Having clear information about the nature of property considered for purchase is very important. Calaveras County has established a GIS system whereby anyone using the internet can obtain aerial photos and topographical maps showing the parcel lines.

Presently, very few agents are familiar with this helpful information source and as a result, if they use any topographical information at all, it is usually tediously plotted on a large USGS topographical (topo) map for the particular parcel.

We are providing this "How To" information for our fellow agents as well as to our buyer prospects.

This information can be obtained using the Assessor Parcel (AP) number or street address. Also, location information can be obtained in reverse if you know the physical location of the property but not the address or AP number.

You can obtain the address and AP number from your agent or title company. If using www.realtor.com, give your agent the MLS number and he or she can provide the needed information plus many details not shown to the public.

The first step is to go to the county GIS site:

http://www.co.calaveras.ca.us/departments/gisproj.asp

The next step, if you know the location information, is to click on 2002 Aerial Imagery of Calaveras Co. and enter the location information. The next screen will give you access to the aerial map with a mouse click, but not the topographical (topo) map.

To get the topo map, enter the site as above, then click on the 2002 Color Aerial Imagery, click on Launch Map Viewer, enlarge the map with a series of clicks until the parcel appears. In the Layer List box on the left, a check mark should show in the box selecting Parcels. Now click on the "i" next to it to activate the Identification feature. Move the mouse pointer to the parcel you wish to identify, then click to bring up property information.

The above information should save many hours and thousands of dollars for agents and their clients seeking acreage in Calaveras county.