PROPERTY MAP DIVISION

The Property Map Division prepares location and specialized maps utilized internally
by the department's assessors and externally by numerous federal, state and local agen-
cies, private appraisers, utility companies, businesses, real estate firms, attorneys, title
searchers, site planners and individual citizens.

When title to property is transferred a corresponding revision must be made by the
department's cartographers to the 4,000 county maps which are revised on a quarterly
basis. During 1986, approximately 150,000 transfers of property occurred throughout
the State of Maryland. At the same time, 6,000 new subdivision plats were geographi-
cally positioned onto the property maps.

Soil map overlays of the various counties were revised to reflect the latest changes
in woods lines. These revisions were facilitated by the continued acquisition of up-to-date
aerial photography at a scale comparable to the actual property map.

Through a tri-partite cooperative arrangement with the Department of State Planning
and Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Assessments and Taxation was
able to acquire 1985-86 aerial photography at a substantial savings. These mylar copies
are being produced to enhance the analysis of the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas. Maps
are being made available to local planning and zoning offices for this study as well as
local conservation districts. Full photo coverage of the eastern shore counties with par-
tial coverage along the western side of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries is expected
to be finished in early 1987.

In fiscal year 1986, the Property Map Division returned $85,000 to the General
Fund from the sale of maps and other royalties. Total distribution of maps amounted to
61,500 copies.

DATA PROCESSING

During FY '86 the Data Processing Division concentrated their efforts on several major
areas in support of our comprehensive agency operations.

Telecommunications

Data Telecommunications support between Headquarters and Field Assessment Offices
was implemented in three (3) new county offices. This raised the total to eight (8) coun-
ties so equipped and provided them with immediate access to all the respective property
information located on the Host Computer. Once installed, this service provides improved
local taxpayer service in the areas of corporate information as well as all Real and Per-
sonal Property needs.

Systems Development and Programming

Development providing improved public services in the Corporate Charter Division
continued as a major Departmental effort. The system to provide electronic recording
and retrieval of all corporate charter telephone query data was completed. As a result,
data keying efforts to collect and update the history files were initiated with an expected
completion date in approximately nine (9) months. This system enables the department
to dispense information pertaining to corporations or limited partnerships faster, more
accurately and more dependably than in the past.