Q. How do I make a layer visible? Why is this necessary?

A. In order to be able to view a particular layer you must turn it on. You can turn on a layer by clicking a checkmark beside the layer you desire. 

This is necessary because a Geographic Information System, upon which Map Search is based, is an information system that contains various layers of information each with unique information relating to that specific layer.  You must tell Map Search which layer you are interested in.  This is done by making the specific layer Active.  Of course, the layer must also be Visible in order for the Active button to function properly.

Q. Can I zoom to a specific scale?

A. Yes.  Simply enter the desired scale in the 'Zoom to Scale 1:' text box located in the navigation bar above the Map window and click on Go.  Be sure to keep your mouse pointer in the text box when entering the desired scale.

Q. How do I see what the colours mean?

A. Click on the 'Legend' button located to the left of the Map window.

Q. What layers are available in Map Search? Why do some appear sometimes and not other times?

A. Check out the Map Layer Descriptions section of Map Search Help.  For a comprehensive listing of when specific layers are available check out the Layers section of Map Search Help.  Layer availability is purposefully set to balance map clarity, system performance and usability.

Q. What is the difference between the Surface layer and the Surface Parcel # layer? How about the Mineral layer and the Mineral Parcel # layer?

A. Ownership records are tied to the 'Surface' and 'Mineral' layers whereas the 'Surface Parcel #' and 'Mineral Parcel #' layers contain only parcel numbers for the applicable layer. In Map Search, Title and Plan information is linked to the 'Surface' and 'Mineral' layers but NOT to the 'Surface Parcel #' and 'Mineral Parcel #' layers. This means that the 'Surface Parcel #' and 'Mineral Parcel #' results in the Results Frame are not linked to the Title databases. Continue to use the 'Surface' and 'Mineral' layers to accomplish this.

The intent of breaking 'Surface Parcel #' away from the 'Surface' layer (the same reasoning applies to the 'Mineral' layer) is to allow greater flexibility for the user to both locate areas of interest more quickly and to be able to increase Map clarity by providing the user with the ability to toggle the parcel numbers on and off. 'Surface Parcel #' will automatically turn on at scales of 1:2000 and smaller. 'Mineral Parcel #' does not automatically turn on.

Q. To view Title or Plan information, which layers must be active and why?

A. To view Title or Plan information relating to the surface, the 'Surface' layer must be turned on.  For the same information relating to minerals, the 'Mineral' layer must be turned on.  In order to view Plan information for features like Pipeline Plans, the 'Feature' layer must be turned on.

The hyperlinks located in theMap View window result in the same searches many of our users have been familiar with since 2001 on the ISC Website - Quick Search and Plan Search.

Q. Is it possible to obtain a list of titles for parcels from more than one township or plan?

A. Yes.  This is one of the primary benefits of the power of Map Search.  Follow these steps:

1. Zoom to a view where you can clearly see all parcels you are interested in.
2. Make the 'Surface' layer turned on.
3. Search graphically.
4. Select each parcel you are interested in and the corresponding information will be populated in the Results Frame.
5. Click on the 'Titles' hyperlink and a search will be performed resulting in all records for all Parcels displayed that have a Parcel Number set out in the Parcel Number column.
6. The 'Titles' hyperlink is basically a series of Quick Searches (by Parcel Number) performed in the same order the individual parcels were selected in.

Q. How do I locate all land owners around a specific point, line or shape?

A. This can be accomplished by using the "Search "tool by following these steps:

1. Ensure the 'Surface' layer is turned on.
2. Click on the 'Select Buffer' button located in the search tool.
3. Set the 'Buffer Size' (note, if you wish to buffer using units other than those displayed in the 'Buffer Size' area, simply select the 'Set Units' icon located in the dropdown list and select your desired units.
4. Select a point or series of points (depending on if you'd like to buffer about a point, line or polygon).
5. A list of all affected Parcels will be displayed in the Results Frame.

Q. How do I locate the boundaries of a given urban or rural municipality?

A. The easiest way is to select the urban or rural municipality from the applicable drop-down menu in the "Search" tool and select the desired municipality. The Map will zoom to the specific municipality with the urban or rural municipality layer (as applicable) visible and highlighted.

Q. Can distances be measured in Map Search? If so, what units are available to measure in?

A. Yes.  The 'Draw and Measure' tool located in the tool bar allows you to select a point or series of points and measure in metres, kilometer, feet or miles.  Use the 'Set Units' button to select the units you would like then click on the 'Measure' tool and select points on the Map.  A distance is displayed for each segment selected as well as the total distance. Use this tool to measure perimeters of parcels, municipalities and more!

Q. Can I save a specific view (e.g. zoom to my municipality) in Map Search?

A. You cannot currently save specific views in Map Search.  In future releases of Map Search, this functionality will be considered based on customer demand.

Q. I searched by civic address but the map zooms to the center of the municipality or to another incorrect location and not to the civic address I entered.  Why?

A. Searching by civic address relies on third-party data that may not be fully current.  If Map Search cannot locate the civic address that was entered, it will zoom to the center of the relevant municipality.  Please search graphically (i.e. zoom and pan) to get to the desired location.