FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A few things
worth knowing.
A clear view of where MittenScope stands today—and where we want to take it.
What is MittenScope?
MittenScope is an interactive map of Michigan being developed by MichiganRealty.org, built around a simple idea: Seeing Michigan Through Data. Our vision is to bring information that is often scattered across different websites into one accessible place, helping residents, visitors, businesses and community leaders understand the places around them.
In the development application, you can explore counties, cities, villages and townships; follow Great Lakes shorelines; discover lighthouses, dams and other infrastructure; and view available aircraft, vessel and transit activity. Select a place or feature to see its available information, photographs, statistics and related news—all connected to its location on the map.
Whether you’re learning about your hometown, exploring somewhere new or looking for context around a local issue, MittenScope aims to make Michigan’s information easier to discover and use. Our goal is to keep 99% of the platform freely accessible and support better-informed decisions and Michigan’s growth. Parcel data and optional AI-assisted exploration are part of the future vision; the full application remains in development.
Can I open the full application?
Not yet. The application is running in a local development environment. This website introduces it with actual development screenshots; it does not provide public access to the full map.
Can I request a demonstration?
Yes. Contact us with your organization, interests and a few possible times. We can discuss a demonstration of the current development project. A request is not a confirmed appointment.
Are the screenshots or ticker live?
The screenshots show captured development activity. The moving ticker uses the application’s icons and colors, with counts generated from project datasets. Aircraft and vessel totals are not live on this website.
Which places are covered?
The boundary foundation includes Michigan’s UP and LP, all 83 counties and 1,985 municipal and Census areas. City, village, township and unincorporated Census categories have different meanings and can overlap. See Data Sources & Coverage.
Does the water layer include Lake Ontario?
Not in the current five featured layers. The development app includes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie. Full lake perimeters can cross the state boundary; islands are excluded from the water polygons.
Are parcels, ownership, listings or sold properties available?
Parcel and property-data access is still being explored. Listings and recently sold information are future capabilities. We are not claiming statewide parcel or MLS coverage today.
Will the public have to pay?
Our goal is to keep 99% of MittenScope freely accessible—helping people make better-informed decisions and supporting Michigan’s growth. Paid access will be limited to optional AI features, which will also unlock the Google-powered photorealistic 3D experience. The full application and paid features are still in development; this website is not offering a subscription or public app access.
How fresh is the information?
That depends on the source. Boundary datasets have a published vintage; inventories have a source date; movement feeds have report timestamps. Display animation does not make a source report newer.
Can every local news article be read in the app?
No. News availability and publisher access vary. Some places have few relevant articles, and full text may not be available. We are continuing to improve coverage and source matching.
Is this a survey or an official record?
The current boundary layers are generalized geographic references. They should not be used to establish property lines. Consult the responsible county or source agency for authoritative records.
How can we help or report an issue?
Share a dataset, tell us about coverage or updates, request a demo, or send a correction with the location and source. Start on the Contact page.
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