U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Spatial Data Management System

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can we find tools for locating information regarding surveys?

In the past, tools were created to query survey data. With new technology, many of these queries are now available in the Lands, Mineral and Realty web map application Lands, Minerals, and Realty (LMaR). In the web map app, ensure that the Surveyed Land layers is turned on, zoom to the area of interest and click to view attributes and hyper links.

Do I need any special software to use SDMS?

To use SDMS you need:

• A web browser. SDMS has been tested with Firefox, Internet Explorer 11, Safari, and Chrome web browsers.
• There are known issues with the new Microsoft Edge Browser that we are working to resolve. Until these issues are resolved, please use one of the supported browsers.
• If you wish to view the scanned Survey Plats and Notes or Master Title Plats, you must have the DjVu browser plugin installed. The plugin is available free of charge
• Popups must be enabled for sdms.ak.blm.gov in order for many features of the site to function properly.

Do I need any special software to use the Land, Minerals, and Realty (LMaR) web map app?

LMaR is a web map that is hosted on Esri's ArcGIS Online platform. You can access ArcGIS Online through any web browsers or mobile devices.

How often does the data get updated in SDMS and the Lands, Minerals, and Realty (LMaR) web map app?

Information and reports accessed through ACRES is updated on a daily basis. Conveyance Documents, Master Title Plats, Survey Plats, ANCSA 17(b) Easement Maps, and Alaska Public Laws, Orders and Directives are updated as new information is added. GIS data displayed on LMaR is updated regularly as needed.

How can I download the GIS data found in the Lands, Minerals, and Realty (LMaR) web map app?

Clicking the Download Data link will take you to BLM Alaska's GIS Data page and links to data downloads are listed on this page. Data downloads are done through the BLM's Navigator program.

Where do I find more information on how to use Esri's ArcGIS Online platform, the software hosting the Lands, Minerals, and Realty (LMaR) web map app?

ARCGIS Help has helpful instructions for users of LMaR. While using LMaR, specific instructions for doing some of the common tasks can be found by clicking the Help widget

How do I retrieve land status information by township?

There are two ways to retrieve land information by township. The Township Summary by Case, Township Summary by Land, and the Mining Claim Summary reports allow land status retrieval by a township description down to the section, as well as optionally specifying a case type and/or a case status. The same reports can also be accessed spatially from the Lands, Minerals, and Realty (LMaR) web map application by zooming to the desired township and selecting the township with the cursor. Hyperlinks are provided.