What is Land Surveying?

 

      Surveying has traditionally been defined as the science and art of determining relative positions of points above, on, or beneath the surface of the earth, or establishing such points.  In a more general sense, however, surveying can be regarded as that discipline which encompasses all methods of gathering and processing information about the physical earth and environment.  Conventional ground systems are now supplemented by aerial and satellite surveying methods which evolved through the defense and space program.

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                                                      When do I need a Survey?

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      A Survey is needed when:

• Property is to be bought, sold or refinanced.

• Improvements are to be made such as additions to existing structures, fences, landscaping, driveways, retaining walls and storage buildings.

• Boundaries or property corners are in question.

• Encroachments, disputes, or discrepancies are suspected.

• Property is to be subdivided or partitioned into smaller parcels.               

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                                                What is involved in doing a Survey?

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      Because the main objective of a boundary survey is to determine the location of land ownership lines, the initial phase includes land records research.  Research is conducted at local, county and state agencies and offices for the purpose of locating deeds, plans, maps, wills and other documents defining the location and rights associated with a parcel of land.  Most of this research is conducted at the Register of Deeds, where the current parcel and abutting parcel deeds are traced back in time in order to construct a "chain of title".  This enables the surveyor to understand the original description of the parcel, as well as determine "junior-senior rights" associated with adjoining parcels.  With the land records research complete, the surveyor can then construct a picture of what the parcel of land should look like according to the language contained in the deed descriptions, as well as other documents obtained during the research.  This is referred to as the "record boundaries" of the parcel.

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      Then next phase of the boundary survey involves a thorough field reconnaissance for the purpose of uncovering any boundary evidence, such as iron pipes or rods, monuments, walls, fences etc.  This is a physical investigation of the parcel and requires a keen knowledge of the types of evidence, land use patterns and local history.  Reconnaissance is conducted in light of the "record boundaries" and a determined surveyor will hunt tirelessly until the corner is found.

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      A field survey is then conducted to locate the evidence uncovered during the reconnaissance survey.  Different methods are employed including conventional total station traverses (a network of sight lines strategically placed throughout the parcel) and Global Positioning Surveys (GPS).  The Surveyor can utilize a full array of conventional and GPS instrumentation, and continually monitors equipment for accuracy and reliability.  The methods and type of equipment used depends on factors such as land area, tree cover and required positional tolerances.  All survey field measurements are verified once back at the office and run through a comprehensive QA/QC procedure.

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      A preliminary plan of the survey is then drafted using modern CAD software.  The next step involves analyzing the relationship of the found, physical evidence with the pre-determined "record boundaries".  Based on their thorough knowledge of deeds, evidence, and boundary retracement principle, the surveyor makes determinations on the reliability of existing corners, as well as the replacement of missing corners.  A final Survey Plat is prepared, displaying the results of the survey, and affixed with a professional land surveyors seal and signature.

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      A survey is more than just a set of accurate land measurements.  Rather, it is a thorough retracing of the title, and analysis of the physical evidence of boundaries, completed according to state board requirements, established legal principles and local standard of care.  It is a land investigation which defines the location, dimensions and area of a parcel of land, along with all rights the parcel enjoys or to which is subject. 

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