Paper Beyond CAD: GIS--The Tool for Cadastral Mapping

Author: Brian Scott McLaughlin
Organization: Rains County Appraisal District

765 Hwy 69 N
Emory, TX 75440
USA

Phone: 903 473-2391
Fax: 903 473 4040
Brianscott@argontech.com

The Rains County Appraisal District began its GIS program in the summer of 1999. New software, data, and ideas were needed to implement the program. Having never worked for an appraisal district before, I decided to visit the neighboring appraisal districts to help me understand my responsibilities. After having done so I had more ideas on what not to do than to do. I knew I wanted a GIS system instead of a CAD system. This paper will be helpful to any cadastral agency interested in starting a GIS program, either from scratch or by transition from a CAD system.