County GIS File
County GIS files provide seamless countywide coverage in which each map feature is represented on a separate layer and attributed for easy editing, searching and manipulation. The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is geo-referenced to USGS 1:24000 quadrangles in State Plane NAD 83 projection. These digital files, available in both Shape (.shp) or Geodatabase (.mdb) formats on CD-ROM, are designed to be imported into most Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software or other programs that spatially reference data. Files are produced in full color. Base map features include but are not limited to land ownership, parcel boundaries, acreage, roadways, waterways, section lines, municipal boundaries, and index to owners. Includes a license to make unlimited reproductions for one year from date of purchase.

How are your County GIS Files different from your Vector Files and RMP SmartImages?
Shape and Geodatabase file formats include a database of each layer's attributes, or characteristics, whereas our Vector and RMP SmartImage file formats offer only a visual representation of those attribute data. Storing attribute data within a database facilitates selecting, querying (searching) and editing capabilities specific to the user's needs.

Is there more information on my GIS File CD-ROM than in the plat book?
No. A GIS File contains the same information as the plat book. However, the GIS Files contain feature classes (layers) that may be queried, analyzed and joined to external data facilitating customization of our data specific to your needs.

Do you include complete Parcel ID Numbers (PINs)?
No. RMP does not include complete Parcel ID Numbers in our plat maps. However, Lake County, IL and McHenry County, IL do contain partial PINs.

What software do I need to use a GIS File?
GIS Files are compatible with most commercial GIS software programs including ArcGIS (ArcView®, ArcEditor®, ArcInfo®), MapInfo Professional®, Geomedia Professional® and Autodesk Map 3D 2006® . GIS Files may also be viewed and analyzed within Microsoft Access® and other database software programs.

What size is a GIS File?
The file size of an average county-wide Shapefile (.shp) is 3MB and 17.5 MB for a Geodatabase (.mdb) file format.

Are the GIS Files edge matched by county?
GIS File data are edge matched within county boundaries to form seamless countywide coverage. Because of the hand drawn cartography methods used years ago for base maps used primarily for book publishing purposes, edge matching county boundaries to one another was not possible. The source data used to compile the base maps were not necessarily from a consistent resource. In some counties, base map information was provided by local government. In other counties, regional and federal government sources were used. Individual counties offered us their best available base data at the time. Therefore, it was not possible to consistently match maps across county boundaries.

Why is there a license included with my GIS File purchase?
RMP's entire plat library is fully protected by Federal Copyright Law. A license is written permission to make unlimited reproductions (scan, view, modify, print, copy, digitally retain on an Intranet and web display) of RMP's plat data for one year from date of purchase for personal and business applications.

Is a metadata file included with my GIS File?
Yes. Metadata is included as a Word® document on all CD-ROMs.

Sample County GIS Download
Download a County GIS Shapefile (.shp) Sample
Download a County GIS Geodatabase (.mdb) Sample