Great Deeds Done
The State of Indiana through its various agencies owns approximately 377,000 acres of land. The State Land Office is charged with
maintaining maps and original deeds for each parcel, approximately 6,000 in all. Historically this parcel information had been hand-
drawn onto maps, along with the number of a folder in a cabinet where the deed was filed.
The main challenge was to upgrade the technology to a Geographic Information System (GIS) allowing greater use of the vast amount of
information that was stored in a cumbersome and antiquated format.
Over 4,000 mylar maps containing over 9,000 parcels had to be converted to a digital format. The mylar maps were first scanned and geo-referenced.
Parcels were digitally drawn, and basic information attached to each one, like the parcel ID number and which agency uses the land.
The deeds then needed to be scanned and linked to the parcels. In many cases the original deeds were very old and great care was needed
to ensure that the document was not damaged during the scanning.
After the legacy data had been converted to a Geographic Information System, new procedures were implemented so all future deeds
would be added directly into it, including those already in digital formats. Finally, a public internet mapping interface was
developed to allow 24/7 access to all State Land Office records.
Results
- Identified under-utilized or unused State-owned properties: Surplus parcels have been auctioned to private entities
putting over $5.6M back into state coffers and they once again generate property tax revenues and local economic development opportunities.
- Digital backup: All of the priceless deed information is now backed up offsite, and frail original documents are sent to the State Archives for proper care.
- Greater public access: Instead of only being available at the State Land Office in Indianapolis during normal
business hours, this information can be accessed online anytime
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