In any county of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth class, the judge of the court of common pleas may, in order to protect and preserve original maps, plats or plans which have been recorded in the office of the recorder of deeds of such county, direct the reproduction thereof by means of any photostatic, photographic or other mechanical process which produces a clear, accurate and permanent copy or reproduction of the original. The originals of any maps, plats or plans so reproduced shall be preserved by the recorder of deeds and shall be available upon demand.