InfoMapper nets positive response

     By Holly Ivy De Vore
     Real Estate Writer
      Clark County's OpenWeb InfoMapper has been well-received since it was launched Aug. 31 on the county's Web site, according to Clint Woods, geographic information systems manager.
      The site allows public access to real property information via owner name, property address, cross streets or parcel number. Woods said about 15,000 property searches are conducted through the site daily, and that the agency receives nearly 100 e-mail messages monthly in favor of the site.
      "The focus of (InfoMapper) is our business partners," Woods said, pointing out that such partners include title companies, developers and builders who can access zoning and building information via computer, thereby reducing the number of walk-ins at the Clark County Government Center in Las Vegas.
      "We see this as a way of bringing county resources to the public," he said, "(and) I think that it has led to less frustration for the public. Our focus is to make it simple for the customer and to try to anticipate the demand."
      Soon after its launch, hardware and multiple applications were added to expand InfoMapper's capabilities and to fine-tune its performance. Plans are under way to display zoning classifications for properties in Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Mesquite. The addition of flood zones, school zones and permit applications are also under review.
      "The biggest thing is to keep (InfoMapper) simple, but robust," Woods said. "There's a lot of technology on the back end, (but) we try to keep the interface simple. It's really a research tool, but there are a lot of other uses."
      Through the site, which can be accessed on the Internet at www.co.clark.nv.us/gismo, potential home buyers can obtain such information as a specific home's lot size, assessed value and ownership history, in addition to its square footage and number of bedrooms and baths. Also accessible are the names of elected county, state and school district representatives that apply to the property. The site also features aerial photographs, assessor maps, current zoning classifications and proposed zoning changes on county land.
      Data is updated daily from 6 to 7 a.m. Aerial photographs will be updated twice a year.
      Local agencies sharing geographic information system data are: Boulder City, city of Henderson, city of Las Vegas, city of North Las Vegas, Clark County, Clark County Health District, Clark County Sanitation District, Clark County School District, Las Vegas Valley Water District, Metropolitan Police Department, Regional Flood Control District and Regional Transportation Commission.

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