Blog · September 27, 2026
What Is a North Arrow on a Plat
The north arrow shows the basis of bearing for that sheet, not a decoration.
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It may say true north, grid north, or a deed bearing held from an older plat. All the bearings on the sheet use that basis.
On the recorded sheet
Rotating the PDF so the street looks horizontal does not change the arrow. Read dimensions with the arrow in mind.
The mix-up to avoid
Web maps usually put true north up. An old plat may not. Overlaying them without a stated basis shifts the lines.
Find the county map
Open Platbookmapper and pick the county that taxes the land. Use that viewer to get the parcel ID, then match it to the recorded plat if you need the easements and lot numbers.
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.