iMaps Frequently Asked Questions
Select a question:
How to use iMAPS
Views and layers in iMAPS
Help and Troubleshooting Issues
About iMAPS
Using iMAPS
How can I view the parcel dimensions?
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Go to iMAPS
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Zoom in to at least 1" = 100'
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Click on Show Additional Layers on Map (lower right)
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Scroll down to the Property category and click the checkbox next to Dimension Labels.
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How do I print?
Please use the print tool in iMAPS from the top menu bar:
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Can I print the map without the building outlines?
Yes – Choose the Basic View in iMAPS.
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Can I save the map as a JPEG?
Yes! Here is how to do this:
- Go to iMAPS,
- Create a PDF using the Print tool,
- Select the map with the Select tool,
- Right-click on the PDF – Copy Image,
- Open Word or other software – Right-click – Paste.
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Where is the Legend?
The next version of iMAPS will have a legend in the application.
For the current iMAPS, please use the Legend PDF.
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Views and layers in iMAPS
How can I view ZIP Code boundaries?
- Click on Show Additional Layers on Map (green tabs – lower right)
- Scroll down to Boundaries and click the checkbox next to ZIP Codes
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Can I view crime data on iMAPS?
- Yes – Choose the Raleigh Crime Search tab (green tabs – lower right)
- Currently, Crime data is only available for the City of Raleigh
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How can I find out what day to put out my trash?
Currently available for Raleigh, Cary, Apex & Garner:
Search for your property (Address is the default. If you need another search type in iMAPS, click the drop down arrow to search by Owner, REID or PIN)
- Click the Services button
- Choose Solid Waste Collection
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Can I view sewer data on iMAPS?
- Yes – Go to Show Additional Layers on Map and turn on Sewer Utilities under Public Utilities
- Currently sewer data is only available for the City of Raleigh.
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How can I view floodplain data?
- Zoom in to at least 1" = 6400' (you can use the vertical slider to zoom to a particular scale)
- Click on Show Additional Layers on Map (green tabs – lower right)
- Scroll down and click the checkbox next to FEMA Floodplains.
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The floodplain data is also available in Shapefile format on our data download page.
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For more information see Wake County Floodplain Information.
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The floodplain data is also available on the NC Floodmap Site.
- Can I download the data that I see on iMAPS (for use in GIS or CAD)?
- Many of the layers can be downloaded free of charge (vector data in Shapefile format, orthophotography in MrSID format).
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Why does the map show streams where there are none (through a house, etc.)?
- This dataset was created in 2000. The hydrography layer used on the map includes perennial as well as intermittent and ephemeral streams.
- A perennial or blue line stream is one that flows for most or all of the year except in times of drought (USGS Blueline Streams are available from the Layers tab on iMAPS).
- An ephemeral stream is one that flows only during and immediately after precipitation.
- Intermittent streams flow only for part of the year.
For more information on the hydrography (and many other layers) shown on iMAPS, download the metadata zip file from this page.
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How can I get more information about a data layer?
Many of the layers have a short information page (metadata: information about the data, such as when it was created, data source, projection, limitations, field definitions) that you can link to from the Layers list. If you need more extensive information, please check the Wake County GIS metadata page.
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Help and Troubleshooting Issues
Occasionally a tool freezes or the autocomplete stops working; what should I do?
Hit F5 to refresh the site. You may also want to periodically clear your browser cache (check to preserve your favorites before you clear).
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What browser should I be using for best performance?
The new iMAPS requires the Flash 10 Browser Plug-in. If the Flash Browser Plug-in is not installed on your computer, you will automatically be linked to the Adobe download page.
The new iMAPS runs in Internet Explorer (versions 6, 7 & 8) and Firefox. We’ve done limited testing in other browsers such as Chrome.
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Should I disable my pop-up blocker for iMaps?
Yes. Some browsers have a pop-up blocker turned on automatically. If you right-click in the area at the top of your browser – Choose Always Allow Pop-ups from This Site (once you allow – the page will reload so it’s best to check before you do a search).
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Where can I find a survey, plat, deed or other recorded information?
The new iMAPS has a direct link to the DEED [the written legal document by which title to land is conveyed (transferred) between two parties] or PLAT (map showing actual or planned features, such as streets and building lots) for a selected property (if available).
- Search for a parcel.
- Click on the Deeds & Plats button.
- A new data view will open with a list of deeds & plats (if available).
- Click View to open the scanned deed or plat.
- This link will bring you to the Register of Deeds BOOKS! Application.
- View the Register of Deeds BOOKS! Application Tutorial.
- Questions about this application can be answered by rodtech@wakegov.com or call the Register of Deeds at 919-856-5460.
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My Tax Bill shows the PIN in this format: 1716.01 10 7707 000. How do I enter that number into the search on iMAPS?
1716.01 10 7707 000 would be entered as 1716107707 in iMAPS (drop the decimal + 2 digits and the final 3 digits)
If you are copying and pasting from another screen – copy the entire PIN (including the final 3 digits) and paste into the PIN search. iMAPS will convert the format for you.
Alternatively, you can also search by one of the other methods (Owner, Address, Real Estate ID).
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Who can I contact if I am having trouble with iMAPS?
Email iMAPSHelpdesk@wakegov.com.
Wake County GIS Customer Service: 919-856-6360, M–F, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
We make every effort to answer email within one business day.
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About iMaps
Why did you upgrade iMAPS?
The technology that supports the old iMAPS will soon be going out of support with the vendor; it is outdated. We upgraded so that we can offer an industry standard, supportable application. The new architecture allows us to offer new features that our customers have requested. This is the first major application upgrade to iMAPS in nine years.
The application was developed in house – there was not a development cost for the application. The infrastructure upgrade (from ArcIMS to ArcGIS Server) was included in our maintenance.
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Who is the application developer?
Justin Greco, GIS Programmer at the City of Raleigh GIS is the application developer.
The site was a collaborative effort between the City of Raleigh GIS and Wake County GIS and involves data and infrastructure from both.
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What technology was used to build this site?
The site uses the Flex API for ArcGIS Server. Some queries and functions are built with PHP.
Geospatial data is stored in SDE/Oracle.
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What is the accuracy of the data on iMAPS?
There are a number of different data sets shown on the iMAPS site. Each data set has a level of accuracy and currency. To find out more about the data on iMAPS please download metadata.
Please note: iMAPS should not be used as a survey. Users are responsible for understanding the accuracy limitations of the data and the currency of data and taking these factors into consideration for use. If you are looking for a survey or other recorded information please go to the Register of Deeds BOOKS! application.
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When will new aerial photos/orthophotography be available?
The 2010 aerial photography is available in iMAPS.
View information on the project.
The most recent Aerial Photography available in iMAPS:
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The old iMAPS had frequent technical issues. Will the new application be more stable?
There are several improvements in the design of the new application and the infrastructure that supports it. There is now a backup server for the application. Another feature that should increase uptime is inherent in ArcGIS Server applications – the caching of base map data.
Most of the data you see on iMAPS is available free of charge from our data download page and can be used in ArcGIS, ArcViewer, TatukGIS or a number of other desktop GIS packages.
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Will you keep the old iMAPS online while customers get accustomed to the new?
YES! We will keep the previous iMAPS version up for a little while longer.
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