Spatial Data Explorer FAQs

Spatial Data Explorer (SDX) FAQs


What is an NCPIN?
What is the difference between the NCPIN and the Parcel ID?
How often is the SDX updated?
I recently bought property. Why isn't it listed by the SDX?
What do Land Types AC, FF, and LT mean?
What is the difference between land units and calculated acreage?
Why is the address shown sometimes not the property address?
What does the notation in the "Deed Reference" field mean?
What is included in the "Total Value" field?
Sometimes I find a parcel that is mapped, but SDX returns blanks in the Parcel Data, or some other error.
I entered a scale in the "Zoom to Scale" box, but when I print the map out, it is not to scale.
I have a black box on part of my screen.
My map doesn't display correctly.
My screen jumps around and gives me errors when I try to scroll.
My print layout prints a second blank page.
When I print the property record card, the right side is cut off.
Why can't I right-click and copy the map portion of the screen?

What is an NCPIN?: The NCPIN is derived from North Carolina State Plane coordinates. It identifies a point on the earth's surface.

What is the difference between the NCPIN and the Parcel ID?: While the NCPIN identifies a point on the earth's surface, the Parcel ID is merely a unique number used to catalog parcels. Although the Parcel ID associates a parcel with a specific tax map, it does not locate the parcel geographically.

I recently bought property. Why isn't it listed by the SDX?: Deeds are recorded and scanned in the office of the Caldwell County Register of Deeds. The Land Records department retrieves a copy of the scanned deed, processes the property transfer, and any mapping changes are made. This process normally takes two to three weeks. Since the SDX is updated twice a month, changes should be seen within 30 days.

What do Land Types AC, FF, and LT mean?: AC - Acreage; FF - Front foot (Road Frontage); LT - Lot (Size may vary)

What is the difference between land units and calculated acreage?: Land units can be road frontage, acreage or square feet, and are the taxable land units per the deed to the property. Calculated acres is the area in acres of the polygon that represents the parcel on the map.

Why is the address shown sometimes not the property address?: The address shown is the mailing address of the property owner, which is not necessarily the address of the property.

What does the notation in the Deed Reference field mean?: This generally refers to the deed for the property, which is recorded in the office of the Caldwell County Register of Deeds. A deed reference of book 1280, page 340 may be referred to as "BK 1280 PG 340," or simply "1280/340". The book and page is often followed by the year recorded and the revenue stamp. The Deed Reference sometimes contains the plat book and page the parcel is assessed from.

What is included in the Total Value?: The Total Value is the assessed land value plus any improvements to the property, such as buildings or outbuildings.

Sometimes I find a parcel that is mapped, but SDX returns blanks in the Parcel Data, or some other error.: This is due to one of a number of reasons. The tax information and maps are in different databases. Sometimes information for a parcel is not found in the tax database, or vice versa. SDX is sometimes updated after a mapping change is made, but before the corresponding tax records are updated. Also, occasionally there is a problem identifying the owner of a parcel.

I entered a scale in the "Zoom to Scale" box, but when I print the map out, it is not to scale.: The Zoom to Scale feature is designed to quickly zoom to an approximate scale, and is not intended to reflect a true scale.

I have a black box on part of my screen.: This is experienced when using Netscape. Spatial Data Explorer works best with Internet Explorer. To download a copy, click here.

My map doesn't display correctly.: Make sure your screen resolution is set to at least 800 X 600.

My screen jumps around and gives me errors when I try to scroll.: Make sure your screen resolution is set to at least 800 X 600.

My print layout prints a second blank page.: This may be avoided by clicking File; then Print; then click the checkbox next to Pages, printing only page 1. If the property record card prints to a second page, then click File; Page Setup; enter 0 for all margins (they will automatically be adjusted to defaults;) then click OK.

When I print the property record card, the right side is cut off.: You are probably printing in portrait mode. Change your printer orientation to landscape.

Why can't I right-click and copy the map portion of the screen?: To copy the map portion of the screen to paste to other applications, click the "Print Layout" link, located above the map in the Map Tools. In the window that appears, the map portion may be copied using the right mouse button.