Answers to the questions people ask first.
Scope, pricing, turnaround, what we do and don't do. If you don't see your question here, send a note — we usually reply same-day.
Is this a formal Environmental Site Assessment?
No. Zavia GIS provides preliminary desktop screening and GIS mapping support using public data. It does not replace a Phase I/II ESA or professional regulatory review. If the screening flags concerns that warrant formal review, we'll tell you and recommend the right type of professional to escalate to.
Can you tell me if I can build on the property?
No. Zavia GIS does not provide buildable / not-buildable conclusions. We help identify mapped constraints and suggest the questions to ask the relevant authority — Conservation Authority, planning department, planner, surveyor, or engineer — depending on what the maps show.
What do you need from me to start a property scan?
To return a scope and price within one business day, the minimum we need is:
- Property address (or parcel number)
- A short note on what you're trying to do (buying, building, planning, etc.)
Helpful but optional: listing link, parcel size, timing constraints, deliverable format preference.
How fast can I get a report?
Simple property scans typically take 2–3 business days. More complex map packages may take 3–5 business days. Rush turnarounds are available case-by-case — flag it in the inquiry.
What data sources do you use?
Publicly available GIS data, including:
- Ontario Conservation Authority mapping (regulated areas, hazard limits)
- Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) natural heritage data
- Floodplain & flood hazard mapping
- Municipal open data & parcel context
- Provincial planning & environmental mapping
Every deliverable identifies the specific sources used so you can verify or escalate.
How much does a property scan cost?
Simple properties start at $249. A "simple property" = under 5 acres, urban or suburban, single parcel, no major water features.
Development constraint mapping packages start at $499. Consultant GIS support is billed hourly or project-based depending on scope.
Final pricing depends on property size, location, available data, and requested deliverables. We confirm exact pricing before any work starts.
What areas do you serve?
The Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario — including Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, and the Halton, Peel, York, and Durham regions. Other Ontario locations on request.
Do you provide the raw GIS files?
Yes — KMZ and QGIS-ready files are available as an optional deliverable. ArcGIS-compatible files can be provided on request. Specify the format in your inquiry or leave it open and we'll recommend.
Can you support consultants with overflow GIS work?
Yes. The GIS Mapping for Consultants service is built for this — report-ready figures, constraint maps, field data cleanup, Excel-to-map conversion. Hourly or project-based. Standard NDA on request.
What if my property has a complex situation?
Send the address and a short description anyway. We'll tell you honestly if the situation is outside our scope and recommend who you should talk to instead — a Conservation Authority, planner, surveyor, or Phase I ESA consultant. The first conversation is free.
Just ask.
Send a short message and we'll reply with what you need to know.