Most people think of land surveys as simply the drawing of boundaries around properties. Actually there are many varieties of surveying that are employed across many different industries. Property boundaries are definitely a key component of land surveying in Idaho, but there are also surveys and surveyors that service the construction industry, the environmental sector and many others.
Surveys can encompass nearly anything that deals with measuring the environment around us. Here are some brief descriptions of different types of land surveying in Idaho:
- Boundary survey: The most common form of land surveying in Idaho is the boundary survey. Indeed, just about any laws pertaining to land ownership would be nearly impossible to enforce without the work of boundary surveyors. A boundary survey is completed for the purpose of establishing or re-establishing property corners and boundary lines. This type of survey includes everything needed to buy or sell a parcel of land, regardless of whom the buyer or seller might be.
- Mortgage survey: Mortgage surveys are simple surveys that are one of the most frequently used forms of boundary survey. This type of survey determines land boundaries and building locations. They are usually required by title companies and lending institutions in the process of providing financing, to show that there are no structures encroaching on the property and that any structures on the property meet current zoning and building codes. When you need a mortgage survey, it is important to ensure that you are getting an officially licensed survey performed by a licensed surveyor.
- Topographic survey: A topographic survey shows the elevations and contours of the land. It shows manmade features like buildings and fences, as well as natural land features such as rivers, hills, trees and so on. This type of survey depicts all of the physical features of the land and is commonly used for planning or designing any future projects in a given land area.
- Natural resource survey: A natural resource location survey is typically used by corporations involved in the extraction of minerals, oil or other resources. When companies are trying to establish a new oil well or mine, surveyors are critical to the process of extracting resources. This type of surveying often requires specialized education and certification to ensure high standards of conduct. Individuals may also come into contact with this type of surveying method if natural resources are discovered on their property, or in circumstances involving water wells.
- Construction survey: A construction survey is used during the process of building a new property or structure. This type of survey can be needed for a process as simple as squaring up a garage or house foundation or as complicated as a new highway bridge or factory. All construction begins with the ground, and this is why surveyors are so important for the process.
Mason and Stanfield, Inc. serves all of Southwest Idaho and Southeast Oregon with highly skilled, accurate and dependable surveying. Call us next time you have a need for land surveying in Idaho or the Treasure Valley.