Why and When Do You Need A Land Surveyor?

A land surveyor is a professional who uses modern technology and good old-fashioned mathematics to create maps and measurements of land. Their data helps architects, engineers and builders design, build and develop a project that works within the landscape and meets all zoning requirements. They’re one of the first professionals on a development site, helping civil engineers establish accurate property boundaries early in the process.

Boundary Surveys

Boundary surveys are an important procedure for anyone who plans to buy, subdivide, improve or build on a piece of property. They ensure the purchaser has more evidence to rely on when facing future issues like boundary disputes, encroaching construction or legal lawsuits. A boundary survey consists of field work and research to determine the exact location of boundaries on a property. The surveyor will look at both recorded deeds and physical markers to define property lines. When a property is surveyed, the surveyor will create a map that shows the boundaries of the land. This map is then used as the basis for all legal documentation.

Topographic Surveys

Topographic surveys are essential for a variety of construction projects. They allow civil engineers and architects to plan how land improvements will fit within the natural landscape of a property. They also reveal past changes to the terrain that may be hidden from plain sight. This information can be used to develop appropriate designs for grading, drainage, and other land features. A topographic survey is conducted by a team of land surveyors who use specialized instruments to collect and process data on a property. These include GPS devices and electronic distance measurement (EDM) total station theodolite (TST) devices.

Location Surveys

Whether you are buying a new home or you just want to add some new landscaping, it’s important that you understand your property boundaries. A land survey can help you locate property lines and ensure that you aren’t violating any building codes or legal requirements. Location surveys are similar to boundary surveys, but include more information about interior improvements and the distance between them and property lines. This type of survey is often required by lenders and local government agencies for obtaining permits for zoning changes. Regardless of the type of land survey you need, you should always hire a licensed and experienced land surveyor. The license process varies from state to state, so check with your state for more details.

Site Planning

When it comes to site planning, you need a professional who understands how to take the complex landscape and topography of a property and create a clear, readable plan. That’s where a land surveyor comes in. Site plans help builders, contractors and developers visualize the specific details of a project that will be built on a parcel of land. This includes the location of buildings, landscape features, setbacks, driveways and utility poles and lines.