New central map viewer provides online access to information on 6 million properties in Ontario, replacing paper maps and making the land registration process more efficient  

TORONTO, Esri Canada User Conference – October 23, 2013 – Paper registry maps are now a thing of the past in Ontario. ServiceOntario and Teranet have developed and implemented eMap, a new central map viewer that allows land registry information to be accessed online. Built using Esri’s geographic information system (GIS) technology, eMap provides up-to-date, detailed information on 6 million properties in Ontario. It replaces paper registry maps, significantly reducing costs and increasing the efficiency of the land registration process. For their outstanding GIS application, Esri Canada has presented ServiceOntario and Teranet with an Award of Excellence. 

“Our customers used to spend hours looking up titles and property information on paper maps,” said Bill Snell, Director, Regulatory Services Branch, ServiceOntario. “With eMap, they can now quickly look up property information online using the Teraview gateway software or any of the workstation terminals at our land registry offices. It not only saves time, but also ensures that the information they receive is current and accurate. It’s a service that significantly enhances our customer’s experience.” 

“Ontario has been a leader in providing electronic land registration services,” noted Alex Miller, president, Esri Canada. “With information on more than 6 million properties now online, eMap is one of the largest centralized map services of its kind. Introducing eMap allows the Province to improve upon their existing system and provide even more efficient and convenient services.”

The Province of Ontario is the first jurisdiction in the world to provide electronic registration of land-related documents. This innovative system is the result of a strategic alliance between the government and Teranet, a private company that developed and operates the Province’s electronic land registration system. The company provides secure and reliable electronic services to a network of lawyers, paralegals, real estate brokers and agents, search houses, title insurers, financial institutions, governments, police services, utilities, investigators and appraisers.

“We used to print hundreds of pages of maps, which were bound and couriered to 54 land registry offices across Ontario,” remarked Al Buckle, director of operations, Teranet. “eMap has eliminated printing and courier costs and reduced our environmental footprint. It also provides broader access to property information and increases the usage of our maps.”

Based on ServiceOntario’s requirements, Teranet designed and developed eMap, which shows detailed property information as well as roads, property boundaries and survey plans. It is powered by ArcGIS for Server integrated with Teranet’s Oracle database, while the interface was built using the ArcGIS API for JavaScript. eMap provides near real-time updates and sophisticated pending update notification functionality. 

The map service is delivered via three channels and delivers superior mapping functionality to all users of the land registration system. Professional users, such as lawyers and real estate professionals, can access eMap through the Teraview product. Land registry office employees can use it through the POLARIS backoffice system, while the public can view property information online using workstation terminals at land registry offices in Ontario.

To learn more about ArcGIS, visit: esri.ca/arcgis. 

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About ServiceOntario

ServiceOntario, part of the Ministry of Government Services (MGS), is the retail face of government and specializes in integrated government service delivery.  It provides Ontario individuals and businesses with fast, easy access to government information and services, including registrations, certifications and licensing. ServiceOntario manages and operates 54 Land Registry Offices throughout Ontario which register, store and manage documents such as deeds, mortgages and plans of survey. Registration of real property is done under either the Land Titles Act or the Registry Act. All registered and deposited records are available to the public to search title or obtain information about the ownership of real property. Learn more at ontario.ca/serviceontario.

About Teranet

Founded in 1991, Teranet owns and operates Ontario’s Electronic Land Registration System, one of the world’s most advanced land registration systems, enabling users to conduct electronic registrations as well as title and writ searches relating to real property. Teranet’s comprehensive suite of related data products have fundamentally increased the real estate industry’s ability to provide efficient and secure services to the public. Teranet has built a well-established customer base and strong brand confidence, providing electronic services to a network of over 80,000 end users including lawyers, paralegals, real estate brokers and agents, search houses, title insurers, financial institutions, governments, police services, utilities, investigators and appraisers. Teranet is owned by Borealis Infrastructure, a leader in direct infrastructure investing with over a decade of investment experience and almost CAD 20 billion in capital under management. Borealis invests in and manages a diversified portfolio of large-scale infrastructure assets exhibiting stability and strong cash flows, in sectors including energy, transportation and government-regulated services. It has offices in Toronto, London and New York. Borealis is the infrastructure investment arm of the OMERS Worldwide group of companies. OMERS is one of Canada's largest pension funds with net assets of more than CAD 55 billion and an AAA credit rating. For more information about Teranet, visit teranet.ca.

About Esri Canada

Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission-critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography.  The company distributes the world's leading GIS software from Esri, Schneider Electric, Cityworks – Azteca Systems, Inc. and other technology partners.  Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada.  Esri Canada has joined the elite rank of Canada’s Best Managed companies and has been named to the Branham300.  Information about the company can be found at esri.ca.  

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