Location, Location, Location

We have all heard the phrase, "Location, Location, Location..." at some point in the past.  This term is especially important when it comes to an interactive mapping site.  The PCPA Interactive Map allows users on a PC or tablet device to access the exact latitude and longitude of any point on the map, perform location buffer analysis, and measure distance and area.  


Buffered Search (PC or tablet device only)

If you are using a PC or tablet device, the buffer tool allows you to select parcels within a certain distance of a subject property. This can be especially useful for generating mailing labels of nearby property owners, and this information may be required by planning departments of the municipality in which you reside for home additions, variances etc.  Follow the steps below to perform a buffered search.


1.Be sure you have searched for and selected a parcel.

2.Select the buffer (Map Buffer Icon) tool on the map tool bar.  The Interactive Map Panel will allow you to enter the Buffer Radius in Feet.


3.Once you have entered the radius in feet, click or tap the Create Buffer button (See the Before and After buffer screen shots below).

4.The buffer results / parcels that lie within the buffer are returned as a CSV (comma-separated values) file.  Click or tap the download your CSV (Export CSV Icon) button to access the file.  The file contains the parcel number, first owner name and mailing address, and the Department of Revenue (DOR) Use Code and description of the buffered parcels.


BEFORE BUFFER

Map before Buffer


AFTER BUFFER

After Map Buffer


Using the Measurement /  Location Tool (PC or tablet device only)

If you are using a PC or tablet device, the measurement tool allows you to access the current location (latitude / longitude) and measure distance and area by drawing a point, line or polygon on the map and specifying the unit of measure.  There are three measure tools available.  The Area and Distance measure tools can be changed to the following units of measure:  acres, square miles, square kilometers, hectares, square yards, square feet, and square meters.  The Location tool can be set to degrees or DMS.  Follow the steps below to use the measure tools.


Measure Area

Measure Area Icon

Measure Distance

Measure Distance Icon

Location

Location Icon

 

Measuring distance and areas (PC or tablet device only)


1.Select the measure (Measure Icon) on the map toolbar.


2.Select the Measure Area button to measure a polygon or the measure distance button to measure a line.


3.Use the drop down menu to select the desired unit of measure.


4.Click or tap the map at the location where you want to start measuring.


5.Move the pointer to the next point that you want to measure and click or tap. If you would like to measure along the curve of a line, click or tap along the line to add points.


6.Double-click or double tap when you want to end the line or polygon.


7.The measurement will appear in the Measurement Result area.


8.To clear the result click or tap a different button than the one that is selected.


Accessing Lat / Long (PC or tablet device only)

1.Select the measure (Measure Icon) on the map toolbar.


2.Select the Location button.


3.Use the drop down menu to select the desired unit of measure.


4.Move the mouse over the map to see the Longitude and Latitude displayed in the Measurement Result area.


5.Click or tap the map to place a point on the map and see the Latitude and Longitude of that point.


6.To clear the result click or tap the area or distance button.


Note:  To close the measure tool, click or tap on the measure tool again.