What is my property elevation and how to find it without a survey in Lee and Collier Counties....
How to Find Elevation Using County Topographical Maps in Lee and Collier Counties
By Josh Bohling, LPT Realty
When you're buying or selling property in Southwest Florida, understanding the elevation of a property can be incredibly important—especially when it comes to flood risks, drainage issues, or potential for future development. Luckily, both Lee and Collier Counties provide free access to detailed topographical maps, which can help you determine the elevation of a property you're interested in.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the process of finding elevation data using the county's topographical maps and explain why this information is valuable in your real estate journey.
---
Why Is Elevation Important in Real Estate?
Before diving into how to access the topographical maps, let’s briefly talk about why elevation matters. Elevation data can help you assess:
1. Flood Risks: Properties with low elevations are more susceptible to flooding, especially during heavy rains or hurricanes. Understanding the elevation can help you make informed decisions about flood insurance or mitigation needs.
2. Property Development Potential:** Higher elevations might be ideal for building new structures, while low-lying areas may require additional groundwork or drainage solutions to make them suitable for construction.
3. General Drainage and Water Flow:** Knowing the elevation helps in understanding how water flows across a property, which can impact its usability and long-term value.
Finding Elevation in Lee County
Lee County offers an easy-to-use GIS (Geographic Information System) tool that allows you to access topographical maps and find elevation data for any property within the county.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Elevation in Lee County:
1. Visit the Lee County GIS Property Information Site:
Go to Lee County GIS Property Info (https://gispropertyinfo.leegov.com/). This is the official site that provides a wealth of information about properties throughout the county, including elevation data.
2. Enter the Property Information:
You can search by the property address, owner name, or parcel number. If you don’t know the parcel number, entering an address works just as well. Once you’ve found the property you’re interested in, click on it to bring up its details.
3. Access the Topographical Data:
Look for the "Elevation" option, which is located on the right side towards the bottom of the page. This will display elevation contours, allowing you to see the height of the property at various points.
4. Interpret the Data:
The map will show data points, with each line representing a specific elevation. The data will help you understand how the land is graded and whether it’s prone to flooding. This will give you a very detailed map of the high and low points in an area. This information does not take into account major elevation changes due to construction, so a survey will always show the most accurate measurement of elevation.
Finding Elevation in Collier County
Collier County has a similar tool, although it’s hosted on a different website. The topographical map for Collier County is easy to navigate and provides great detail about the elevation of any property within the county.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Elevation in Collier County:
1. **Visit the Collier County Topographic Map Website:**
Go to Collier County Topographic Map at https://en-us.topographic-map.com/map-38dt6/Collier-County/
2. Search for the Property:
You can zoom in on the map or search for an address directly. Use the interactive features to navigate to the area you are interested in.
3. Find the Elevation Data:
Once you locate your property, use the elevation tools provided to get the elevation details. The map will show color-coded elevation ranges and has the ability to click to give you estimated elevation, helping you understand the terrain of the area.
4. Analyze the Map:
As with Lee County’s map, Collier County’s map uses topograpical information to indicate elevation changes. This map is color-coded, which can make it easier to see elevation shifts at a glance but does not replace a survey with an elevation certificate as that will provide the most accurate data for elevation.
Additional Tips
- **Flood Zones:** In addition to using topographical maps, check if the property is within a FEMA flood zone. While elevation is key, flood zones will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the flood risk.
- **Consult a Professional:** If you're unsure about interpreting the elevation data or how it could impact your decision, it’s always a good idea to consult with a local surveyor, engineer, or your real estate agent (like me!) who has experience navigating the complexities of Southwest Florida properties.
---
Why Elevation Data Matters for Buyers and Sellers
As a real estate agent in Southwest Florida, I've seen firsthand how understanding elevation can influence property decisions. For buyers, it’s essential to know if a property is at risk of flooding or if the elevation is suitable for building. For sellers, providing elevation data up front can give potential buyers confidence in the property’s suitability for their needs, especially if the land is in a flood-prone area and help get top dollar when selling.
In both cases, topographical maps are an invaluable tool to make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises later on.
Conclusion
Whether you’re buying or selling property in Lee or Collier County, understanding elevation is crucial to making a smart investment. By utilizing the county’s online tools, you can easily find topographical information that will help you assess the land and make informed decisions.
If you need assistance navigating these resources or interpreting the data, feel free to reach out! As your local real estate agent, I’m here to help you understand every detail about your property—and ensure you make the best decision for your future in Southwest Florida.
---
Josh Bohling LPT Realty-SW FL
Cell 239-320-5326
For a personalized search go to
https://joshbohling.realscout.com/agent/website
Feel free to contact me anytime for personalized guidance!
Categories
Recent Posts