Blog · September 28, 2026
Comparing a GPS Dot to the County Parcel Map
The dot and the line will not land on top of each other.
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Why this comes up
The dot and the line will not land on top of each other. Expect several meters of difference. That gap is not a missing strip of land.
What to check on the map first
County GIS lines are assessment maps. They are not a survey, and a product will not redraw them.
Open Platbookmapper and choose the state. The directory sends you to the county viewer. Match the parcel ID before you trust a pin on an aerial photo.
A tool that matches the job
Shop the Garmin eTrex when that is the job in front of you. Expect several meters of difference. That gap is not a missing strip of land.
The limit
A handheld GPS gets you back to the truck. It is often several meters off, so it cannot tell you where the legal line is.
The county viewer is the map. The product is only the tool you carry.
Not a survey. County GIS and tax parcel maps are assessment and planning layers. They are not a substitute for a recorded plat, deed, or licensed survey.