Using The Map

Exploring The Map

• In the toolbar, click on the tool you want to use.
• Move the cursor over the map. The cursor may change to indicate the tool you are using.
• Click on the map with the left mouse button. Note: Some tools work by depressing the mouse and dragging the cursor to draw a rectangle, line or polygon, then releasing the mouse button.
• The results depend on the tool. The map appearance may change, such as zooming in or out. Or the results may appear in the Results section, such as with the Identify tool.

Click and drag a rectangle: Click and hold the left mouse button down on the map at one corner of the rectangle to zoom in to. Drag the mouse to the other corner of the rectangle, and release the mouse button. The map will zoom in to the area of the rectangle. Immediately zooms out from the center of the map. Click and drag the map: Click and hold the left mouse button on the map, and drag the map. The map will be recentered, with the location dragged at the location you dropped it. Immediately zooms the map out to the area of all features and layers. The active tool does not change. Click to identify: Click with the left mouse button on the map. Results from identify are displayed below the map.

Changing Background This application has three map backgrounds: USGS Quadrangles, Aerial Photographs, and a blank background. Use the Map Background radio buttons located on the top right side of the screen to change the background.

Turning Layers On and Off The PLS, Water Rights, and Irrigation Company layers can be turned off an on. This may be useful to identify the extent of an Irrigation Company boundary, or to visualize relationships between water rights. Use the checkbox next to the layer name, under Display Layers on the top right side of the screen to turn layers off an on. A checkbox next to the layer indicates that a layer will be drawn.

Note: Even though a layer or background is turned on, does not mean that the layer is currently visible. For most of the layers the map needs to be zoomed in order for the layers to appear.

Search By PLSS

To search for all water rights and irrigation companies in a Public Land Survey System (PLSS) description, enter at least a Township, Range, and Section. To narrow the search to a Section Quarter-Quarter, choose a Quarter-Quarter from the list. The Quarter-Quarter is an optional field. After entering the PLS information click "Find Township" to search the database.

There are many ways to express a PLSS description, however this application uses the following form:

Township/Range: Digits only, do not enter a leading T or R. Use the radio buttons to select a direction instead of entering a trailing direction.

Correct

Incorrect

Direction Leading Characters Direction and Leading Characters

Sections: Any whole number between 1 and 36. Leading zeros are valid, but they are not necessary.

Correct

Incorrect

Not Between 1 and 36 Leading S Leading S

Quarter-Quarters: Choose from a list of valid quarter-quarters. The quarter-quarter takes the form: (Quarter of Quarter of Section) (Quarter of Section)

Example

NE quarter of the SE quarter would be represented in the drop down list as:

More information on the Public Land Survey System

Search By Address

An address search will attempt to find an address on the map, and any water rights or irrigation companies that exist at that spot. This search does not look at Assessor or parcel records; rather it searches an address database that makes a link between an address and a point on the ground. The address database is compiled from many sources, some better than others. The best quality data is in Ada, Nez Perce, Bonner, Boundary, and Kootenai counties. The rest of the state varies in quality, and there may be situations where the system cannot find an address.

A comparison of two different ways to find an address. The parcel outlined in blue, and the red "X" both represent the same address.

Address matching must have a physical address in order to find a location. A physical address contains all of the information one would need to find an address – typically contains a number, street name, and a city. PO Boxes, and Rural Routes are not physical addresses. Since this application only covers the state of Idaho the state name is not needed to find the address.

To search for an address, enter a valid address name for Address, and a valid city name for City. Click Find Address to perform the search. If an address is found, the map will center on the point the address is found. If an address cannot be found a message will be displayed.

Correct

Incorrect

Cannot Have State Name Missing Address Missing City Name Missing Street Number Rural Route Not A Physical Address PO Box Not A Physical Address

Search By Parcel Number (PIN)

The Parcel Identification Number (PIN) is the number that the county assessor uses to identify a parcel. This number can be found on the current assessment notice. Typically the number is 12-20 characters long, and can be a mixture of characters and digits. The PIN is only unique by county, so when entering a PIN into the Irrigation District and Water Rights Finder application, both a PIN and a county are required. Please contact your local Assessors office for details on where to find the PIN on your assessment notice.

Correct

Incorrect

Missing County

Searching Through Previous Queries

All searches entered into the Irrigation District and Water Rights Finder application will be stored under the title "Previous Queries." Simply click on a link in the Previous Queries box to get the results from that query.

Query Results

All searches entered into the Irrigation District and Water Rights Finder application will be stored under the title "Previous Queries." Simply click on a link in the Previous Queries box to get the results from that query.