The Cecil County Department of Planning and Zoning has a helpful product for researchers, “Cecil Maps.” This highly interactive geographic information system enables those searching for local information to access an array of county maps via the Internet.
Users are able to view aerial and topographic maps, property ownership information, environmental features, the locations of various forms of infrastructure, and a wide variety of other data elements from county departments, including planning and zoning, water and wastewater, and emergency services.
A number of helpful measurement tools, data searches, and links to other information are also available.
Because of the wealth of interactive options on the web portal, it takes a little time to get oriented to the potential for this tool, but here are a few things to look for:
Serialized aerials and base maps, beginning in 2005, are available. The products were updated in 2008, 2010, and 2013. With these you are able to see property and building lines and measure distances and area. In a dialogue box on the left side of the screen, the user is able to select many options. The parcels and lots link in to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, where you are able to view the real property assessments.
This online information helps with a variety of investigations, including old house research and in locating historical properties as there are base and aerial products to work with. I also find serialized maps helpful to observe the changes that are taking place on the land and in the communities.
When doing a historical investigation on a property, you always need the property and buildings lines, and those are presented in an attractive, easy to read format. You are also able to measure distance to help with plotting out points for your maps.
The next time you need Cecil County maps check out this excellent product.