Home | Employment | Elected Officials | Area Contacts | FAQs | Site Map | Links | Contact Us

GIS/Mapping

GIS/Mapping

Contact Information, Office Hours Functions, Department Responsibilities FAQ's, Common Terms, History, Interesting Facts View a GIS map or real property appraisal Functions Digital Conversion of Real Estate Parcel Data The Geographic Information Systems/Mapping Department (GIS/Mapping) manages, maintains and updates approximately 1,200 tax maps while overseeing the digital conversion and quality control of all real estate parcel information, including the initial conversion of existing data to computerized form. Data includes buildings, roads, hydrography, miscellaneous transportation routes and utilities. GIS/Mapping also maintains the files of aerial photography projects. This Department is responsible for the dissemination of digital data to other County entities, including the Assessor , Planning and Public Works departments, while assisting with the implementation of their GIS needs and future applications. Back to top This Department Does
	Verify the accuracy of tax map numbers that are assigned to recorded deeds
	Maintain cadastral and planimetric maps of all parcels in the County
	Assign new tax map sequence and parcel identification numbers to all recorded plats and maintain copies for public use. Each plat that depicts real property parcels or has alterations in property lines must be assigned these numbers and recorded on the tax maps.
This Department Does Not
	Generate deed copies (See Register Mesne Conveyance )
	Provide current addresses (See Planning )
	Produce precinct maps (See Planning )
	Maintain property record cards (See Auditor)
	Maintain recorded plats (See Register Mesne Conveyance )
Back to top Frequently Asked Questions
Q:	Are maps and aerial photographs available for purchase?
A:	Yes. Please see the comprehensive listing of GIS Fees for a complete list of products available.

Q:	Can tax map information be layered over aerial photographs?
A:	Not at this time. Existing maps were not produced for use as overlays. However, modern mapping techniques will soon allow use of cadastral information combined with aerial views.

Q:	What are the future applications of GIS?
A:	GIS may be applied to planning, zoning, appraisals, parcel mapping, emergency vehicle dispatch, environmental planning and monitoring, utility management and mail routing.
Back to top Common Terms Cadastral Maps-- Also known as parcel or tax maps, these diagrams provide detailed information regarding the location, identifier numbers and dimensions of each property parcel in Charleston County. GIS(Geographic Information Systems)-- A computerized database system which allows capture, storage, retrieval, analysis and display of spatial or geographic data with the ability to produce and manipulate the graphic elements of a map. Hydrography-- The mapping of bodies of water. Orthophotography-- Aerial photography services used in developing maps and verifying information for digital conversion. PID Number (Parcel Identification Number) --Also known as a TMS number, it is a reference number containing information necessary to identify and locate a particular property parcel. Planimetric Maps-- Maps that include features identifiable through aerial photography. Features include items such as buildings, roads, tree lines, pavement edges and water. TMS Number (Tax Map Sequence Number)-- Also known as a PID number, it is a reference number containing information necessary to identify and locate a particular property parcel. Back to top History The Charleston County Assessor initiated the first mapping program in 1967 with aerial photography of the entire county. From these photos, the County produced 750 tax maps depicting 80,000 properties. In 1991, the S.C. Department of Revenue outlined requirements each county must follow for the creation and maintenance of tax maps. Counties must have aerial photography re-flights at least once every 10 years, and the maps created from the aerial photography must conform to rigorous standards. The GIS Division was created in 1996 under the Director of Assessments and Mapping. Iin 1997 merged with the Mapping Division to form a separate department. In 1998, it became a division of the Assessor's Office. In 2001, the department became a function of the Chief Information Officer. Interesting Facts
	Aerial photography projects were flown in 1967, 1973, 1981, 1992, 2001 (entire county) and 2004 (East Cooper area). The current cost of an orthophotography flight for the entire county is approximately $750,000. Orthophotography images from the 1992 project are available to the public for a fee.
	The element changed most often on tax maps is property lines, a reflection of Charleston County's tremendous growth.
Back to top Contact Information O. T. Wallace County Office Building 101 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 (843) 958-4173 (843) 958-4177 (Fax) Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Back to top