Who owns the minerals under a tract is rarely who owns the surface. Here's how mineral rights maps work, how to find yours by county and state, and how to turn ownership into a clear next step.
A mineral rights map layers mineral ownership on top of the land grid — tract boundaries, recorded mineral conveyances, oil & gas leases, well locations, and pooled-unit outlines. It is assembled from three public sources: the county clerk's recorded deeds (who was granted or reserved the minerals), the county appraisal/GIS parcels (the surface footprint), and the state oil & gas regulator (wells, permits, and units).
Ownership tracts: the mineral estate, which may be severed from the surface in a split estate.
Lease boundaries: where an operator holds the right to drill, and on what terms.
Wells & units: producing wells, permits, and the pooled units that determine your decimal interest.
1. County clerk / recorder: mineral deeds and reservations are recorded at the county courthouse where the land sits — the authoritative ownership record.
2. County appraisal district / GIS viewer: locate the surface parcel and legal description (abstract/survey or section-township-range).
3. State regulator GIS: overlay wells, permits, and units from your state's oil & gas commission public mapping tool.
4. A landman or title company: reconstructs the chain of title for a definitive mineral-ownership picture when records are tangled across heirs.
Already own minerals and just want to understand the activity around them? See how to find out if you own mineral rights and our title search guide.
Each state's page covers ownership, recording, drilling activity, and selling — with live drilling data where we publish it. Pick your state:
Browse the full state & county directory, or see where we buy.
A map shows ownership and activity — not value or legal title. For specific legal, tax, or title questions, consult a qualified attorney or landman. This page is educational and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice.
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