Description: Building footprints are a useful geometric feature for many reasons. Polygons depict a relatively accurate square footage of the feature being represented, they create a database record for enableing the joining of various tables, such as building permits, appraisals, and photos, and they create an attractive cartographic effect.HISTORIC CONCERNS: The appraisal process of Jefferson County ensures that a new photograph of any structure worth appraising will be taken every three years. Unfortunately, the only way to view these photos has been to use the appraisal record management system, which can only be done on a parcel basis. This presents a challenge on parcels featuring multiple structures, for the location of the structure within the parcel is unknown. Tying photographs to building footprints as opposed to parcel polygons enables a new level of spatial accuracy and improved data retreival functionality.Another purpose for the development of this dataset is in conjunction with addressing. Property addresses have traditionally been maintained on a parcel basis, which is challenging in cases where mulitiple structures exist on a single parcel. This problem was resolved through the creation of a point based system, however, the point based system, as accurate as it may be tabularly, is not a true reflection of the geometry of the feature being represented, which is polygonal in nature. Therefore, one of the intents of this dataset is to enhance the address point system through spatial joins. The premise is that every address has a structure, but not every structure has an address. In those cases where a point geomtery type is needed or preferred, such as in 911 procedures, a point type may created simply through a 'create point from centroid' geoprocessing tool, or through a spatial join.
Service Item Id: ad060bc1b9064ea1b2dec971f25a2390
Copyright Text: Jefferson County GIS, Assessor, 911