Disclosed is a network accessible tool that is capable of providing map
and satellite image data, as well as other photographic image data to
locate, identify, measure, view, and communicate information about land
over the Internet-to-Internet users. The network accessible tool includes
a location tool that allows the user to locate areas on a map using
geographic names, township, range and section descriptions, county names,
latitude and longitude coordinates or zip codes. Network accessible tool
also includes a metes and bounds tool that draws boundaries on the map
and image data in response to metes and bounds descriptions that have
been entered by the Internet user. The network accessible tool also
includes a lat/long drawing tool that draws boundaries on the map and
image data based upon latitude and longitude coordinate pairs that have
been entered by the Internet user. A cursor drawing tool allows the
Internet user to draw and edit boundaries on the map and image data by
simply clicking the cursor on the corner points of the boundary. An
acreage calculation tool is also provided that calculates the acreage of
an enclosed boundary. A distance measurement tool is also provided. The
cursor information tool provides information relating to the name and
creation date of the map and image data in accordance with the location
of the cursor on the screen. The information can be communicated by
printing, downloading, or e-mailing.