Abbreviations used:
- SF = Square Feet
- AC = Acres
- Click on the parcel boundary to "select" (highlight in blue) the line of interest and view a popup box showing the approximate length of the line you clicked on.
- Click the interior of a parcel to "select" (highlight in blue) the entire parcel and view a popup box that will display, among other things, the size of the parcel.
- The size is based on the tax listing roll and may or may not include road right of way
- Click the Measurement button (the upper left button with a ruler shape on it), then click one of the three buttons to set a measurement type (area, distance or location), then click on the map to draw your shape. For lines & areas, a "single click" with your left mouse button will create an angle point (vertex), and a "double click" will finalize the shape and then show the measurement of it. You can change the unit of measure (acres, feet, miles, meters, etc) with the drop-down list that will appear on the measurement screen. Again, keep in mind that this is not a very precise method and you should call a surveyor if you need more than just an estimated measurement.
- BrownDog also has a "Draw & Measure" tool on the upper right (also shaped like a ruler). This tool is useful if you want to create a map PDF or printout which includes your drawing & measurement. Click this button, then select a draw mode (point marker, line, area, etc). To see the size of the shape you drew, check on the "Show Measurements" option near the bottom of the Draw & Measure toolbox. Also, choose units of measure. Then start drawing your shape on the map. This will put text on the map next to your shape. For Area, the text will include the area measurement as well as the perimeter. Experiment with drawing the various shape options (each type requires you operate your mouse in a slightly different way).
