As I had anticipated, the workshop contained lots of folks that were responsible for "placing" deed descriptions into their respective databases. It was a good exchange of ideas.
I was disheartened to learn that several of the attendees (from some of the larger employers) had layers on their systems that had actual survey information provided by their surveying staff, but opted to keep the layer "turned off" because it conflicted with so much of the other info. I'm guessing one has to decide to maintain metadata with positional accuracy or not. I'm by no means saying that some records need exacting locations. We've used utility info like water and sewer from "atlas" sheets for years without "real" positional accuracy. I guess it would be nice to have a good location on everything, but that costs money.
We mainly dealt with the creation of boundary and deed lines within their systems. Most of these folks are also use to the regular phone calls from the irate property owner who sees his property on the county's website with the property line running through his garage.
One thing we dwelt on that surprised me was the "Government Lot" and riparian lots. I guess this shouldn't be a surprise because the one thing that changes quick enough to be noticed on chronological aerials is rivers. The discussions were productive.
A good time was had by all. I hope they all learned as much as I did.
