Maps & GIS

Tax Maps

A cartographer maintaining county parcel data plays a key role in land management, property taxation, planning, and public records. Their primary task is to create, update, and manage detailed maps and spatial datasets that define the boundaries and attributes of land parcels within a county. Here’s a breakdown of their responsibilities:

1. Mapping Land Parcels

• Create and maintain digital maps that show property boundaries using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software.
• Ensure parcel lines are accurate and align with legal descriptions from deeds, plats, and surveys.

2. Updating Parcel Data

• Incorporate changes from:
• Property sales and transfers
• New subdivisions or developments
• Boundary adjustments (lot splits, merges, annexations)
• Use legal documents (e.g., deeds, surveys) to revise maps accordingly.

3. Ensuring Data Accuracy and Consistency

• Cross-reference maps with official documents from the county recorder or assessor’s office.
• Verify that parcel boundaries match real-world data and aerial imagery.

4. Supporting Tax Assessment

• Maintain up-to-date parcel maps that support fair and accurate property tax assessments.
• Ensure each parcel is correctly linked to ownership and valuation data.

5. Working with Stakeholders

• Collaborate with:
• County assessors (for property tax data)
• Surveyors (for boundary accuracy)
• Planning and zoning departments (for land use regulation)
• Public (for property inquiries)

What causes a change in the Tax Maps?

A land use permit application is applied for which would result in a Partition (land division), a  Property Line Adjustment, subdivision, etc.  These applications would require a change in the Tax Map lines and parcel sizes.

The land use permit application is approved and findings are recorded with the applicable survey maps in in the County Clerk’s office.

The Assessor’s Office receives the recorded Findings and Decision or other legal documents and begins their process to update the Tax Map.  Thus, a request is submitted for the specific Tax Map to be updated with new line work.

The GIS Department receives a packet of changes from the Assessor’s Office and the Tax Maps and Taxlot Polygon Layer is updated with the requested changes.

A new Tax Map and Taxlot Polygon Layer files for the various Township/Range are published: a new PDF file is sent to the Oregon Department of Revenue, a new Taxlot Polygon Layer is sent to those entities that use this layer and finally all changes are recorded on paper as to what was done (i.e. Journal Voucher).

These changes are completed as needed when line work to existing parcels or the creation of parcels are approved.

ORMAP-TAX MAP IMAGES has many great products.  One of these is the images for every township and range in the State.  Harney County is represented as well.  You can access and print these maps right from the ORMAP website.