You probably have a very general idea of what exactly it is that a land surveyor in Idaho does. Most people know surveyors are responsible for making precise measurements of land to determine where properties have their boundary lines. They also provide information that is important for engineering, mapmaking and construction projects, thanks to data that indicates the shape of the earth and how it impacts those boundaries in a specific area.
But how does a surveyor accomplish these tasks? Here’s a list of some of the more detailed duties performed by a land surveyor in Idaho:
- Research: There is a surprising amount of research that goes into a surveying job. Surveyors need to research any records of surveys that have previously been taken, as well as any other land records or titles that may be available.
- Measuring: Surveyors will conduct their own measurements of distances and angles between specific points either on, below or above the surface of the earth. They then record the results of their surveys and work to verify how accurate their measurements were. These measurements are heavily aided with the use of GPS devices, as well as Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. These advances in technology have made surveying a more precise science than ever before.
- Analysis: Surveyors must analyze their own recordings as well as previous records to look for any evidence of pre-existing boundaries. This can help clarify where boundary lines are truly located. Many surveyors must comb through municipal records to find previous instances of surveying to help provide context for their own findings.
- Prepare reports: Once surveyors have performed their measurements, conducted their research and analyzed and recorded their findings, they must prepare detailed reports, maps and plots. They then present all of this information in a detailed and easy to understand manner to clients and various government agencies that need to have a thorough understanding of boundary lines before they embark on any sort of building or expansion project.
- Establish boundaries: Based on the information and research they perform, surveyors then help to establish official water and land boundaries. These boundaries are important for drawing up official legal documents such as leases and deeds.
- Testify: On some occasions, surveyors may be called upon to offer their expertise for courtroom testimony. This most often occurs in cases involving land or title disputes. Surveyors can clearly pinpoint exactly where property lines are located, which is valuable testimony to help settle such disputes.
Surveyors often work alongside civil engineers, civil planners, landscape architects and other similar professionals. At Mason & Stanfield, Inc., we have all of these professionals available under the same roof, making us a go-to source for any civil planning and designing projects you have in mind.
To learn more about the job of a land surveyor in Idaho and the specific services we have to offer, contact our team today. We are happy to answer any questions you have and to discuss your project with you.