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Mapping

Photo of the Mapping Technician Lead

Vickie Carter

Mapping Technician Lead

I am an experienced professional with over 40 years of expertise in the field of property assessment and mapping. Currently, I serve as the Mapping Director for the Property Assessor's Office in Knox County, where I oversee the county's mapping initiatives and ensure the accuracy and integrity of property records for assessment and taxation purposes. Before joining the Property Assessor's Office, I spent 10 years working with the City of Knoxville Engineering, and I also worked part-time for the Planning Department, helping set up the addressing system for 911.

Throughout my career, I've earned several certifications, including the Cadastral Mapping Specialist (CMS) designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and the Tennessee Master Assessor (TMA) certification from the State Board of Equalization. I also hold a Certified Public Administrator certification from the University of Tennessee, which has helped me develop a strong foundation in both technical mapping and public administration. With more than four decades of experience in local government, I am passionate about advancing property assessment practices and contributing to the effective management of public resources.

How Does Parcel Mapping Work?

The recording of parcels involves its location, size, boundaries, zoning regulations, and other characteristics. In Knox County, our mapping team works to draw & maintain the most up-to-date information for all properties and the county as a whole. All of the publicly available records are uploaded into an interactable database called KGIS where citizens can view general info, different maps overlays, ownerships, and sales.

Step 1: Source Data Collection

  • Legal documents: Deeds, surveys, and subdivision plats from sales, courts, or other reported information.
  • GIS data: Geographic Information System (such as KGIS) layers and aerial imagery help in visualizing and analyzing land parcels for editing, merging, or other such things.

Step 2: Map Creation and Updates

  • Mapping team technicians input data using GIS software
  • They ensure maps match legal descriptions and recorded documents.
  • When parcels are split (e.g., subdivisions) or combined (e.g., mergers), maps are updated accordingly.

Step 3: Integration with Assessment Data

  • Each parcel is linked to property assessment data like land value, building improvements, and tax status.
  • Changes in ownership, land use, or improvements trigger updates to both the parcel map and assessment records.