Instructions for viewing a map from the City of Madison Assessor’s Office Property Information web pages -

Please note: Currently the map viewer will only work if your web browser is Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher.

The first time you use the “Map This Parcel” tool, an ActiveX control will need to be installed onto your computer from the City of Madison’s GIS web server. The installation process may also take upwards of five minutes depending upon your Internet connection speed. You may also need to disable any pop-up blockers you are using, as the map will be displayed in a new window in your web browser.

Please follow these instructions the first time you view a map:

1. (Optional) If you want to view the year 2000 aerial photographs as a background for the maps, click inside the box “Show Aerial Photo on map”.
2. Click on the “Map This Parcel” button to view a map of the selected parcel in a new window in your web browser.
3. A screen will appear asking “Please wait…creating map screen”
4. A security warning pop-up box will ask if you wish to install and run “Corel ActiveCGM ActiveX” control.
5. Click “Yes”

* For this tool to install, the computer’s Internet Security setting must be set to medium level or lower. The Internet Security setting is only a factor during the install of the control and may be immediately re-set to a preferred level.

* To change the Internet Security setting, click on “Tools” and select “Internet Options.” Click on the “Security” tab and then the “Custom Level” button. Near the bottom of the Security Settings box is a section to reset custom settings. A drop-down menu contains a range of settings from high to low. Select a setting of medium or lower. Click the “OK” button.

5. The installation process may take upwards of four to five minutes to complete. During that time, it may appear the computer program isn’t responding. However, the computer is actually downloading the ActiveX controls first before asking if you wish to install.

Functions of the Mapping tool:

A map of the parcel being queried on the City Assessor’s web page will appear in this new window, with the parcel highlighted in yellow and outlined in red and green lines. Moving the mouse cursor over any parcel will highlight the parcel in yellow and a pop-up box with the situs address (main address) will appear. Clicking any parcel will open another window containing information from the City Assessor’s Office for that property.

To the right of the map is a navigation field:

• The “Fit” button at the center returns the user to the initial parcel queried on the Assessor’s web page.
• The triangles surrounding the “Fit” button are compass points and by clicking on them you can move the center of the map view.
• The triangles on the left and right sides of the “Fit” button are Zoom In/Zoom Out functions. Please note that after you have zoomed out past a certain limit, clicking on a particular property will no longer link you directly to the Assessor’s Property Information web page.

* Aerial photos are from April of 2000. Newer photos will be available in the fall of 2005.