Real Estate Search Help
Catawba County's GIS Real Estate Search Help page
General
If this help page opened in a new window rather than a new tab, you may find it convenient to change your browser settings to open this page, the reports, and the Printed map in new tabs. To do that in Internet Explorer click on Tools, Internet Options, Tab Settings and choose to "Always open pop-ups in a new tab".
If you are a new visitor and Print Tool is not working, or possibly other functions, check for a pop up blocker message.
This site works with Internet Explorer E 8 and newer, Firefox and Chrome browsers. The site developer perfers Firefox.
Link to this map, botom of the left column, provides a map link you can email or use in another context. By right clicking the link, you will see the options your browser provides.
Searching
The secret to successful Address, Owner, Subdivision, or Business searches is to let the search box do the work for you. As you type, matches will be displayed below the input box. Typing 4 to 5 characters will usually provide you with the desired match. Click on the desired item and the map and reports will be generated.
After an Address or Owner search you can click on the Last Search tab, to see the results from your last search, and select an item for your next search.
The Business/Landmark search provides access to ~6000 names.
Toolbar
The Select By tool selection has been expanded, and is available on desktops and tablets.
Tools work with mouse clicks on desktops, taps on tablets.
To use the Rectangle tool hold the mouse down and drag.
To use the Polygon tool click on each vertice and double click to finish.
To use the Line tool click on each point and double click to finish.
To use the Buffer tool enter a Radius and click on the map. The Circle should show. If you do not see the Circle click again. Like life the tool is not always perfect.
To use the Adjacent tool one parcel must be selected.
Clicking the jpeg tool createa a .jpg image of the map. The image will open in a new tab or new window depending on your browsers configuration,
Printing
The Print tool will generate a PDF, which will open in a new tab or new window depending on your browsers configuration.
You may have to make changes on how your browser handles displaying PDF's. Use the following LINKS below for your browser.
Chrome browser settings: CLICK
Safari browser settings: CLICK
Firefox browser settings: CLICK
Microsoft Edge browser settings: CLICK
Internet Explorer browser settings: CLICK
Map Layers
The visibility of the map Layers are scale dependent. As the scale changes layers will switch from being greyed out to being available for display.
The Zoning layer is representative of information from the zoning authorities in Catawba County. The layer does not show the Zoning District. See the Parcel Report for the Zoning District and Zoning Agency phone numbers.
Parcel Dimensions labels the parcel with property dimensions.
Misc Lines often are old parcel lines that are no longer current or an easement of some type. If you need further clarification contact GIS and ask to speak to someone in the Land Records Department (828-465-9586).
The Flood Zone is labeled with AE and AEFW. (green) AE zone is the area of special flood hazard subject to a 1% chance of flooding in any year (commonly referred to as the 100 year flood zone). (blue) AEFW zone is the floodway portion of the 100 year floodplain where development is limited due to the volume and velocity of floodwaters. Flood Risk Information System (FRIS)
The USDA aerial photos 2012, 2009, and 2006 are leaf on photos provided by the US Dept. Of Agriculture. The quality is not as good as the 2010, and 2009 aerials.