Private land/GPS coordinates??

[rodbuilder]

Hi all. My mom own 80 acres and is interested in doing some development. Before anything can start, we need to determine exactly where the property corners are located. Is there anywhere on the net a person can find the coordinates to private land? We called the county surveyors office but of course he wanted to come out and survey...I'd rather not pay the $$$ if I didn't have to. I have a hand help GPS that would suffice if I could find the coordinates.

Thanks all!

[Hemlock]

Someone posted here a couple months ago a link to a GIS site. You could zoom in on your own driveway. I'm guessing something like that might help you.

[fish-n-geek]

I wouldn't trust the GPS coordinates to be accurate enough unless you aren't doing anything within 100 feet of the property line. If you're doing anything dealing with the edge of the property (fence, etc.) I would get it surveyed and staked. It'll cost, but it will cost a lot more if you are on the wrong side of the line.

-rus-

[rodbuilder]

ya, I remember that. It was pretty cool arial photography, but unfortunately, it didn't help with the exact land layout. Seems to me, with a "legal" description of the land, someone could tell me the lat/long for each corner. I am also sending an email to the geography department at Bemidji state to see if they can help.

Thanks.

[leechlake]

I tried google earth and it didn't work, type in terra server and it gives aerial and topo maps. I tried the aerial on our land and if you put the pointer on what you believe the corners are and click the map will re adjust to that point and give the the lat long on the left. I would say it is a good ball park (it's difficult to perfectly pick the corner but you can get close), I've tried to get gps coords from the county and they claim they are afraid landowners will use them to squabble with neighbors, I just wanted them to clearly make sure I never tresspass when putting up stands for bowhunting. Good luck

[Jarrod32]

Ultimately, you will want and need to pay the $$$ to have the land surveyed. This could very well save you some legal issues down the road, help with any financing (if you want to borrow money against the land - using it as collateral - a survey may be necessary), and could save you a hassle with neighbors.

It will certainly be necessary if you want to plat the property out for development and future sales (particularly if you are going to subdivide the property).

Just my two cents worth...