Current Area Information, Maps and Searches
One of the main steps in due diligence is a current photo from above providing a clear view of the property, eliminating speculation about proximity to transportation & watersheds, and giving a clear picture of the types of buildings located on and around the property. Aerials are also perfect for the marketing portfolio and supports demographic information showing roads, intersections and highways within the area.
Current Topographical Map
These United States Geological Survey (USGS) maps show geological formations and their characteristics, describing the physical setting of an area through contour lines and major surface features including lakes, rivers, streams, buildings, landmarks, and other factors that impact the spread of contamination. In addition, the maps depict topography through color and contour lines and are helpful in determining elevations and site latitude and longitude.
Current Topo maps are used to learn the elevation of a subject site and the surrounding area in order to evaluate how the spread of contamination will effect a property.
Land Use Map
Published by the Department of the Interior, these maps show the general use of the land in an area. Typically showing a 100 square mile area, you will learn if the land was agricultural, urban or built-up, range land, forestland, water bodies, wetlands, barren land, or a tundra.
Land Use Maps are used to assess prior use hazards. These maps provide coverage of rural areas not covered by Sanborn fire Insurance Maps.
Land Ownership Map
These maps where published by various companies thorough out the Mid 1800's all the way through the early 1900's, and are now housed at the library of congress. Land Ownership maps show the tract name and the name of the current owner at the time the map was drawn.
Land Ownership Maps are used to assess a property's history, especially when other sources of historical information are hard to find.
Hydrological Map
Call for additional information (800.733.7606 ext. 120).
Soil Map Report
Published by the Department of Agriculture at the county level, VISTA's Soil Map Report searches a ¼ radius around the subject property. Each report includes the types of soil identified, and a map showing where which type of soil can be found within the radius.
Soil Maps are useful for analyzing the potential absorption and drainage patterns of hazardous waste materials, the construction suitability of new sites, or the stability of existing above and below ground structures and underground storage tanks in and around any study site.
Geological Information
These USGS maps show geological formations and their characteristics, often including permeability and other factors that affect the spread of contamination. Some maps focus on specific strata such as bedrock, while others may include historic surface features such as landfills.
Oil/Gas Well Search
This search provides the location of current producing wells, plugged wells and injection waste disposal wells. The wells are identified and plotted on a topographical map with an attached summary report that details well operator name, lease name, well number, well type, current status, drill date, plug date and total depth, when available. VISTA can provide a ½ mile search, or a full one-mile search.
Oil and Gas Well Searches are used to locate possible sources of groundwater and surface contamination.
Groundwater Well Search
A comprehensive search that identifies locations of groundwater wells. The search provides detailed information on each well including owner name, well type, well depth and drill date. Details from the driller's log and well schedule can also be provided. This search can be performed for a ½ mile radius or a full one-mile area.
Groundwater Well Searches are used to analyze and determine the extent of possible groundwater contamination, when conducting tank remediation projects when identifying critical receptor points and for other specialty needs.
Groundwater Study
Groundwater publications range from 7.5' maps showing depth of groundwater, to comprehensive studies of aquifers covering millions of acres. Most publications also discuss geology. They are often exceptionally useful in estimating groundwater depth, direction of flow, and other factors that influence the spread of contamination.
Groundwater Studies are used to assess the spread of groundwater and surface contamination.
Property Status Report
A report that gathers municipal information nationwide for engineers and architects doing property condition assessments.
VISTAinfo, inc., 5060 Shoreham Place, San Diego, CA 92122. Tel: 800-733-7606(ext120); Fax: 619-450-6132; Email: ebusiness@vistainfo.com.