ParcelExplorer | Azavea Journal

The images above each show the same property outline with a different historic map in the background. In order from left to right: 1942 Land Use Map, 1859 Hexamer Locher Map, and the linen DOR Parcel Records Maps

If you have ever been involved in any activity pertaining to land parcel research or assessment, you know that flipping through linen registry maps –Philadelphia has 5,500 plus of these– can be a tedious endeavor. ParcelExplorer enables users to view the City of Philadelphia Department of Records’ current land parcel map layers and ato see scans of the original linen maps on which the records are based. Not only can these scanned maps be shown but potentially any scanned map could be included as possible background layers.

We recently added the ability to include several types of historical maps in the application. Specifically, we received three sets of digitized historic maps from the Philadelphia Free Library (scanned by The Athenaeum of Philadelphia). One of these sets of maps was the Hexamer-Locher atlas created in 1857-60, which was used as a fire insurance atlas. The other two sets of maps are Philadelphia land-use maps, from 1942 and 1962. (for more information go to http://www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/). These historic maps add valuable data to the results generated from a search for the history of a particular parcel.

Along with the addition of historic maps, there are some other changes coming up that we hope will make the site even easier to use. Currently, payment for registration to the application is accepted by check only, and registration can only be paid for in six-month intervals. Plans are in the works to accept payment by credit card, which will make the subscription process instantaneous. Additionally, for users who access the application less frequently, the Department of Records will be offering payment for subscription based on hourly and daily usage.

For more information click on “Demo Button” or “Fact Sheet” at: http://citymaps.phila.gov/ParcelExplorer/

"ParcelExplorer enables public end-users to enter an address or registry map number and view property records...of the paper-based registry maps."

The Philadelphia ParcelExplorer application, as a project for the Department of Records, is one of Azavea’s latest web-based applications. Unique in the U.S. and already more than 100-subscribers strong, ParcelExplorer enables public end-users to enter an address or registry map number and view property records information including scanned version of the paper-based registry maps.

Additionally, users are able to measure parcels and lines; add annotation to the maps; display a printable copy; display condominium information; and display parcel history.

Registry maps, or land parcel record maps, have been kept in Philadelphia for a long time, but have only been recently digitized by the City’s Records Department. Digitizing the data means that they are much easier to organize and keep updated, but there was a desire to keep scans of the original maps, which were recorded on linen, so that they could be viewable along with the digitized data. The ParcelExplorer application solved this problem by enabling users to use scans of the originals as background to the digitized map (learn more).

There are several new features to be rolled out soon, most notably the addition of historic maps from the Philadelphia Free Library. These include the Hexamer-Locher Philadelphia maps made between 1858 and 1860, and land-use maps from 1942 and 1962. The historic map scans were made and contributed by the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Another recent improvement is the addition of links to historic photos at PhillyHistory.org. Now, when you look at a parcel or historic map, you can find historic photos nearby.