Find Hard-to-Locate Work Areas

Having trouble finding your worksite in the Portal? Outside mapping sources can help verify the correct location before mapping your work area.

This is especially helpful for:

New subdivisions
Rural locations
Areas with roads that have multiple names
Locations that are difficult to search within the Portal

Why This Matters

The Portal uses Google and Bing Geocode results to help locate and map work areas.

❗ Important:

GPS points are reference guides for you only and are not used for locating.

If a Google or Bing Geocode result places the location:

In the center of the road
In the wrong area
Away from the actual worksite

…it is not an accurate result and additional verification is required.

Step 1: Verify the Location Using Outside Mapping Sources

Use reliable outside mapping sources to confirm the correct worksite location.

Recommended Mapping Sources

Google Maps
Bing Maps
County Appraisal District (CAD) maps
City or County GIS/Zoning maps

💡 Pro Tip: Sometimes outside sources know first!

Outside mapping sources may contain newer roads, addresses, and parcel information that have not yet been fully integrated into the Portal's mapping system.

Step 2: Locate the Correct Work Area

Once the correct location is identified:

Verify the worksite is not centered incorrectly in the roadway
Cross-check nearby intersections, parcels, or landmarks
Confirm the location matches the actual worksite

⚠️ Warning:

If the geocode result appears in the center of the road, do not assume the location is correct.

Use additional mapping sources and detailed directions to confirm the actual worksite location.

Step 3: Use GPS Coordinates When Needed

If the location is difficult to identify:

Obtain GPS coordinates from the outside mapping source
Enter them using the Zoom to Point tool
Adjust your mapped work area as needed

❗ Important:

GPS points are reference guides only and do not replace accurate mapping or directions.

CAD GPS Pull.mp4 [video-to-gif output image]

Step 4: Provide Complete Driving Directions

Even when outside mapping sources are used, complete driving directions are still required when:

The location is difficult to find
The area is newly developed
The address is unclear or unavailable
The worksite is rural or off-road

Directions should include:

A starting intersection
Cardinal directions (N, S, E, W)
Distances traveled
Which side of the road the work is on
Landmarks or identifying details when needed

💡 Need a little help with the wording? We’ve got you.
Driving Directions → Help locators find the worksite
Locate Instructions → Explain where work is taking place and what needs to be marked

Step 5: Verify the Final Map

Before submitting the ticket:

Ensure the mapped work area fully covers the job site
Verify the mapping matches the ticket details and directions
Double-check nearby roads, parcels, and intersections

Define Your Work Location → Confirm your location details
Map Your Work Area → Draw and define your work area
Improve Mapping Accuracy → GPS, map layers, and measurement tools

Have Questions?

If you have any questions, contact Texas811 support at:

📧 ThePortalTX@Texas811.org

📞 888-776-6077