IAAO has released the Exposure Draft of the 2026 Standard on Parcel Mapping and Parcel Identification for review and comment.
This revision updates the previous Standard on Digital Cadastral Maps and Parcel Identifiers to reflect significant advances in technology, data management and professional practice since its 2015 publication. The revised standard recognizes the evolving role of parcel data in assessment administration, GIS, CAMA integration, government operations and public access to information.
Key Changes in the 2026 Revision
- Updated Title and Scope – The standard shifts its focus from digital cadastral maps to the broader management and governance of parcel mapping and identification.
- Authoritative Data and the Assessor’s Role – Establishes the assessor as the authoritative source for parcel information and provides guidance on data stewardship and governance.
- GIS/CAMA Integration – Introduces guidance for GIS-centric, GIS-embedded, and GIS-linked approaches to integrating parcel mapping and assessment systems.
- Web Maps and Applications – Adds guidance addressing accuracy, accessibility, maintenance, and use of internal and public-facing mapping applications.
- Expanded Quality Control – Strengthens guidance for verifying ownership, parcel relationships, tax districts, mapping accuracy, and alignment between GIS and assessment databases.
- Parcel Identifiers – Adds system-assigned identifiers as a fifth category and references the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM), ISO 19152, for international alignment.
The 2026 revision reflects the evolution of the assessment profession from maintaining maps to managing integrated, authoritative parcel data systems that support assessment, government operations and public transparency. IAAO welcomes comments and recommendations from assessing officers, GIS professionals, technology professionals and other interested stakeholders.
A summary of changes made to the first draft is available online.
The Exposure Draft represents the committee’s work and is not to be considered a final document. The 2015 version remains the recommended guidance until a final version, edited to reflect stakeholder feedback, is approved by the IAAO Board.
IAAO welcomes comments and recommendations from assessing officers, GIS professionals, technology professionals and other interested stakeholders. Provide feedback here.