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Landgrid and Survey Data
Tobin Landgrid and Survey Data is a comprehensive, continuous, high-resolution base map of the various survey systems located throughout the lower 48 United States and Alaska. This data includes the various PLSS surveys, Alaska, and Texas surveys, and is built to a 1:24K scale, conforming to the national mapping standards. Jeffersonian survey data is based on the U.S. Geological Survey's (U.S.G.S.) DLGs. Texas data is based on the records of the Texas General Land Office (GLO). Alaska Survey was purchased from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. Source documentation is also collected on an as-needed basis from the various county records, and orthophotography and digital imagery is used where available to ensure topological integrity.
Although listed as a single product, Tobin Landgrid and Survey Data is composed of many data layers, each of which can be licensed individually. We do this to allow Tobin customers to acquire exactly the actual data layers they need and want. Each layer is maintained separately and is supported through regular maintenance releases. The layers available are:
- State and county boundaries
- Jeffersonian township and range boundaries
- Jeffersonian section boundaries
- Texas blocks, surveys, grants and abstract boundaries
- Texas leagues, labors, porcions, sections and share boundaries
- U.S. shoreline boundaries
- Offshore blocks and protraction areas
Tobin Landgrid and Survey Data Product Overview
Tobin Landgrid and Survey Data consists of dynamic data that constantly requires updating, refinement, expansion and enhancement due to the constant changes introduced by government agencies, the application of various mapping sciences and technologies, the ability to use advanced imagery, and the standardization of cartographic techniques and methods. These dynamics relate specifically to the transient, virtual and dependent nature of the data:
- Transient: Survey data is transient due to governmental re-surveys, feature and attribute additions and deletions, source updates, advances in technology, and the advent of FPS and imagery. The original surveys were formed in the 1800s and were created with archaic and inaccurate measurement tools using non-standard units of measurement. The surveys were formed during hostile times, over rugged terrain, and were often estimated. With the introduction of and advancements in high-resolution satellite imagery, GPS surveys and modern survey equipment, survey data accuracy has evolved to meet the cartographic and technological demands imposed by today's software.
- Virtual: Survey data is virtual. It is cadastral data based on geopolitical boundaries supported with very few physical markers. The data requires constant adjustments to match position points with the mathematically derived or projected survey system(s). The U.S.G.S., GLO and BLM provide Tobin with updated information which is then applied to the Landgrid and Survey Data under the mathematical standards defined for this data, and updated accordingly. The U.S.G.S. and GLO in turn use the Tobin data as their own digital base mapping standard.
- Dependent: Tobin Landgrid and Survey Data is the basis for all of Tobin's Wells, Digital Leases, Ownership and Hard Copy data products. The high level of accuracy required with these data products demands that Tobin keeps the survey data maintained. Failure to make appropriate survey corrections could negatively affect the accuracy of a well or lease.