Getting accurate parcel information

The project parcel sets the property lines on the map, and the setbacks and buffers drawn from them. A septic design often needs these lines to be exact. landplan.io gives you the parcel data it has, and the tools to draw your own when that data is missing or not accurate enough.

Where parcel data comes from

landplan.io collects public parcel data from county and state GIS offices. When you search for a property, the parcel comes from this data. See Parcel search.

How accurate a parcel is depends on the office that made it. Some counties map their parcels from surveys, others from aerial photos. landplan.io doesn't vouch for the accuracy of any parcel data. Check the lines against the deed or a survey before you rely on them.

To see what is known about a parcel, select it on the map. Its data shows in the feature properties on the left, with links to the county's own records where there are any. See Viewing parcel data.

With no project open, right-click the map and choose Show county GIS layers here to add the county's own GIS layers to the map.

Report missing data

Some areas have no parcel data yet. In the New project window, the search then says We don't have parcel data for {area} yet. When only nearby parcels were found, it says No parcel at this point.

1. Click Report missing data. The Contact us form opens, with the area and the point already filled in.
2. Add anything that helps, such as the county or a link to its parcel viewer.
3. Click Send message.

We usually reply within one business day. Meanwhile you can still create the project: click Set up without a parcel or Quick create here, then draw the parcel on the map.

Draw or traverse your own parcel

When there is no parcel data, or it isn't accurate, draw the parcel yourself. Open Tools and then Basic tools:

• Parcel draws the parcel on the Parcel layer. Click to add each corner and double-click to finish. To trace an existing parcel or a GPS point, turn on snapping first.
• Traverse draws the parcel from a start point and the deed's distances and bearings. In the Parcel Traverse window, click Pick the start point on the map. A click near an imported point or a parcel corner starts on it. Then enter each call's Distance and Bearing (for example N 45° 30' 00" E), and click Add call for the next one. The window shows the Closure error. Tick Adjust the corners so the traverse closes (compass rule) to close it, then click Create parcel.

A parcel needs at least three corners. When it is made, you see Parcel added to the Parcel layer.

You can also import the corners from a GPS or a surveyor's file: see Importing GPS points.

When a project has no parcel line, the Add a parcel (Parcel line and buffers) window offers the same three ways: Commit Parcel for a parcel already drawn, Start Drawing A Parcel, and Import A Parcel from GPS.

For more ways to draw or combine parcels, see Drawing a property.

Commit a drawn parcel

A drawn parcel is only a drawing until you commit it. Committing makes it the project parcel: the property lines and the buffers are drawn from it.

1. Right-click the parcel on the map.
2. Choose Commit Drawn Parcel for a parcel you drew, or Commit Server Parcel for a parcel from the parcel data. When there are several under the click, the menu also has Commit all Parcels at clicked coordinates.
3. In the Commit Project Parcel window, choose:
   • Remove old parcel, to replace the project's current parcel. Leave it unticked to add the new one beside it.
   • Move soil test to new Parcel, to move the project's soil tests onto the new parcel. Each test is placed at its own point inside it, so move them to where they were dug afterwards. Leave it unticked when the tests are already where they belong.
4. Click Commit Parcel.

Both choices show only when the project already has a parcel. They start unticked.

A parcel that is already the project parcel isn't offered again.