Morrow County is set to enhance its surveying capabilities with the introduction of a new Geographic Information System (GIS) based research tool, aimed at improving access to survey data for residents and professionals alike. During the Morrow County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 18, 2025, officials discussed the transition from a traditional Excel and PDF-based records system to a more user-friendly, graphical representation of surveys overlaid on tax lot maps.

The initiative, spearheaded by County Surveyor Matt Kenny and GIS specialist Steven, is designed to streamline the process of locating and accessing survey information. Currently, the existing system requires users to navigate through folders and have prior knowledge of survey names or dates, which can be cumbersome for those unfamiliar with the data. The new GIS tool will allow users to search for surveys based on general location or specific details, making it significantly easier to find relevant information.

Kenny expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, highlighting that the new system will not only benefit surveyors but also the general public and other county departments. The tool will feature color-coded survey types, a query function for detailed searches, and the potential to integrate ownership data with tax lot information, which is currently lacking in Morrow County.

While the project is still in development, with approximately 573 surveys digitized out of an estimated 2,500, both Kenny and Steven are optimistic about its future. They aim to create a comprehensive resource that will keep pace with advancements in other counties across Oregon.

The meeting underscored the importance of modernizing county resources to improve accessibility and efficiency for all stakeholders. As the project progresses, Morrow County is poised to become a leader in utilizing GIS technology for public land surveying, ultimately enhancing community engagement and service delivery.