Course 600 – Principles and Techniques of Cadastral Mapping
Course Description
Principles and Techniques of Cadastral Mapping is intended to be a comprehensive, interactive program to
introduce entry-level map maintenance personnel and assessment technicians to the field of cadastral mapping.
Students are presented basic mapping principles and techniques and are expected to demonstrate basic skills
that will allow them to plot deeded descriptions in both the metes and bounds land description system and
the Public Land Survey System. Principles and Techniques of Cadastral Mapping utilize lectures, classroom
discussion, and exercises to emphasize the main concepts and procedures taught in the course.
Chapter One provides the students with a background and history of mapping in general and addresses the specifics
of creating a county-wide assessment mapping program.
Chapter Two introduces the students to the various tools and techniques used by cadastral mappers to plot
deed descriptions that contain bearings, azimuths, curves and field angles.
Chapter Three provides an overview of locational systems including latitude and longitude and state plane
coordinates. This chapter discusses mathematical projections used in the creation of a flat map from a curved
surface.
Chapter Four discusses the various base maps available to today’s assessment mapping personnel. In addition,
aerial photograph displacement is discussed and explained. This provides an understanding of how photo
distortion can affect the accuracy of assessment maps.
Chapter Five explains the various methods available to describe land, provides examples of each and uses
exercises to enhance the learning experience.
Chapter Six covers conveyance records, area determination and parcel identification systems.
Chapter Seven addresses the importance of proper map maintenance, explains the different types of maintenance
the assessment map technician must complete and provides exercises to enhance the learning experience.
Chapter Eight provides guidance in determining the requirements for a proper cadastral mapping program
and explains the value of creating and managing a parcel-level information system.
600: Principles and Techniques of Cadastral Mapping 1
© 2020 International Association of Assessing Officers
Course Description
Principles and Techniques of Cadastral Mapping is intended to be a comprehensive, interactive program to
introduce entry-level map maintenance personnel and assessment technicians to the field of cadastral mapping.
Students are presented basic mapping principles and techniques and are expected to demonstrate basic skills
that will allow them to plot deeded descriptions in both the metes and bounds land description system and
the Public Land Survey System. Principles and Techniques of Cadastral Mapping utilize lectures, classroom
discussion, and exercises to emphasize the main concepts and procedures taught in the course.
Chapter One provides the students with a background and history of mapping in general and addresses the specifics
of creating a county-wide assessment mapping program.
Chapter Two introduces the students to the various tools and techniques used by cadastral mappers to plot
deed descriptions that contain bearings, azimuths, curves and field angles.
Chapter Three provides an overview of locational systems including latitude and longitude and state plane
coordinates. This chapter discusses mathematical projections used in the creation of a flat map from a curved
surface.
Chapter Four discusses the various base maps available to today’s assessment mapping personnel. In addition,
aerial photograph displacement is discussed and explained. This provides an understanding of how photo
distortion can affect the accuracy of assessment maps.
Chapter Five explains the various methods available to describe land, provides examples of each and uses
exercises to enhance the learning experience.
Chapter Six covers conveyance records, area determination and parcel identification systems.
Chapter Seven addresses the importance of proper map maintenance, explains the different types of maintenance
the assessment map technician must complete and provides exercises to enhance the learning experience.
Chapter Eight provides guidance in determining the requirements for a proper cadastral mapping program
and explains the value of creating and managing a parcel-level information system.
600: Principles and Techniques of Cadastral Mapping 1
© 2020 International Association of Assessing Officers
