FAQ's
- Field Survey Section
- Landbase Information Systems
- Subdivision Map Checking
- Geodetic Control
- Right of Way Engineering
Does the Field Survey Section do private surveys (for the private sector)?
No, the Field Survey Section only performs surveys on County owned land, roads,
and flood control channels, also Newport Bay, Dana Point Harbor, and Sunset Beach
Marina. Information about having a private survey done or how to obtain a Professional
Surveyor to survey your own lot or boundary can be obtained at our Public Assistance
Counter.
Who do I call if I am out on a jobsite and I realize that I will be (or have) disturbing
a survey monument?
Please call Robert Jelinek, Deputy County Surveyor, Field Unit, at
 (714)
955-0152. We certainly appreciate notification when a survey monument is disturbed,
or if one is about to be disturbed.
Who do we call when we want information about the survey crew or vehicle in my neighborhood?
You may contact Robert Jelinek, Deputy County Surveyor, Field Unit,
at
(714) 955-0152
How was the County of Orange Digital Landbase Mapping System created?
In 1989, The Gas Company contacted Orange County to see if we would
be interested in entering a partnership to create a parcel-level, digital basemap.
The County of Orange then entered into such a partnership, with the County providing
all the land records (paper maps, written deeds, survey horizontal control and conversion
quality control) and the Gas Company was responsible for converting these records
into digital form.
What information is available from the County of Orange Digital Landbase Mapping
System (“OC Landbase”)?
The County of Orange Digital Landbase Mapping System (“OC Landbase”),
or Land Information System (LIS), is a very accurate, parcel-level digital basemap
containing over 660,000 parcels. The OC Landbase possesses graphic information such
as street centerlines, right-of-way lines, and parcel boundaries (cadastre), linked
to text information such as owner name, street address, and assessor's parcel number
(attributes).
How do I obtain OC Landbase digital data?
Effective January 12, 2012, the County revised the licensing process
and fee schedule for the public to obtain OC Landbase data, per Orange County Board
of Supervisors Resolution 11-196. In keeping with previous policy, the County recommends
that interested parties contact the two Third Party Distributors listed in the next
paragraph to obtain:
- Detailed cost estimates
- Fee & license information
- Technical specifications
for the OC Landbase data and derivative products. The fee schedule for the basic
license is identical whether you obtain the data from the County or from a Third
Party Distributor. In addition, those firms specialize in serving this market and
are positioned to provide service that is customized for your individual needs.
It is important to note that the County can only provide OC Landbase data in Oracle
Spatial 10g. file format. However, our Third Party Distributors will have more data
format options available (including shapefiles).
How do I contact the Third Party Distributors Authorized to License the OC Landbase?
Applied Geodetics, Inc. (AGD)
Mr. GA (Bud) Larkin
(951) 301-8282
Email: blarkin@appliedgeodetics.com
Digital Map Products (DMP)
Mr. Brian Roades
(888) 322-6277 ext.5190
Email: broades@digmap.com
What is the Orange County Board of Supervisors Resolution 11-196?
To review Board Resolution 11-196 and the new OC Landbase license
agreement template that govern the licensing and usage of the OC Landbase, please
click on the link below:
Board Resolution
11-196
Are there any restrictions on the purchase of OC Landbase Digital data?
Yes. The OC Landbase contains an independent compilation of land records
and other spatial data, and copyrighted matter. Any licensee of said data shall
take all reasonable precautions to protect and maintain the confidentiality of the
OC Landbase.
Is the Landbase registered to State Plane Coordinates?
Yes, the County of Orange Landbase is registered to the California
Coordinate System, North American Datum 83. The foundation of this system is the
County Geodetic Control Network consisting of over 2700 control points on an approximate
half-mile grid. This strong foundation makes the County Landbase very accurate,
and allows new map information to be added, without losing any accuracy.
How often is the County Landbase updated?
The County Landbase is updated on a daily basis. Final (tract) maps
and parcel maps are committed to the Landbase within 4-6 weeks of recordation. Other
land information such as records-of-surveys, lot line adjustments, deeds, and boundary
annexations are also committed to the Landbase on a regular basis.
Is there other digital data available, such as city limit lines or other district
lines?
Yes, the Landbase Maintenance Unit maintains all current district
lines and registers them to the Landbase. This includes, but is not limited to,
census tracts, water and school districts, and city boundaries. These themes (along
with natural resource themes from the GIS/Mapping Applications Section) are available
at one set price (ask for specific theme information).
What format is the County Landbase in?
The County Landbase is maintained in Oracle Spatial 10g. Any purchasers
of County Landbase data must make their own arrangements to translate the data into
other formats (i.e. Arc-Info, MapInfo, etc.).
What is the procedure for a map submitted for a first check?
Upon receipt of a map for review, a screen check of the map is performed
to verify that the map is in compliance with Orange County Board of Supervisor’s
Ordinance 3984 in that the boundary has been ties to two OCS GPS Horizontal Control
points and that the Basis of Bearings have been derived from the inverse between
the two points. The folder is also reviewed that all necessary reference material
has been submitted, i.e. title report, traverse closures, underlying recorded maps,
tie notes, deeds, official records. These maps will then be set aside by the date
received until a map checker is available to review the next map in line. After
the map checker has examined the map for boundary determination, drafting standards
and mathematical correctness, the map checker will write a correction letter and
submit it for review by a Licensed Land Surveyor prior to it being mailed.
How do I know if a map has been approved for submittal of the originals for recordation?
When the boundary of a map has determined to be established correctly,
and there are few corrections left to be made, the last sentence in a check letter
will notify the Surveyor/Engineer that if there are no further changes to the boundary
or lots configured, it will not be necessary to submit a check print, and to submit
the original mylars for recordation.
After the City Council and City Engineer has signed a map, what is the next step?
Once the City Council and City Engineer’s Statement’s
have been completed, and all record owner’s have signed and been Notarized,
it is now the responsibility of your Title Company to process the map from the City
Engineer’s Office to the County Treasurer- Tax Collector’s Office for
verification of tax payment or bond. Once the County Treasurer- Tax Collector has
signed the certificate, the Title Company will again be responsible for processing
the map to the County Surveyor’s Office for final review prior to recordation.
Once the County Surveyor’s Office has received the originals, what is the
process and how long until the map records?
This process can vary depending on whether the map located in a City
or in the Unincorporated Territory of the County of Orange. If the map is a City
map, the map will be reviewed to verify that all corrections requested in the last
correction letter have been completed. If they have not, we will notify the Surveyor/Engineer
of the deficiency and wait for their response. When all corrections have been completed,
the map will be forwarded for signature by the County Surveyor. It will then be
sent to a bonded blue print company to make duplicate mylars of the originals, and
then sent to the County Recorder’s Office for recordation. Under ideal conditions,
this process can be completed within 5 working days. If this map lies within the
Unincorporated Territory of the County of Orange, all steps mentioned above will
be followed, except that after the County Surveyor has signed the map, it will be
forwarded to the Board of Supervisor’s for approval. It will then be sent
to a blue print company and then sent to the County Recorder’s Office for
recordation.
Note: The Recorder’s Office normally records a map within a couple of days,
but they do have 10 working days to post the recordation by law.
>
What are the most common errors/omissions made on the original mylars and reasons
for delays?
The following is a listing of those common items: Title report discrepancies;
Outdated title report (older than 30 days); Digital file not submitted; City Engineer
seal missing on Parcel Maps (66450 SMA); Unsigned Certificates Corrections not completed
by Surveyor/Engineer; Incorrect tax certificate. (Nov 1 to Dec 31 taxes are payable,
not bonded); All bonds, agreements and non-interference letters not completed on
County Maps.
Why are additional fees necessary?
The deposit required when a map is submitted for first check is based
upon a deposit needed for a first and final review of a map. If the map is resubmitted
for re-examination, there may not be sufficient funds to cover the expense for the
reviews and an additional deposit may be needed. Any money not used will be refunded.
Who do I contact for map status?
Call Carol Murray
(714)
967-0847 to help you with the status of your map.
Must all maps be tied to the OCS GPS Horizontal Control Network?
Yes, all maps submitted after January 1994 must be tied to the GPS
Control points. The bearing shown in the Basis of Bearings Statement, and what the
map bearings are relative to, must be the bearing as calculated between the two
GPS Control points. All subdivision mapping must be tied into the California Coordinate
system.
Who do I notify if I find that a horizontal or vertical control monument has been
destroyed?
You can call the Geodetic Unit @
(714) 967-0849. It is very important that you notify us. This information is used
to update the database, which we would like to keep as current and accurate as we
can.
Where can I find the local ties, if any, to the horizontal control monuments?
When the original 2050 GPS horizontal control network was done in
1990, Monument Records were prepared on all of the stations. These records can be
found at the Survey front counter located at 300 North Flower Street, Santa Ana.
These records contain a simple sketch with the local curb ties and their measured
distances. Monuments can be reset from these ties as long as the tie distances agree
within an acceptable tolerance. Additionally, Record of Surveys were recorded for
all GPS points. UPDATED: Local ties are now filed as Corner Records and may also
be found at: http://www.ocgeomatics.com/landrecords/
Can you give me the Horizontal and Vertical control in my area?
All control point information can be accessed on the OC Survey website
via the “Orange County Public Records Retrieval System” located @ http://www.ocgeomatics.com/landrecords/
. Select “Geodetic Control” on the pull down menu located on the
left side.
What is the elevation of my property?
We do not have the elevation to your property but we can give you
a benchmark in your area that can be used by a surveyor to establish an elevation
on your property.
Why are there two different elevations on a benchmark data sheet? Which one is related
to Mean Sea Level?
Very simply stated, NGVD29 is very close and can be considered Mean
Sea Level. NAVD88 has no relationship to Mean Sea Level in this area. NAVD88 differs
from NGVD29 by about 2.34’ in Orange County.
What is the 1991.35 epoch on the Horizontal Data Sheet all about?
1991.35 is the year decimal equivalent of May 8th, 1991. This date
represents when the horizontal stations were surveyed and the published coordinates
represent where the stations were relative to each other on that date.
How do I establish the Mean High Water line?
By following the proper procedures which are outlined in the document
“Procedures for Establishing the Mean High Water Line Boundaries” prepared
by the Geodetic Unit. This document can be used as a guideline and is in no way
the only correct way to establish the Mean High Water line.
NAVD 88 or NGVD 29, what is the difference between them?
"The National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929” (NGVD29) which
is the name, after May 10, 1973, of (the) Sea Level Datum of 1929." "Sea Level Datum
of 1929: A vertical control datum established for vertical control in the United
States by the general adjustment of 1929." "Mean sea level was held fixed at the
sites of 26 tide gauges, 21 in the U.S.A. and 5 in Canada. The datum is defined
by the observed heights of mean sea level at the 26 tide gauges and by the set of
elevations of all bench marks resulting from the adjustment. A total of 106,724
km of leveling was involved, constituting 246 closed circuits and 25 circuits at
sea level." "The datum (was) not mean sea level, the geoid, or any other equipotential
surface. Therefore it was renamed, in 1973, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum
on 1929." The North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) is the vertical control
datum established in 1991 by the minimum-constraint adjustment of the Canadian-Mexican-U.S.
leveling observations. It held fixed the height of the primary tidal bench mark,
referenced to the new International Great Lakes Datum of 1985 local mean sea level
height value, at Father Point/Rimouski, Quebec, Canada. Additional tidal bench mark
elevations were not used due to the demonstrated variations in sea surface topography,
i.e., the fact that mean sea level is not the same equipotential surface at all
tidal bench marks.
For further information, please click here to view the NOAA website
Which Datum do I use?
The NGVD 29 and NAVD 88, OCS 1995 adjustments are both referenced
to the geoid (mean sea level). Because of the errors in the leveling and distortion
from the sea surface topography, NGVD 29 is not an accurate sea level datum. Since
the adjustment was warped to fit the local tidal stations, NGVD 29 does most closely
fit "local mean sea level". NAVD 88 is a more accurate orthometric height because
the errors that NGVD 29 contain are not present. The two datum’s relative
differences between each benchmark should be equal. Certain areas will differ due
to the constrained benchmarks in each adjustment. Benchmarks held fixed in the NAVD
88 adjustment are not the same as the benchmarks held fixed in the NGVD 29 adjustment.
Of course, the absolute difference between each datum will differ greatly, average
71 cm (2.3 ft.). County of Orange, Caltrans, and Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) are using NAVD 88. The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping and Federal
Geodetic Control Subcommittee recommends using NAVD 88. Switching from NGVD 29 to
NAVD 88 vertical datum is similar to switching from NAD27 to NAD83 horizontal datum.
As to what vertical datum should be used, it is up to the Surveyor and the requirements
of each project. NGS will only be maintaining the NAVD 88 network in the future.
The OCS 1995 adjustment will be the last NGVD 29 adjustment that the County of Orange
will maintain.
Can you give me information about all of the easements that cross my property?
The County only tracks its own public easements. You need to refer to your Title
Policy for a list of easements that burden your property. If one is a County easement
we can give you specific information on it. We can show you how to get specific
information on other easements over your property.
Can I get a copy of my Tract Map?
Copies of Tract Maps are available at the Public Counter, Room 252,
on the second floor in Central Files. Contact Charles Beal at
(714)
967-0849
Can I get a copy of the right of way map for a park, road or flood control facility?
Yes, copies are available for most of these items. Contact John Pavlik,
Right of Way Engineering Manager at
(714)
667-9650
Does ROWE maintain easement information pertaining to freeways or streets within
cities?
No. That information is available through Caltrans or the city in
question.
Does ROWE provide copies of easement documents?
ROWE will provide recording information for easements acquired and
processed through OC Public Works, but copies must be obtained from the County Recorder?s
Office located at 12 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA. Phone
(714) 834-2500
Where do you find street improvement plans?
Public Counter, Room 252, 2nd Floor Central Files.
Where do I find out where a sewer pipe is located?
Street improvement plans on the 2nd floor.
How do I purchase "surplus property" from the County?
Contact Carolee Condon, Real Estate Services Manager at
(714)
667-9674
Where can I find out where there is "surplus property" in the County?
Contact Carolee Condon, Real Estate Services Manager at
(714) 667-9674
How can I purchase an abandoned road right-of-way?
Contact Carolee Condon, Real Estate Services Manager at
(714)
667-9674
How can I request the County to abandon property/easement?
Contact John Pavlik, Right of Way Engineering Manager at
(714)
667-9650
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