Make your content visual. Use 3-D Fly-through video to provide a helicopter-like tour of your property and illustrate your unique story like never before. We use GoogleEarth 3-D model of the world as a base, then add personalized mapping (GIS), logos, pictures, text and narration. You can even watch a sunset. We deliver a movie format file for use on web page, phonesPDA, kiosk, PowerPoint presentations, staff training and education, posting to Facebook, Linkedin, blogs and other social media. We do not use a template – our designs are custom fit to message and content and complete image.

Benefits and Value:

• Show an in-depth report visually representing information in a more meaningful and useful format
• Increase distributorship sales
• Set yourself apart from the competition
• Create a better understanding/relationship with client
• Increase direct sales by branding your locale
• Tell your story better and put your clients there, wherever they are in the world.

Example Uses:

• Marketing and educating wine clients and/or distributors
• Train staff to understand and sell more products.
• Selling Real-Estate
• Illustrate sun exposure of house or vineyard site(s) with actual sunrise/sunset location or animation, viewshed(s), etc.
• Public forum presentations for development and approval
• Social Media Content

To see some video branding examples, click here

Our Geographic Information System (GIS) is so powerful it can track your land in layers; from where you buried your irrigation systems to the type of vines in a vineyard and can even include a report of the yield per field.

In addition to supporting surveying and land mapping services, GIS at Ray Carlson and Associates, Inc. offers considerable benefits to vineyard owners. GIS brings a series of new and highly innovative technologies to industry and agriculture for work planning, inventory control, and site analysis solutions. With seasoned vineyard and certified GIS professionals, we have started from the ground up to build the only verifiable vineyard mapping system.

• Making important management decisions that depend on accurate information.
• Buying, selling, or changing use of property or dividing into parcels.
• Developing a vineyard or farm for maximum yield and/or demonstrating good land use.
• Prior to construction of any improvement.

To learn more visit us

Why Ray Carlson and Associates, Inc. should be who you choose to survey your land ... 

Savings of Time and Money

Our thorough and efficient services, attention to detailed requirements and our excellent rapport with public agencies let you maintain better control of your project and reduce costly oversights.

Risk Prevention

Accuracy is the foundation of our work. That accuracy and attention to detail ensures your protection against unnecessary complications and exposure during property transactions and development.

Reliability

Our years of experience, vast library of previously surveyed parcels, and reputation for integrity make us an extremely reliable member of your project team.

Innovation

Our up-to-date and innovative surveying methods bring you the best the surveying world has to offer.

• Research
• Project Management
  

  Our project management expertise makes real estate transactions easier and potentially more successful. Over the years we have worked with many realtors and their clients. Our goal is to help you increase sales and offer the best service possible to your clients.

• Expert Witness
• Data Collection & Management
• Specialized Services

 Click here to contact us with any comments or questions about Ray Carlson & Associates.

Celebrating 40 years of business! Pictured below Ray Carlson & his partner Art Gambini. 

Ray Carlson and Associates, Inc. has been surveying and mapping the North Bay since 1976. As a premier land consulting firm located in Santa Rosa, we offer a vast knowledge and keen understanding of the land throughout Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Lake and Mendocino Counties.

With knowledge and records of over 4,000 land parcels, we know original survey lines and monuments used by previous surveyors and we have a great rapport and history with other agencies in order to complete your project. At Ray Carlson & Associates, we are always on the leading edge of surveying technology to ensure the highest possible professional service.

Our innovative approach to surveying includes being the first surveying firm in Sonoma County to own Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) equipment. Our Geographic Information System (GIS) is so powerful it can track your land in layers; from where you buried your irrigation systems to the type of vines in a vineyard and can even include a report of the yield per field.

We are a dedicated team of professionals tuned into the land and the communities upon it. We invite you to make Ray Carlson and Associates your professional choice for all your GIS data management and surveying projects.

Think we can help you? Contact us today!

Make your content visual! We use 3-D Fly-through video to provide a helicopter-like tour of your property and illustrate your unique story like never before. We use GoogleEarth 3-D model of the world as a base, then add personalized mapping (GIS), logos, pictures, text and narration. You can even watch a sunset. We deliver a movie format file for use on web page, phonesPDA, kiosk, PowerPoint presentations, staff training and education, posting to Facebook, Linkedin, blogs and other social media. We do not use a template – our designs are custom fit to message and content and complete image.

Watch Hall Ranch's 3D Flythru!

Watch this 3D flythrough of Estero Ranch in Bodega Bay, CA from Ray Carlson & Associates, Inc. 

Make your content visual. Use 3-D Fly-through video to provide a Drone tour of your property and illustrate your unique story like never before. We use Google Earth 3-D model of the world as a base, then add personalized mapping with GIS, logos, pictures, text, and narration. You can even watch a sunset. We deliver a movie format file for use on a web page, smartphones, kiosk, PowerPoint presentations, staff training, and education, posting to Linkedin, Facebook, blogs and other social media. We do not use a template – our designs are custom fit to message and content and complete image.

We can also provide a virtual fly-through in an AutoCAD® environment to show how grading plans, new farming conversions, and future facilities will appear.

Example Layers of information to Add:

• Soil type and underlying geology
• Slopes and related vineyard development acreage (per regulation/request)
• Wine appellation (aka American Viticultural Areas)
• Aspect –the direction slopes face
• Geography of an area (i.e. next to a creek, mountain top, protected valley)
• Weather (fog intrusion, Mediterranean similar to Italy/France, etc.)
• Vineyard block locations, names, what wines came from what block.
• More detail vineyard block information because people are asking a specific varietal, clones, rootstock etc. and what makes these special for the given site.
• Farming practices (Ex: Sustainable/”Green”, Organic/Biodynamic, water use, hand-selected harvesting, creek & wildlife buffer strips, Foster year-round workforce supporting local families and economy
• Winemaking philosophy and unique personalities
• Improvements (existing vineyard, wells, buildings, fences, etc.)
• On-site pictures from locations they were taken

Example Uses:

• Marketing and educating wine clients and/or distributors
• Train staff to understand and sell more products.
• Selling Real-Estate
• Illustrate sun exposure of house or vineyard site(s) with actual sunrise/sunset location or animation, viewshed(s), etc.
• Public forum presentations for development and approval
• Social Media Content

Benefits and Value:

• Show an in-depth report visually representing information in a more meaningful and useful format
• Increase distributorship sales
• Set yourself apart from the competition
• Create a better understanding/relationship with the client
• Increase direct sales by branding your locale
• Tell your story better and put your clients there, wherever they are in the world.

Video Branding Examples

Some recent clients that have put this tool to work:

• Kobrand Corp
• Estero Ranch
• Alexander Valley – Hall Ranch

When it comes to buying or selling land, especially in the wine industry, it's crucial to ensure that property boundaries are clearly defined. One of the most important tools for achieving this is an ALTA/NSPS survey - an industry standard for real estate transactions. 

Ray Carlson & Associates specializes in provided detailed ALTA surveys for wineries, vineyards and other wine industry properties. Understanding what an ALTA survey entails and why it's important can help ensure that your property transactions proceed smoothly. 

What is an ALTA Survey? 

An ALTA/NSPS survey is a type of land survey that adheres to specific standards set by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). These surveys are typically required for real estate transactions, particularly those involving title insurance. They provide a detailed report of the property's boundaries, improvements, easements, and any other factors that may affect ownership. 

Why Are ALTA Surveys Important for the Wine Industry? 

The wine industry, with its vast vineyards and unique land requirements, relies heavily on ALTA surveys to ensure that property boundaries are clearly defined. These surveys are crucial in preventing future disputes over land ownership, access, and rights. Whether buying a new piece of vineyard property or selling part of a whine estate, an ALTA survey can prevent costly legal issues. 

For wineries and vineyards, the accuracy of land boundaries is essential. Mistakes in boundary determinations could lead to: 

• Disputes over property lines: Incorrect survey data can lead to conflicts with neighboring landowners over land ownership.
  
• Title Insurance Problems: Without an accurate survey, title insurance companies may not be willing to issue policies, which could delay or derail a transaction.
  
• Zoning and Environmental Concerns: ALTA surveys also help ensure compliance with zoning laws and environmental regulations, which is critical in the wine industry. 

Key Components of an ALTA Survey

An ALTA Survey typically includes the following elements: 

• Boundary Lines: Precise measurement of property boundaries and corners.
  
• Improvements: Identification of any structures on the property, such as buildings, roads,fences, and utility lines.
  
• Easements and Rights of Way: Documentation of any rights that other parties may have to use the property for specific purposes, such as access roads or utility lines.
  
• Topographic Information: Elevation data and terrain features, which are especially important for vineyards where slope and drainage are critical factors.
  
• Access Points: Locations of roads and access points to the property, ensuring that there are no disputes over entry rights.
  

How Ray Carlson & Associates Can Help

With Ray Carlson & Associates handling your ALTA surveys, you can rest assured that your land transaction will be based on accurate, up-to-date data. Their decades of experience in the North Bay area have made them experts in the specific needs of the wine industry, and they understand the importance of getting it reight the first time. 

Whether you're buying a new vineyard or selling an existing wine estate, Ray Carlson & Associates provides the reliable survey data you need to navigate the complexities of land transactions. 

Contact Ray Carlson & Associates to Get Started with Your ALTA Survey Today

When it comes to selling vineyard or winery property, it’s not just about location—it's about clarity, compliance, and confidence. That’s where Ray Carlson & Associates comes in.

With more than 40 years of experience in surveying and land consulting, Ray Carlson & Associates helps wine industry professionals protect their investment and maximize value by providing comprehensive, high-precision land surveys. Whether you're selling your estate or subdividing a large property, a survey is more than a technical requirement—it’s a strategic tool.

Why a Land Survey Matters When Selling

Selling a vineyard or winery often involves complex property features—easements, access roads, water rights, and unique zoning requirements. A boundary dispute or an overlooked flood zone designation can delay or derail a deal.

Ray Carlson & Associates offers a suite of services to ensure your transaction goes smoothly:

• Boundary and Easement Surveys: Clarify legal property lines and access rights.

• Topographic & ALTA/NSPS Surveys: Critical for title insurance and due diligence.

• FEMA Flood Zone & Elevation Certificates: Help buyers understand risk and insurance needs.

• As-Built Surveys & Parcel Mapping: Provide accurate documentation of existing conditions and potential land splits.

Technology-Driven Precision

Using cutting-edge drone (UAV) technology, GPS systems, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Ray Carlson & Associates delivers not just maps, but actionable insights. Their aerial surveys, 3D fly-throughs, and vineyard-specific mapping services are especially valuable to buyers seeking clarity on what they’re purchasing.

Supporting the Whole Transaction

The team also supports real estate transactions through consulting and expert witness services—whether it's backing up a title report or providing historical aerial photos for development research.

Designed for the Wine Industry

With vineyard as-built mapping, development planning, and regulatory compliance documentation, their services are tailored for the unique needs of vineyard and winery properties. That’s why top developers, brokers, and landowners in wine country trust Ray Carlson & Associates for their mapping needs. 

Thinking of selling? Make your first call the one that sets the foundation for a smooth and profitable transaction. Ray Carlson & Associates is ready to help you map the way forward.

Contact Ray Carlson & Associates 

Owning a vineyard is often a dream fulfilled. For many, it comes through inheritance or a generational land transfer—something that feels personal, informal, and steeped in trust. But when it comes to land ownership, tradition doesn’t always align with legal boundaries. And assumptions can turn into very real (and very expensive) surprises.

Ray Carlson & Associates has seen it all: vines planted over property lines, unrecorded easements that limit development, and inherited parcels with boundary lines that haven’t been surveyed in decades. If you're managing—or selling—a vineyard you didn’t originally design or develop, a professional land survey might be the most important tool you didn’t know you needed.

Old Maps, New Problems

Vineyards passed down through generations often rely on outdated parcel maps, oral agreements, or informal knowledge of the land. That might have worked in the past—but it doesn’t fly with modern buyers, regulators, or insurers. A boundary or easement issue can stall a transaction, cause conflict with neighbors, or restrict what you can legally build, plant, or sell.

Ray Carlson & Associates uses modern GPS technology, drone imaging, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to provide precise, legally sound documentation of your land. Their surveys aren’t just about drawing lines—they help you understand exactly what you own, what you can do with it, and how to protect its value.

Common Surprises in Inherited Vineyards

• Encroachment: Vines, fencing, or infrastructure crossing onto neighboring parcels
• Unrecorded Easements: Utility or access routes never formally documented
• Inaccurate Acreage: What’s on the deed may not reflect what’s actually usable
• Missing Records: Title issues that only surface during development or sale

A Survey Today Avoids Trouble Tomorrow

Before you build that barn, dig a new well, or even harvest this season’s fruit, it’s worth asking: Do I really know what I own? A comprehensive land survey helps you move forward with confidence—whether your goal is to sell, develop, or simply steward the vineyard for the next generation.

Ray Carlson & Associates has been helping landowners in wine country uncover the full story of their land for over 40 years. With a deep bench of historical records, cutting-edge tech, and a team that understands the complexities of vineyard properties, they’re the go-to experts for land clarity and compliance.

Need a second opinion on your boundaries?

Reach out to Ray Carlson & Associates to schedule a survey—or to dig into the history of your land. 

Every vineyard tells a story, but some chapters aren’t easy to read. Hidden beneath the surface—or buried in old records—are secrets that can affect your land’s value, your ability to develop, or even your next harvest.

Whether you inherited your vineyard, bought it as-is, or have managed it for years, uncovering these hidden details is crucial. That’s where Ray Carlson & Associates steps in, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge technology and deep historical research to reveal what your vineyard isn’t telling you.

What Kinds of Secrets Are We Talking About?

• Unrecorded Easements: Access rights or utility corridors that don’t appear in your current deed but can limit how you use your land.
• Boundary Discrepancies: Old surveys or informal boundaries that don’t match legal property lines, causing confusion or disputes with neighbors.
• Hidden Utilities: Underground water lines, irrigation pipes, or cables not documented on maps but critical to operations and future planning.
• Flood Zones & Environmental Risks: Areas prone to flooding or other hazards that might affect insurance and compliance.
• Historical Land Use: Previous land activities or ownership issues that could impact zoning or development permissions.

Digging Deeper: The Ray Carlson Difference

Ray Carlson & Associates doesn’t just provide a survey—they offer a full investigation. Their team leverages:

• Advanced GIS Mapping: Layering past and present data to reveal changes and inconsistencies
• Drone and GPS Technology: To capture precise current conditions that support research findings
• Expert Witness Services: Helping clients navigate disputes or legal questions with clarity and authority

Why Does This Matter?

Ignoring these hidden factors can lead to costly surprises: stalled sales, legal battles, or expensive rework during development or harvest. Finding these “secrets” early means you can plan effectively, avoid risks, and unlock the full potential of your vineyard.

Take Control of Your Land’s Story

If your vineyard has secrets, it’s time to find them before they find you. Ray Carlson & Associates helps wine industry professionals see the full picture—past, present, and future—to protect their investment and make confident decisions.

Contact Ray Carlson & Associates

In today’s wine industry, effective vineyard and winery management requires more than just good farming practices—it requires data. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become a powerful tool for wine growers, enabling them to track, analyze, and manage data on everything from vine health to irrigation systems. Ray Carlson & Associates has been leveraging GIS technology to help clients manage their vineyards more efficiently and with greater precision.

What Is GIS?

GIS (Geographic Information System) is a framework used to collect, manage, and analyze spatial and geographic data. In the context of vineyards and wineries, GIS helps manage land-based data that can inform decisions on everything from crop yields to vineyard design.

Why GIS Matters for Vineyard Management

For vineyard owners, GIS provides a way to visualize complex data and make informed decisions. Some of the ways GIS can be used in vineyard management include:

• Mapping Vineyard Features: GIS helps map key features like irrigation systems, soil types, vine spacing, and even weather patterns, allowing owners to optimize vineyard layouts.
• Tracking Soil and Crop Data: Soil conditions can vary across a vineyard, and GIS can help track these variations to optimize vine health and productivity.
• Water Management: GIS makes it easier to track water usage, monitor irrigation systems, and ensure that water is being used efficiently—critical in areas with water scarcity issues.

Integrating GIS with Other Technologies

GIS can also be integrated with other technologies like GPS and drone surveys. Ray Carlson & Associates uses this integration to provide vineyard owners with highly accurate, up-to-date information that can be used to:

• Plan irrigation systems and drainage
• Track seasonal yield and vine growth
• Identify areas of the vineyard that require attention or improvement

How GIS Improves Decision-Making

With GIS, vineyard managers can make better, data-driven decisions. For example, if a particular section of the vineyard has been yielding fewer grapes over time, GIS data can help identify the underlying factors, such as poor soil conditions or inadequate irrigation. Similarly, GIS can be used to track the effectiveness of different farming practices and adjust them accordingly.

Ray Carlson & Associates: GIS Experts for the Wine Industry

At Ray Carlson & Associates, GIS is just one of the many tools we use to help our clients manage their vineyards effectively. Our team has years of experience working with vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, and surrounding areas, and we understand the specific needs of the wine industry.

Contact Ray Carlson & Associates to learn more about how GIS can benefit your vineyard management and improve long-term outcomes.

The Essential Role of GIS in Vineyard & Winery Management

Effective vineyard and winery management requires more than just good farming practices—it requires data. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become a powerful tool for wine growers, enabling them to track, analyze, and manage data on everything from vine health to irrigation systems. Ray Carlson & Associates has been leveraging GIS technology to help clients manage their vineyards more efficiently and with greater precision.

What Is GIS?

GIS (Geographic Information System) is a framework used to collect, manage, and analyze spatial and geographic data. In the context of vineyards and wineries, GIS helps manage land-based data that can inform decisions on everything from crop yields to vineyard design.

Why GIS Matters for Vineyard Management

For vineyard owners, GIS provides a way to visualize complex data and make informed decisions. Some of the ways GIS can be used in vineyard management include:

• Mapping Vineyard Features: GIS helps map key features like irrigation systems, soil types, vine spacing, and even weather patterns, allowing owners to optimize vineyard layouts.
• Tracking Soil and Crop Data: Soil conditions can vary across a vineyard, and GIS can help track these variations to optimize vine health and productivity.
• Water Management: GIS makes it easier to track water usage, monitor irrigation systems, and ensure that water is being used efficiently—critical in areas with water scarcity issues.

Integrating GIS with Other Technologies

GIS can also be integrated with other technologies like GPS and drone surveys. Ray Carlson & Associates uses this integration to provide vineyard owners with highly accurate, up-to-date information that can be used to:

• Plan irrigation systems and drainage
• Track seasonal yield and vine growth
• Identify areas of the vineyard that require attention or improvement

How GIS Improves Decision-Making

With GIS, vineyard managers can make better, data-driven decisions. For example, if a particular section of the vineyard has been yielding fewer grapes over time, GIS data can help identify the underlying factors, such as poor soil conditions or inadequate irrigation. Similarly, GIS can be used to track the effectiveness of different farming practices and adjust them accordingly.

Ray Carlson & Associates: GIS Experts for the Wine Industry

At Ray Carlson & Associates, GIS is just one of the many tools we use to help our clients manage their vineyards effectively. Our team has years of experience working with vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, and surrounding areas, and we understand the specific needs of the wine industry.

Contact Ray Carlson & Associates to learn more about how GIS can benefit your vineyard management and improve long-term outcomes.

Starting a new vineyard or expanding an existing one is a complex and costly process. Without accurate land data, vineyard development projects can face delays, legal disputes, and unforeseen costs. That’s why land surveys are an essential first step for any vineyard development project.

At Ray Carlson & Associates, we’ve been helping vineyard owners in Sonoma, Napa, and surrounding areas navigate the challenges of vineyard development for over four decades. Here’s why accurate land surveys are so important.

Planning Your Vineyard Development

The first step in vineyard development is determining whether the land is suitable for growing grapes. Accurate surveying data allows vineyard managers and developers to evaluate key factors such as:

• Topography: The shape and slope of the land will influence water drainage and irrigation planning.

• Soil Quality: Knowing the soil composition and its ability to support grapevines is crucial.

• Sun Exposure: The orientation of the land can affect vine growth and grape quality.

Without precise surveying data, these factors are harder to assess, and mistakes can be costly.

Types of Surveys Needed for Vineyard Development

For vineyard development, several types of surveys are typically required:

• Topographic Surveys: These surveys measure the contours of the land, allowing for optimal irrigation planning, road placement, and vine row layout.

• Boundary Surveys: A clear understanding of the property’s boundaries ensures that development stays within legal limits.

• Environmental Surveys: Some areas may require environmental assessments to ensure that the development doesn’t impact local ecosystems or violate zoning laws.

The Role of GPS and GIS in Vineyard Planning

Ray Carlson & Associates uses cutting-edge GPS and GIS technology to gather accurate data for vineyard development. GIS (Geographic Information System) allows for detailed mapping of features like irrigation lines, vine spacing, and even crop yield data. This makes it easier to plan for new vineyard sections, ensure that water resources are efficiently used, and track long-term productivity.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Vineyard development projects often encounter delays or complications when land surveys are not conducted properly. For example, misinterpreting boundary lines can lead to encroachments, disputes with neighbors, or delays in obtaining permits. Comprehensive surveys conducted by Ray Carlson & Associates reduce the risk of such issues.

For vineyard owners looking to build or expand, the importance of accurate surveys cannot be overstated. At Ray Carlson & Associates, we have the expertise and tools necessary to ensure that your vineyard development project proceeds smoothly and efficiently.

Contact Ray Carlson & Associates to Begin Your Vineyard Development With Accurate Land Surveys!

In the Wine Industry, precision is key. Whether it's for developing new vineyard sites, expanding existing operations, or managing irrigation systems, having accurate land data is critical. This is where modern surveying technology comes into play. 

Ray Carlson & Associates has been at the forefront of using these cutting-edge technologies to provide accurate and efficient land surveys for the North Bay wine industry, including vineyards in Sonoma, Napa, and beyond.

The Role of Drones in Surveying

Drones - or unmanned aerial vehicles (UaVs) - have taken land surveying to new heights. With high-definitiion cameras and GPS-enabled flight paths, drones capture precise aerial images that can be stitched together to create detailed topographic maps and 3D models. These models help vineyard owners visualize their land in ways that were once impossible with traditional surveys. 

Using drones to map vineyard properties offers several advantages: 

•  Efficient Coverage: Drones can quickly cover large areas of land that might otherwise be difficult or costly to survey on foot. 
• Detailed Aerial Imagery: High-resolution aerial images allow for better visualization of the land's topography, including slopes, water drainage, and potential hazards. 
• 3D Modeling: Aerial surveys can generate 3D models of the land, making it easier to plan for new vineyard layouts, irrigation systems, and other infrastructure. 

How This Technology Benefits Vineyards

For vineyards, using GPS and drones to survey land is not just about precision - it's about gaining a deeper understanding of the property. Whether you're designing a new vineyard or managing an existing one, accurate data abou tthe land's contours, irrigation systems, and growth potential can make a huge difference. 

• Optimal Land Use: With accurate topographic maps, you can decide where to plant grapevines based on the best land conditions. 
• Irrigation and Drainage Planning: Knowing the exact slope and contours of your vineyard helps plan an efficient irrigation system, reducing water waste and optimizing vine health. 
• Increased Efficiency: Drones make it possible to survey and collect data from hard-to-reach or large areas, reducing the amount of time it takes to get results. 

Why Ray Carlson & Associates? 

With over 40 years of surveying experience in Sonoma, Napa, and surrounding counties, Ray Carlson & Associates has developed a deep understanding of the land - and the technology used to map it. Our surveys offer unparalleled accurace and efficiency, ensuring that vineyard owners can make the best decisions about their properties. 

Contact Ray Carlson & Associates today to see how our surveying can benefit your vineyard.

Ray Carlson & Associates: Mapping a Better World

Consulting Services Time and Cost Savings - Our meticulous and efficient approach, combined with our strong relationships with public agencies, helps you

The Geographic Information System Advantage

The Ray Carlson & Associates, Inc. business model includes an experienced Geographic Information System (GIS) division which serves to enhance the company’s leadership position among land surveying companies. A geographic information system is a blending of software, hardware, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. Layers and tables of information are combined to provide a framework in order to plan, model and make better decisions. Your purpose dictates which layers of information are used.

Internally our GIS Division tracks all jobs through a customized GIS-enabled database which allows for increased data access, tracking of submittals and efficiency among adjacent jobs with the integration of thousands of job records. As GIS improves our surveying, so the combination of high precision GPS and land expertise of our surveying professional counterparts allows us to, in turn, to be considered uniquely advantageous among GIS consultants.

In addition to supporting surveying and mapping services, GIS at Ray Carlson and Associates, Inc. offers considerable benefits to vineyard owners. GIS brings a series of new and highly innovative technologies to industry and agriculture for work planning, inventory control, and site analysis solutions. With seasoned vineyard and certified GIS professionals, we have started from the ground up to build the only verifiable vineyard As-Built mapping system giving you vine level management of your water system and drainage.

Your Management Decisions Are Only as Good as Your As-Built Mapping.

Click Here to Learn More

Make your content visual. Use 3-D Fly-through video to provide a Drone tour of your property and illustrate your unique story like never before. We use Google Earth 3-D model of the world as a base, then add personalized mapping with GIS, logos, pictures, text, and narration. You can even watch a sunset. We deliver a movie format file for use on a web page, smartphones, kiosk, PowerPoint presentations, staff training, and education, posting to Linkedin, Facebook, blogs and other social media. We do not use a template – our designs are custom fit to message and content and complete image.

We can also provide a virtual fly-through in an AutoCAD® environment to show how grading plans, new farming conversions, and future facilities will appear.

Example Layers of information to Add:

• Soil type and underlying geology
• Slopes and related vineyard development acreage (per regulation/request)
• Wine appellation (aka American Viticultural Areas)
• Aspect –the direction slopes face
• Geography of an area (i.e. next to a creek, mountain top, protected valley)
• Weather (fog intrusion, Mediterranean similar to Italy/France, etc.)
• Vineyard block locations, names, what wines came from what block.
• More detail vineyard block information because people are asking a specific varietal, clones, rootstock etc. and what makes these special for the given site.
• Farming practices (Ex: Sustainable/”Green”, Organic/Biodynamic, water use, hand-selected harvesting, creek & wildlife buffer strips, Foster year-round workforce supporting local families and economy
• Winemaking philosophy and unique personalities
• Improvements (existing vineyard, wells, buildings, fences, etc.)
• On-site pictures from locations they were taken

Example Uses:

• Marketing and educating wine clients and/or distributors
• Train staff to understand and sell more products.
• Selling Real-Estate
• Illustrate sun exposure of house or vineyard site(s) with actual sunrise/sunset location or animation, viewshed(s), etc.
• Public forum presentations for development and approval
• Social Media Content

Benefits and Value:

• Show an in-depth report visually representing information in a more meaningful and useful format
• Increase distributorship sales
• Set yourself apart from the competition
• Create a better understanding/relationship with the client
• Increase direct sales by branding your locale
• Tell your story better and put your clients there, wherever they are in the world.

Video Branding Examples

Some clients that have put this tool to work:

• Kobrand Corp
• Estero Ranch
• Alexander Valley – Hall Ranch

Tentative Maps / Site Maps

A map of a proposed subdivision project that is submitted to a local planning agency for study and conditional approval.

Parcel Maps

A Parcel Map is an official map that shows a subdivision of land into four or fewer parcels, sometimes with a “designated remainder.” This map depicts property lines, easements, and monuments set by the Professional Land Surveyor in accordance with the Subdivision Map Act and local ordinance. The map is created to show the locations of each parcel and its relation to surrounding surveys. A Parcel Map is recorded within the county in which the survey is performed, following acceptance by all agencies and governing bodies.

Record of Survey

Record of Survey is a map that shows the location of deed described boundary or easement lines, based on field measurements. Sometimes only a portion of the entire site is shown. This map is reviewed by the County Surveyor for the elements required by the Land Surveyors Act, and then filed within the county in which the survey was performed. A Record of Survey represents the opinion of the Professional Land Surveyor as to the location of those described lines and retracement findings. The Record of Survey also shows sufficient information to locate the survey on the ground, and documents potential title issues related to the specific property lines shown and affected neighboring parcels.

The above two maps were used in court to prove that the owner had planted a vineyard over an equestrian easement. The one on the left was marked on a quad sheet to represent an existing road. The one on the right is a current aerial showing the property.

Court Exhibits

Mapping of locations such as accident scenes, property line encroachments, specific to an event, for the purpose of presenting a visual display for use in court proceedings. We use historical archives, aerials, and hundreds of mapping layers to add to thoroughly researched and surveyed disputes.

Ray Carlson & Associates, Inc. uses the combined capabilities of AutoCAD® Civil 3D and ESRI® ArcGIS software to provide you with professional, accurate maps for illustration or submission requirements.

For engineers, architects and land managers we can provide our maps in AutoCAD® dwg or ESRI® shapefile formats for easy integration into your workflow.

We can work with art departments and graphic designers to provide raster and vector images for use with Adobe Creative Suite applications.

Contact Cindee for more information (707) 528-7649 or Cindeen@RCMaps.com