Land software tool

• US 7,580,045 B2
• Filed: 02/08/2008
• Issued: 08/25/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LandNet Corp.
• Original Assignee: LandNet Corp.
• Inventors: Graham, James J., Harrison, Craig D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tung, Kee M
• Assistant Examiner(s): SAMS, MICHELLE L
• Application Number:
  US12/028,729
• Publication Number:
  US 20080130955A1
• Time in Patent Office: 564 Days
• Field of Search: 701/208, 715/764, 345/628
• US Class Current: 345/628
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/29 Geographical information databases
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/907 Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/00 Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance

Abstract

Disclosed is a network accessible tool that is capable of providing map and satellite image data, as well as other photographic image data to locate, identify, measure, view, and communicate information about land over the Internet-to-Internet users. The network accessible tool includes a location tool that allows the user to locate areas on a map using geographic names, township, range and section descriptions, county names, latitude and longitude coordinates or zip codes. Network accessible tool also includes a metes and bounds tool that draws boundaries on the map and image data in response to metes and bounds descriptions that have been entered by the Internet user. The network accessible tool also includes a lat/long drawing tool that draws boundaries on the map and image data based upon latitude and longitude coordinate pairs that have been entered by the Internet user. A cursor drawing tool allows the Internet user to draw and edit boundaries on the map and image data by simply clicking the cursor on the corner points of the boundary. An acreage calculation tool is also provided that calculates the acreage of an enclosed boundary. A distance measurement tool is also provided. The cursor information tool provides information relating to the name and creation date of the map and image data in accordance with the location of the cursor on the screen. The information can be communicated by printing, downloading, or e-mailing.

Claims

1. A method of obtaining map identification information relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps stored on a host computer system in response to the location of a cursor using a cursor drawing tool that is part of an Internet accessible tool operating on said host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool and said cursor drawing tool that is part of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point using said cursor drawing tool;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row using said cursor drawing tool;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location using said cursor drawing tool;

retrieving stored map identification information relating to said specific map from said host computer system using said cursor drawing tool; and

performing investigatory functions relating to said specific map using said map identification information in accordance with direction provided by a user using said Internet accessible tool such that said stored map identification information is used as a repository for said map identification information.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said investigatory functions comprise at least one of the group consisting of:

selling land, buying land, developing land, subdividing land, lending with respect to land, insuring with respect to land, determining ownership rights of land, surveying land, brokering land, appraising land, engineering with respect to land, planning with respect to land, researching land titles, financing land, performing an environmental audit, determining mineral rights of land, and determining water rights of land.

3. A method of obtaining map identification information relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps stored on a host computer system in response to the location of a cursor using a cursor drawing tool that is part of an Internet accessible tool operating on said host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool and said cursor drawing tool that is part of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point using said cursor drawing tool;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row using said cursor drawing tool;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location using said cursor drawing tool;

retrieving stored map identification information relating to said specific map from said host computer system using said cursor drawing tool; and

updating said stored map identification information relating to said specific map identified by said cursor screen coordinates as said cursor screen coordinates change due to said cursor being moved using said cursor drawing tool.

4. A method of obtaining map identification information relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps stored on a host computer system in response to the location of a cursor using a cursor drawing tool that is part of an Internet accessible tool operating on said host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool and said cursor drawing tool that is part of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point using said cursor drawing tool;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row using said cursor drawing tool;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location using said cursor drawing tool; and

retrieving stored map identification information relating to said specific map from said host computer system using said cursor drawing tool, wherein said stored map identification information comprises at least one of the group consisting of;

map dates, image dates, map names, image names, and other map data.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising displaying said stored map identification information in a message center section of said screen using said Internet accessible tool.

6. A method of obtaining land description data relating to land described by a specific map in a set of digital maps stored on a host computer system in response to the location of a cursor using a cursor drawing tool that is part of an Internet accessible tool operating on said host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool and said cursor drawing tool that is part of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point using said cursor drawing tool;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row using said cursor drawing tool;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location using said cursor drawing tool; and

retrieving said land description data described by said specific map from said host computer system using said cursor drawing tool.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said land description data comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

streaming video of said land, ground level photo images of said land, title documents relating to said land, mineral rights relating to said land, water rights relating to said land, physical features of said land, information relating to man-made objects and structures built on said land, information relating to man-made objects and structures to be built on said land, and other data relating to said land.

8. The method of claim 6 further comprising performing investigatory functions relating to said land described by said specific map in accordance with direction provided by a user using said Internet accessible tool.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said investigatory functions comprise at least one of the group consisting of:

selling land, buying land, developing land, subdividing land, lending with respect to land, insuring with respect to land, determining ownership rights of land, surveying land, brokering land, appraising land, engineering with respect to land, planning with respect to land, researching land titles, financing land, performing an environmental audit, determining mineral rights of land, and determining water rights of land.

16. The method of claim 8 wherein said location description data comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

latitude and longitude coordinates;

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates;

county;

postal code;

parcel;

tract;

lot and block; and

township, range and section.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising updating said location description data identified by said cursor screen coordinates as said cursor screen coordinates change due to said cursor being moved using said cursor drawing tool.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising displaying said location description data in a message center section of said screen using said Internet accessible tool.

10. A method of obtaining map description data relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps stored on a host computer system in response to the location of a cursor using a cursor drawing tool that is part of an Internet accessible tool operating on said host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool and said cursor drawing tool that is part of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point using said cursor drawing tool;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row using said cursor drawing tool;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location using said cursor drawing tool; and

retrieving stored map description data relating to said specific map from said host computer system using said cursor drawing tool.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said stored map description data comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

nearest elevation with respect to said cursor geographic coordinates, nearby geographical features with respect to said cursor geographic coordinates, map legends, and map scale.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said nearby geographical features comprise at least one of the group consisting of:

lakes, parks, towns, natural objects, man-made objects, structures built on the land, and structures planned to be built on the land.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising performing investigatory functions relating to said map description data of said specific map in accordance with direction provided by a user using said Internet accessible tool.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said investigatory functions comprise at least one of the group consisting of:

selling land, buying land, developing land, subdividing land, lending with respect to land, insuring with respect to land, determining ownership rights of land, surveying land, brokering land, appraising land, engineering with respect to land, planning with respect to land, researching land titles, financing land, performing an environmental audit, determining mineral rights of land, and determining water rights of land.

15. A method of obtaining location description data relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps stored on a host computer system in response to the location of a cursor using a cursor drawing tool that is part of an Internet accessible tool operating on said host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool and said cursor drawing tool that is part of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point using said cursor drawing tool;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row using said cursor drawing tool;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location using said cursor drawing tool; and

retrieving said location description data relating to said specific map from said host computer system using said cursor drawing tool.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising performing investigatory functions relating to location description data of said specific map in accordance with direction provided by a user using said Internet accessible tool.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said investigatory functions comprise at least one of the group consisting of:

selling land, buying land, developing land, subdividing land, lending with respect to land, insuring with respect to land, determining ownership rights of land, surveying land, brokering land, appraising land, engineering with respect to land, planning with respect to land, researching land titles, financing land, performing an environmental audit, determining mineral rights of land, and determining water rights of land.

21. A method of obtaining e-documents relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps stored on a host computer system in response to the location of a cursor using a cursor drawing tool that is part of an Internet accessible tool operating on said host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool and said cursor drawing tool that is part of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point using said cursor drawing tool;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows using said cursor drawing tool;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row using said cursor drawing tool;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location using said cursor drawing tool; and

retrieving stored e-documents relating to said land described by said specific map from said host computer system using said cursor drawing tool.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein said stored e-documents comprise at least one of the group consisting of:

title abstracts, deed information, legal descriptions, leases, rights-of-way, surveys, watershed studies, easements, loan information, appraisal reports, grazing leases, insurance, conservation easements, ownership rights, and public land leases.

23. The method of claim 21 further comprising performing investigatory functions relating to e-documents of said specific map in accordance with direction provided by a user using said Internet accessible tool.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said investigatory functions comprise at least one of the group consisting of:

selling land, buying land, developing land, subdividing land, lending with respect to land, insuring with respect to land, determining ownership rights of land, surveying land, brokering land, appraising land, engineering with respect to land, planning with respect to land, researching land titles, financing land, performing an environmental audit, determining mineral rights of land, and determining water rights of land.

25. A method of locating a boundary on a plurality of digital maps and images stored on a host computer system using an Internet accessible tool operating on said host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

obtaining a first digital map with said boundary overlaid on said first digital map, wherein said boundary is comprised of a plurality of boundary points delineating screen coordinates of said boundary on said first digital map using said Internet accessible tool;

analyzing said screen coordinates of said plurality of boundary points using said Internet accessible tool;

generating geographic coordinates for said plurality of boundary points in response to analysis of said screen coordinates using said Internet accessible tool;

generating lines between said geographic coordinates of said plurality of boundary points to produce boundary lines of said boundary using said Internet accessible tool;

displaying said boundary lines using said Internet accessible tool;

displaying said plurality of boundary points and said boundary lines at corresponding geographic locations on additional digital maps and images using said Internet accessible tool;

toggling between said additional digital maps and images to view locations of said plurality of boundary points and said boundary lines on said additional digital maps and images using said Internet accessible tool; and

adjusting said locations of said plurality of boundary points, as needed, to accurately locate said plurality of boundary points on said first digital map and said additional digital maps and images using said Internet accessible tool.

26. The method of claim 25 further comprising providing access to said method of locating said boundary on said plurality of digital maps and images to a user over an Internet connection for a fee.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein said fee comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

a periodic subscription fee permitting unlimited use of said method of generating a boundary on a digital map and a periodic subscription fee permitting limited use of said method of generating a boundary on a digital map.

28. The method of claim 26 further comprising paying said fee by credit card using secure processes over said Internet connection through said Internet accessible tool.

29. A method of locating a boundary point on a plurality of digital maps and images stored on a host computer system using an Internet accessible tool operating on said host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool though said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

obtaining a first digital map with said boundary point overlaid on said first digital map, wherein said boundary point has screen coordinates on said first digital map using said Internet accessible tool;

analyzing said screen coordinates of said boundary point using said Internet accessible tool;

generating geographic coordinates for said boundary point in response to analysis of said screen coordinates using said Internet accessible tool;

displaying said boundary point at a corresponding geographic location on additional digital maps and images using said Internet accessible tool;

toggling between said additional digital maps and images to view the location of said boundary point on said additional digital maps and images using said Internet accessible tool; and

adjusting said location of said boundary point, as needed, to accurately locate said boundary point on said first digital map and said additional digital maps and images using said Internet accessible tool.

30. The method of claim 29 further comprising providing access to said method of locating said boundary point on said plurality of digital maps and images to a user over an Internet connection for a fee.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein said fee comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

a periodic subscription fee permitting unlimited use of said method of generating a boundary on a digital map and a periodic subscription fee permitting limited use of said method of generating a boundary on a digital map.

32. The method of claim 30 further comprising paying said fee by credit card using secure processes over said Internet connection through said Internet accessible tool.

49. The method of claim 31 further comprising paying said fee by credit card using secure processes over said Internet connection through said Internet accessible tool.

33. A method of generating a boundary on a digital map using a cursor by using a cursor drawing tool that is part of an Internet accessible tool operating on a host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

generating an initial boundary point by activation of said cursor at an initial location on said digital map by clicking a mouse using said cursor drawing tool;

analyzing screen coordinates of said initial boundary point using said cursor drawing tool;

generating geographic coordinates for said initial boundary point in response to analysis of said screen coordinates using said cursor drawing tool;

drawing said boundary from said initial boundary point using a said cursor drawing tool;

analyzing screen coordinates of said boundary drawn by said cursor drawing tool;

generating additional boundary points for said boundary in response to analysis of said boundary drawn by said cursor drawing tool;

analyzing screen coordinates of said additional boundary points using said cursor drawing tool;

generating geographic coordinates for said additional boundary points using said cursor drawing tool; and

generating boundary lines between said geographic coordinates of said initial and additional boundary points using said cursor drawing tool.

34. The method of claim 33 further comprising deleting a subset of boundary points from said boundary points of said boundary after said boundary is completed and redrawing said boundary accordingly using said cursor drawing tool.

35. The method of claim 33 further comprising adding a subset of boundary points to said boundary points of said boundary after said boundary is completed and redrawing said boundary accordingly using said cursor drawing tool.

36. The method of claim 33 further comprising panning across said digital map to assist in creating and editing said boundary using said cursor drawing tool.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein said process of panning across said digital map to assist in creating and editing said boundary is performed while continuously creating and editing said boundary and without deselecting said cursor drawing tool.

38. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

first searching geographic databases accessible on said Internet to locate said digital map that shows an area of interest for said boundary to be generated on said digital map using said cursor drawing tool; and

viewing said area of interest on said digital map prior to generating said boundary on said digital map using said cursor drawing tool.

39. The method of claim 33 wherein navigation to said Internet accessible tool is provided through an affiliate website.

40. The method of claim 33 further comprising creating a land website to store said boundary using said Internet accessible tool.

41. The method of claim 33 further comprising selecting said digital map from a set of digital maps presented in a map gallery using said Internet accessible tool.

42. The method of claim 33 wherein said boundary points are connected as a series of said boundary lines, said series of said boundary lines having a line beginning and a line ending delineated by a beginning boundary point and an ending boundary point, said beginning boundary point and said ending boundary point match, and each boundary line of said boundary lines being generated and displayed as said boundary points are added using said cursor drawing tool.

43. The method of claim 33 wherein said boundary points are connected as a series of said boundary lines, said series of said boundary lines having a line beginning and a line ending delineated by a beginning boundary point and an ending boundary point, said beginning boundary point and said ending boundary point do not match, and each boundary line of said boundary lines being generated and displayed as said boundary points are added using said cursor drawing tool.

44. The method of claim 33 wherein said boundary points are connected as a series of said boundary lines and said boundary lines do not cross, each boundary line of said boundary lines being generated and displayed as said boundary points are added using said cursor drawing tool.

45. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

saving said boundary to computer readable storage media using said Internet accessible tool;

exiting said Internet accessible tool;

starting said Internet accessible tool; and

re-opening said boundary in said Internet accessible tool.

46. The method of claim 45 further comprising:

editing said boundary after re-opening said boundary with said Internet accessible tool such that said boundary may be saved and edited as needed.

47. The method of claim 33 further comprising providing access to said method of generating said boundary on said digital map using said cursor to a user over an Internet connection for a fee.

48. The method of claim 47 wherein said fee comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

a periodic subscription fee permitting unlimited use of said method of generating a boundary on a digital map and a periodic subscription fee permitting limited use of said method of generating a boundary on a digital map.

50. A method of using an Internet accessible tool operating on a host computer system to generate a boundary on a digital map using a cursor, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

generating an initial boundary point using said Internet accessible tool by activation of said cursor at an initial location on said digital map by clicking a mouse using said Internet accessible tool;

analyzing screen coordinates of said initial boundary point using said Internet accessible tool;

generating geographic coordinates for said initial boundary point in response to analysis of said screen coordinates using said Internet accessible tool;

generating additional boundary points by activation of said cursor at additional locations on said digital map by clicking a mouse using said Internet accessible tool;

analyzing screen coordinates of said additional boundary points using said Internet accessible tool;

generating geographic coordinates for said additional boundary points using said Internet accessible tool;

generating lines between said geographic coordinates of said initial and additional boundary points using said Internet accessible tool; and

providing access to said method of using an Internet accessible tool to generate a boundary on a digital map using a cursor to a user over an Internet connection for a fee.

51. The method of claim 50 wherein said fee comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

a periodic subscription fee permitting unlimited use of said method of generating a boundary on a digital map and a periodic subscription fee permitting limited use of said method of generating a boundary on a digital map.

52. The method of claim 50 further comprising paying said fee by credit card using secure processes over said Internet connection through said Internet accessible tool.

53. A method of generating a boundary on a digital map using geographic coordinates of a plurality of corner points of said boundary using an Internet accessible tool operating on a host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system, comprising:

performing processes of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising;

generating a geographic coordinates table and entering said geographic coordinates of said plurality of corner points of said boundary in said geographic coordinates table into said Internet accessible tool;

locating coordinates of said plurality of corner points of said boundary on said digital map by reference to an origin point, said coordinates corresponding to adjacent geographic coordinates using said Internet accessible tool; and

generating lines between said coordinates to display said boundary on said digital map using said Internet accessible tool.

54. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to obtain map identification information relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps in response to a location of a cursor, said processes comprising:

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location;

retrieving stored map identification information relating to said specific map.

55. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to obtain map identification information relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps in response to a location of a cursor, said processes comprising:

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location;

retrieving stored map identification information relating to said specific map;

using said stored map identification information as a repository for said map identification information; and

performing investigatory functions relating to said specific map in accordance with direction provided by a user.

56. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to obtain map identification information relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps in response to a location of a cursor, said processes comprising:

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location;

retrieving stored map identification information relating to said specific map; and

updating said stored map identification information relating to said specific map identified by said cursor screen coordinates as said cursor screen coordinates change due to said cursor being moved.

57. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to obtain map identification information relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps in response to a location of a cursor, said processes comprising:

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location; and

retrieving stored map identification information relating to said specific map, wherein said stored map identification information comprises at least one of the group consisting of;

map dates, image dates, map names, image names, and other map data.

58. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to obtain land description data relating to land described by a specific map in a set of digital maps in response to a location of a cursor, said processes comprising:

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location; and

retrieving said land description data described by said specific map.

59. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to obtain map description data relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps in response to a location of a cursor, said processes comprising:

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location; and

retrieving stored map description data relating to said specific map.

60. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to obtain location description data relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps in response to a location of a cursor, said processes comprising:

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location; and

retrieving said location description data relating to said specific map.

61. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to obtain e-documents relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps in response to a location of a cursor, said processes comprising:

determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point;

converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates;

locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows;

locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row;

identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location; and

retrieving stored e-documents relating to said land described by said specific map.

62. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to locate a boundary on a plurality of digital maps and images, said processes comprising:

obtaining a first digital map with said boundary overlaid on said first digital map, wherein said boundary is comprised of a plurality of boundary points delineating screen coordinates of said boundary on said first digital map;

analyzing said screen coordinates of said plurality of boundary points;

generating geographic coordinates for said plurality of boundary points in response to analysis of said screen coordinates;

generating lines between said geographic coordinates of said plurality of boundary points to produce boundary lines of said boundary;

displaying said boundary lines;

displaying said plurality of boundary points and said boundary lines at corresponding geographic locations on additional digital maps and images;

toggling between said additional digital maps and images to view locations of said plurality of boundary points and said boundary lines on said additional digital maps and images; and

adjusting said locations of said plurality of boundary points, as needed, to accurately locate said plurality of boundary points on said first digital map and said additional digital maps and images.

63. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to locate a boundary point on a plurality of digital maps and images, said processes comprising:

obtaining a first digital map with said boundary point overlaid on said first digital map, wherein said boundary point has screen coordinates on said first digital map;

analyzing said screen coordinates of said boundary point;

generating geographic coordinates for said boundary point in response to analysis of said screen coordinates;

displaying said boundary point at a corresponding geographic location on additional digital maps and images;

toggling between said additional digital maps and images to view the location of said boundary point on said additional digital maps and images; and

adjusting said location of said boundary point, as needed, to accurately locate said boundary point on said first digital map and said additional digital maps and images.

64. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to generate a boundary on a digital map using a cursor, said processes comprising:

generating an initial boundary point by activation of said cursor at an initial location on said digital map by clicking a mouse;

analyzing screen coordinates of said initial boundary point;

generating geographic coordinates for said initial boundary point in response to analysis of said screen coordinates;

drawing said boundary from said initial boundary point using a drawing tool;

analyzing screen coordinates of said boundary drawn by said drawing tool;

generating additional boundary points for said boundary in response to analysis of said boundary drawn by said drawing tool;

analyzing screen coordinates of said additional boundary points;

generating geographic coordinates for said additional boundary points; and

generating boundary lines between said geographic coordinates of said initial and additional boundary points.

65. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to generate a boundary on a digital map using a cursor, said processes comprising:

generating an initial boundary point using said Internet accessible tool by activation of said cursor at an initial location on said digital map by clicking a mouse;

analyzing screen coordinates of said initial boundary point;

generating geographic coordinates for said initial boundary point in response to analysis of said screen coordinates;

generating additional boundary points by activation of said cursor at additional locations on said digital map by clicking a mouse;

analyzing screen coordinates of said additional boundary points;

generating geographic coordinates for said additional boundary points; and

generating lines between said geographic coordinates of said initial and additional boundary points.

66. A computer readable storage medium that stores an Internet accessible tool, said Internet accessible tool containing instructions for a computer system to perform processes to generate a boundary on a digital map using geographic coordinates of a plurality of corner points of said boundary, said processes comprising:

generating a geographic coordinates table;

entering said geographic coordinates of said plurality of corner points of said boundary in said geographic coordinates table;

locating coordinates of said plurality of corner points of said boundary on said digital map by reference to an origin point, said coordinates corresponding to adjacent geographic coordinates; and

generating lines between said coordinates to display said boundary on said digital map.