Click Here to Join MDP's eMail ListMdProperty View Frequently Asked Questions
What is MdProperty View?
MdProperty View is a visually accessible, GIS database that allows Subscribers to access Maryland property maps and parcel information by making use of functions found in the commercial, off-the-shelf software packages ArcView and ArcGIS. It is a dynamic combination of property maps and assessments parcel records for Maryland's 24 jurisdictions (23 counties and Baltimore City). MdProperty View features an enhanced user-friendly interface and easy-to-use search tools. Any computer user familiar with simple mouse functions can access this information by simply looking at a map on a computer screen, zooming in on an area of interest and clicking on a point within the property to display any database record associated with a parcel.
What is a GIS?
GIS stands for Geographic Information System. A GIS is an organized collection of computer hardware, software and geographic data that efficiently captures, stores, updates, manipulates, analyzes and displays all forms of geographically referenced information. A GIS combines map layers and then dynamically links maps to geographic data and descriptive information.
Who uses MdProperty View?
Anyone who works with property-specific data concerning ownership, land use, value of land and improvements, location, sale and transfer, year built, acreage, type, size, etc. will find MdProperty View a valuable resource. Typical Subscribers include: planners and analysts, engineers and surveyors, realtors and appraisers, developers, builders and contractors. Anyone who needs property information delivered quickly and efficiently can benefit from using MdProperty View.
What property information is included about each property in MdProperty View? Does your data provide me with tax parcels and names of the owners?
MdProperty View's parcel map layer is linked in
an intelligent way to parcel data from the Maryland State Department
of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). The parcel data file contains tax record information,
owner names and addresses and over 100 additional fields of information
related to each parcel. For detailed information about
what data is contained in this file, see DatPcl05.pdf
on the MdProperty View website.
Also included with MdProperty View is the SDAT Computer Assisted
Mass Appraisal (CAMA) database. CAMA data provide more detailed information for
properties with residential improvements. See DatCam06.pdf
on the MdProperty View website for more information
about what is contained in this file.
Does MdProperty View include all state property and tax maps?
Each jurisdiction's MdProperty View data set is contained on a separate CD-ROM. If you subscribe to three jurisdictions, you will receive three CD-ROMs, each containing property records and tax maps for only one jurisdiction. The exception is Baltimore City. The State of Maryland does not maintain parcel boundary maps for Baltimore City.
MdProperty View for Baltimore City is comprised of parcel locations represented as x,y reference points along a 1:24,000 road network for the city. Baltimore City located parcels are geolocated externally using either MDP’s U.S. Census Bureau TIGER/Line 2004 file (First Edition, Spring 2005) or MdLandbase file (State Highway Administration 1:24,000 roads circa 1992) and referenced using collateral materials (ortho-photography, parcel images and Baltimore City street maps), resulting in enhanced spatial placement of the parcel x,y reference points along the Baltimore City 1:24,000 road network.
Descriptions of each jurisdiction's CD-ROM are available on our website. (See "County Fliers" on the right hand side of the page.)
How up-to-date is the property record information contained in the Parcel Database?
Since each MdProperty View CD-ROM is produced once per year, the property information contained on the CD-ROM only represents a “snapshot” of the Parcel Database for the day that the CD-ROM was released. MDP receives a download from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) for all parcels in a given jurisdiction just prior to final production. For example, the Baltimore County 2005 Edition was finalized for distribution in mid-October 2005. The property records on the CD-ROM reflect the information contained in the Parcel Database at that point in time.
How can I obtain the most current information about parcels in MdProperty View?
We provide two methods for viewing the most current data
available for properties in MdProperty View:
First, MDP produces jurisdiction Sales extract files each month based on information
provided by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).
These Sales files contains all arms-length
and non-arms-length transfers in a given jurisdiction for the previous 12-month
period. New 12-month Sales files are made available toward the end of
each month. As an MdProperty View Subscriber, you receive
a username and password that allows you to download these monthly Sales
extract files for your jurisdictions from our secure, password-protected
Subscriber Website. The Sales files can then be easily added to MdProperty View.
Second, our custom SDAT Web-Enabled Tool is included with MdProperty View.
This tool can be used to check the SDAT website for the most up-to-date information
about an individual property selected in MdProperty View. When
a single property is selected, simply press the SDAT Web-Enabled
Tool Button and the software opens your Internet browser
and displays the most current property information for that
property as recorded by SDAT.
Does MdProperty View include current zoning for the jurisdictions?
Data included in the ZONING field found in MdProperty View CD-ROM databases are as received in the MdProperty View Parcel download for each jurisdiction provided to MDP by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). SDAT neither substantiates nor warrants the completeness or validity of entries in the ZONING field.
Several variables may affect the quality of the zoning data available for a given jurisdiction. Zoning data may not be updated to reflect current zoning changes in a jurisdiction. In some or many cases, no zoning data may be provided for a given jurisdiction. Zoning decisions are made at the county or municipality level, and as such, may not be communicated to SDAT.
MDP and SDAT strongly suggest that you verify data contained in the ZONING field with the determining zoning authority or authorities in the jurisdiction you are using, which is the best and responsible source for timely and accurate zoning data. Many jurisdictions make their GIS zoning layer available in electronic format. You can add this layer as an overlay to your map in MdProperty View provided that it is available as a shapefile that is projected in Maryland State Plane Coordinate System NAD83 meters.
A clickable map with determining zoning authority information for specific jurisdictions and municipalities in Maryland is available online here.
What other data are included with MdProperty View?
In addition to property assessments information, various other data layers are included with MdProperty View to make it an incredibly powerful yet affordable turnkey GIS. These data include satellite imagery, land use/land cover data, State Highway Administration road maps, 1990 and 2000 census tract and block group boundaries with associated data, legislative and congressional district boundaries, ZIP code boundaries and Priority Funding Areas. This data package is useful to organizations involved with land management, real estate, business and economic development and planning and growth management.
Are the tax boundary maps in MdProperty View available in vector format as either a shapefile or a CAD file?
No, the maps are maintained by MDP’s Computerized Property Mapping Section in a cost effective manner as a combination of scanned raster images of the original ink-on-mylar tax maps and AutoCAD vector line work for updates and new subdivisions. The resulting MdProperty View product is a raster image that integrates both the old scanned images and the new line work into one map panel.
What other GIS data can be used with MdProperty View? Does the State offer any other map data that would be useful to me?
Any GIS data that are supported by ArcView or ArcGIS and that are in the same projection and datum (coordinate system) as MdProperty View can be used with the CD-ROM product. The projection and datum for MdProperty View are:
- Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic
- Datum: State Plane coordinates, NAD 83 meters
Data are available from a number of commercial and public sources. Certain Maryland State agencies in addition to MDP distribute their data publicly through the Maryland State Geographic Information Committee (MSGIC) website at http://www.msgic.state.md.us/techtool/index.htm. Much of these data are available at no charge. Agencies which have data available on the MSGIC website include:
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- State Highway Administration (SHA)
- Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
DNR has also made its data available for download at no charge at their Geospatial Data website at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/gis/.
Additional resources include:
- Maryland Department of Planning: http://planning.maryland.gov/zip_downloads_accept.shtml
- Maryland Mapping Resource Guide: http://www.marylandgis.net
- Geospatial One-Stop: http://www.geo-one-stop.gov
- The Geography Network: http://www.geographynetwork.com
Can USGS 7.5 quadrangle maps be viewed as overlays to the tax maps in MdProperty View?
USGS 7.5 quadrangle maps can be viewed with MdProperty View. However, these maps are not included with MdProperty View and must be obtained from another source.
USGS 7.5 quadrangle maps are available directly from the U. S. Geological Survey. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has scanned the USGS quad maps and registered them in the Maryland standard projection and coordinate system. DHCD makes these available via the Maryland State Geographic Information Committee website at http://www.msgic.state.md.us/techtool/samples/quadbase.htm.
Note: any USGS data that you intend to use with MdProperty View need to be in the same projection and coordinate system as MdProperty View.
Can I see record plats or survey plats of properties in MdProperty View?
MDP's Computerized Property Mapping section uses plats to update the parcel boundaries on the tax maps contained in MdProperty View. The actual plats themselves are not included on the CD-ROM. To obtain a copy of a plat you need to contact the jurisdiction in question or visit www.plats.net. Use the following log-in information: username is plato and password is plato#.
Is there a charge to subscribe to MdProperty View?
MdProperty View is a subscription service. There is an annual
subscription fee for the use of these data. These
fees can be found at our website: Price List.
MdProperty View is a licensed data product. Use of these data requires
that we receive a signed MdProperty View license agreement at the
time of your order. The license agreement can be viewed and printed
at: License Agreement.
When you place an order, your subscription starts as of the day we receive
your order. The subscription period runs for one year
from the date of your order and renews quarterly each year.
A subscription renewal for the next
year is payable on your quarterly renewal date. You will receive
a notice for payment 45 days prior to your renewal date each year.
You are entitled to all CD-ROM updates made available for your
subscription jurisdictions during your subscription period.
If you decide not to renew at the end of your subscription period,
your subscription license and your right to use MdProperty View terminate. You must return all
CD-ROMs provided since the start of your subscription agreement
and delete or destroy all data copied to permanent media such as hard drives,
tape backup, CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. For this reason, it is important that
you retain all MdProperty View CD-ROMs shipped
to you.
I have a project in a very small area of a jurisdiction. Can I purchase the GIS version of the tax maps and the parcel data for just this area instead of paying for the entire jurisdiction's data?
At this time MdProperty View is available as a subscription license for full jurisdiction datasets only.
How do I subscribe to MdProperty View?
To subscribe to MdProperty View, complete an order form and fax or mail it to MDP. All orders require payment in advance and a signed MdProperty View license agreement. Payment may be made by check or credit card. MDP only accepts VISA and MasterCard. All the necessary forms are posted on our website at: http://www.mdp.state.md.us/data/ordering.html
Is there a way that I can evaluate MdProperty View before committing to it?
We offer a MdProperty View DEMO Edition CD-ROM featuring Kent County parcel data and tax maps at no charge to anyone interested in evaluating the product. This DEMO Edition CD-ROM is designed for use with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) ArcView 3.x software. We supply a 30-day evaluation copy of ArcView compliments of ESRI for you to use to run the DEMO Edition CD-ROM. You can request a copy of the DEMO Edition CD-ROM through the Information Request form on our website.
How often are the CD-ROMs updated?
Each jurisdiction dataset is
issued on a separate CD-ROM. MdProperty View parcel maps are
updated annually on a flow basis. The most up-to-date production
schedule is posted on the MdProperty View website as jurisdictions
are completed.
As a paid Subscriber, you receive the most current edition of
a given jurisdiction’s CD-ROM available at the time of your order.
For example, Anne Arundel County is currently in the 2004 Edition.
The 2005 Edition CD-ROM will be produced and released around June of
2006. In the Anne Arundel County
example, MDP would send you the 2004 Edition CD-ROM at the time of your
order and forward the 2005 Edition CD-ROM to you as soon as
it is released for distribution.
Are maps available to view online without subscribing to MdProperty View?
The MdProperty View CD-ROM product is accessed
locally from your hard drive or a CD-ROM drive. A web
version for accessing tax maps is not available through
MDP.
To view tax maps at a lower cost or for free, visit the State Department of
Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Real Property Search website: http://sdatcert3.resiusa.org/rp_rewrite.
At this site, you can search for a property by parcel account number, street address
or map and parcel number. You can then view the
property data for that parcel and link to a free image of the property tax map
that includes the parcel.
Can I use MdProperty View with ERSI’s free GIS viewing software, ArcExplorer?
Shapefiles (.shp) and registered tax map images
(.tif/ .tfw) are supported file formats in the free ArcExplorer
viewer and can be added as themes. However, ArcExplorer is a very
limited product and is intended for use in the public education
sector for basic image viewing.
You can pan and zoom, do some basic thematic mapping and perform queries.
You will not be able to open an ArcView Master Project
File (xxxxmast.apr) or an ArcGIS Map Document file (xxxxGIS.mxd)
that contains custom views with scale threshold settings
and color schemes and the Enhanced User Interface and Geocode
Tool as developed by MDP. This is because there is a limitation in
the way ArcExplorer opens tax map raster
images (.tif files). It reads them as white lines
on a black background. ArcExplorer does not have a
utility to edit the legend of a raster image.
This may not seem like a problem until you consider
that the background in MdProperty View tax map images
contains the border from the original CAD drawing. When two or more map
images overlap, a portion of the edge of one tax
map is obscured by the border of the other. Therefore, when
you are looking at properties that span two tax maps or are
at the intersection of four tax maps, you won't be able to see them
in ArcExplorer when more than one tax map image is displayed at the same
time. In ArcView and ArcGIS, you can set the lines as black and
the background transparent so that tax map edge matching appears to be
seamless.
MDP is, therefore, able to offer only very limited support to Subscribers who view MdProperty
View tax maps and data layers in ArcExplorer.
Can I use MdProperty View with non-ERSI GIS software such as MapInfo, Maptitude or AutoCAD Map. Does MDP provide support in such cases?
MdProperty View contains raw GIS data in shapefile (.shp) and registered TIFF image (.tif/.tfw ) formats. These file formats may be supported by other GIS software packages; however MDP cannot assure the suitability of using MdProperty View data in packages other than ArcView or ArcGIS. MDP is not able to offer support for use of the CD-ROM product in software packages other than ArcView or ArcGIS.
Is there assistance for MdProperty View Subscribers?
Assistance to Subscribers is provided via the MdProperty View Help Desk. The Help Desk exists primarily to assist Subscribers who have targeted questions regarding the product or who need installation assistance specific to their operating system, software setup or network environment.
Who can answer questions about specific information entered into the data fields of the parcel database?
MDP provides limited support related to the actual contents of the Parcel, Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) or Sales Databases. The database records that are linked to the tax maps are downloaded from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). Please contact the SDAT Assessment Office Supervisor in the jurisdiction you are working with if you have specific question about database contents. A contact list of SDAT Assessment Office Supervisors is available at: http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/county.html
Does MDP offer GIS training or training in using MdProperty View?
No training is offered by MDP at present. You can contact the MdProperty View Help Desk via the Subscriber website at https://webapps.mdp.state.md.us/apps/propView with product-specific questions or consider ESRI software training.
ESRI training options can be viewed at http://www.esri.com/training_events.html
Does MDP offer real property or boundary surveys?
We do not perform property surveys. We can provide you with a tax map that has property boundaries on it. However, these maps are for parcel location purposes only and are not actual surveys. In order to obtain a tax map, you must know the map and parcel number of the subject property. To order a tax map please call our service desk at: 410-767-4450.
In a small number of cases, the centerline runs though a tax map boundary or a parcel point is located on the opposite side of the street from where it should be. What is the explanation for this?
MDP is the custodian of the parcel points. The process we used for point placement was to scan and register the original tax maps, which were maintained for over 40 years on ink and mylar, long before anyone ever conceived of a parcel GIS. These scanned raster images of the tax maps were registered in MDP's GIS using State Highway Administration (SHA) 1:24,000 detailed grid map road centerlines as the base. These scanned raster images were registered to the best position possible by orienting each scanned tax map panel to the SHA centerlines at major intersections. This occasionally left centerlines crossing through or on the wrong side of parcels represented on a given scanned panel.
Parcel points were and continue to be placed manually within the parcel boundary AND on the correct side of the road centerline where possible. The presiding rule is to place the parcel point within the parcel boundary. Therefore, where the road centerline is positioned outside of the parcel boundary, the parcel point is placed inside the parcel boundary as represented on the tax map image. The parcel point is then tagged with a specific value in the PTYPE field of the attribute table to indicate this.
The initial parcel placement work was done in the early 1990's and the SHA file that was used then IS NOT the same file that is included in current Editions of MdProperty View. It’s important to keep in mind that the tax maps and the SHA road maps were maintained as separate and independent systems before the parcel GIS system was developed and implemented. For this reason, the two map systems will not match perfectly.
Following is a description of the PTYPE (digitized parcel type) field found in all MdProperty View databases. This may be of help in clarifying the parcel placement process.
Type of digitized parcel:
- 0 no x,y assigned for the parcel
- 2 located by MAP, GRID, PARCEL, SECTION, BLOCK and LOT on the property map
- 3 State Highway Administration located parcel, located on the wrong side of the road
- 20 "Stacked" non-condominium parcel
- 21 "Stacked" condominium parcel
- 22 Property geolocated externally (Baltimore County)
- 23 "Stacked" property geolocated externally (Baltimore County)
"Stacked" non-condominium parcels with a ptype of 20 are non-condominium located parcels which were assigned the same x, y coordinate by the Computerized Property Mapping Section based on the MAP, GRID, PARCEL, SECTION, BLOCK, and LOT data available for the parcels. "Stacked" non-condominium parcels may be found in any or all of the 2005 edition databases.
"Stacked" condominium parcels with a ptype of 21 are condominium located parcels which were assigned the same x, y coordinate by the Computerized Property Mapping Section based on the MAP, GRID, PARCEL, SECTION, BLOCK, and LOT data available for the parcels. "Stacked" condominium parcels may be found in any or all of the 2005 edition databases.
Parcels with a ptype of 22 are parcels which could not be located by the Maryland Department of Planning’s Computerized Property Mapping Section based on the MAP, GRID, PARCEL, SECTION, BLOCK and LOT data available for the parcels, but which were subsequently geolocated externally. Geolocated parcels with a ptype of 22 may be found in any or all 2005 Edition databases for Baltimore County, even though they were not originally located by the Computerized Property Mapping Section.
"Stacked" geolocated parcels with a ptype of 23 are located parcels which were originally assigned the same x,y coordinate by the Computerized Property Mapping Section based on the MAP, GRID, PARCEL, SECTION, BLOCK and LOT data available for the parcels, but which were subsequently geolocated externally to achieve a better geographic distribution of the parcels. "Stacked" geolocated parcels may be found in any or all 2005 Edition databases for Baltimore County, because they were originally located by the Computerized Property Mapping Section.
Baltimore City parcels were initially located using the Maryland Department of Planning's Enhanced TIGER/Line file and referenced using collateral materials (ortho-photography and parcel images) resulting in enhanced spatial placement of the parcel x,y reference points along the Baltimore City 1:24,000 road network. The value of ptype in Baltimore City is: 39 geocoded and relocated Baltimore City located parcels are found in all 2005 Edition databases for Baltimore City.
I upgraded to ArcGIS 9.x and now have problems displaying MdProperty View Tax Map images. What is the problem?
WARNING! ArcGIS 9.x Users:
Earlier 9.x Versions of ESRI's ArcGIS software contain a known issue relating to raster data. This "bug" affects the spatial referencing of Tax Map images in MdProperty View, which are stored as TIFF files (CCITT G4 compression format). The bug causes ArcGIS 9.x to display these images incorrectly. This is a defect in the ArcGIS 9.x software and is not in any way related to the data that are distributed on each MdProperty View CD-ROM.
As of August 10, 2005, ESRI released a ArcGIS Desktop Raster Patch,
which among other fixes, resolves the problems associated with displaying MdProperty View Tax Map images. For more information and to download this
patch if you are having problems viewing MdProperty View Tax Map images
in ArcGIS Version 9.x, visit the ESRI website at:
http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=downloads.patchesServicePacks.viewPatch&PID=26&MetaID=1056#intro