The GIS - Mapping Office is open during normal courthouse hours. Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, excluding holidays. For qualifying holidays see our County Calendar. There are occasions the office is closed to complete field work. Questions and requests can be submitted by pone or by email at anytime and will be answered in the order they are received. Please scroll down to review more information on the left hand sub menu.
JEREMY HUGHES, GIS Department Coordinator. Carroll County Courthouse
P.O. Box 227
Mt. Carroll, IL61053
Phone: (815) 244-0254
Fax: (815) 244-1046
Email:mapping@carrollcountyil.govOffice Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
The GIS (Geographic Information System) Department is responsible for maintaining and managing geographic data, maps, and other spatial information for the county. The main objective is to provide accurate and up-to-date spatial information to support the county's decision-making processes and to help county staff, residents, and businesses make informed decisions.
The services offered vary, but typically include mapping and spatial analysis, data management and integration, online mapping and data access, and technical support for other county departments. The department provides mapping and spatial analysis services for county zoning, building and planning, emergency management, tax assessment, and other purposes. GIS services are also provided to the general public, including online mapping applications and access to geospatial data.
What is GIS? GIS stands for Geographic Information System. It's a system used for capturing, storing, analyzing, and managing data and associated attributes that are spatially referenced to the earth. Essentially, it's a technology that integrates hardware, software, and data to provide a comprehensive tool for analyzing and visualizing geographic information.
A GIS allows users to create and display maps and geographic information, analyze spatial relationships, and make decisions based on geographical data. GIS is used in a variety of applications, such as urban planning, natural resource management, crime analysis, and environmental impact assessments.
There are several key data sets which we use including parcel boundaries, road and railroad right of way/center lines, municipal boundaries, soil surveys, land use, topography, hydrology and aerial imagery. More layers are planned to be created and utilized in the future.
GIS is able to make use of surveys, deeds, or other detailed legal descriptions to better display and understand property boundaries as they change. The GIS Department also provides many services such as making custom maps, plat and atlas books, leasing digital data, and helping to resolve spatial/data related issues experienced by others.
How do I order a GIS map with property boundaries?
Carroll County currently offers two ways to purchase a GIS Map.
- You can call the Assessor’s Office (815-244-0239) to set up a username and password subscription to view and print maps from the website. This is the recommended method if you will have a continued need for access to map and assessment information.
- You can call or email your request to the GIS Office using the contact info provided. Standard maps are produced and delivered for a charge of $20.00 each. This is the recommended method if you will only need a single map and will not need continued access to map and assessment information.
- DISCLAIMER. Courts have established that maps generated using GIS cannot be used as evidence to ascertain property boundary locations and accuracy; they can only be used to identify who is paying taxes on the parcel. A survey may be needed to determine the physical extent and accuracy of a property.
How do I get a copy of my property boundary legal description?
This information will be included on the deed that has been recorded here at the courthouse. You will need to contact the County Clerk and Recorders Office (815-244-0221). For more information visit the County Clerk and Recorders Department Page.
How do I find a survey or property monument?
When a property has been platted or subdivided there are property boundary markers placed in the ground by a surveyor. Older markers are often buried, while newer markers are usually left visible. These markers may indicate a lot corner or a property boundary. When in doubt these are services a registered land surveyor can assist you with.
What other kind of information does the GIS system contain?
Carroll County GIS also maintains road and railroad center lines, 911 address data, topography, aerial images, many tax district boundaries, city limits, the public land survey system (Townships and Sections), land use data, soil data, important water features and many others.