When reading legal land survey descriptions there are several things a land surveyor must keep in mind to conduct a proper survey. The following legal description is for a 42- acre parcel – T39N, R23W, Sec. 4, NW1/4 SE1/4. First, one must understand that punctuation is crucial in reading legal land surveys.  If a comma were included in between the “NW1/4” and “SE1/4”...

 Survey—do I need one? The commonest mistake made by home buyers is not having a survey done prior to purchasing a property. Why is this a mistake? Without an ALTA (American Land Title Association) survey you have no recourse if at a later date it is found that your fences encroach on a neighbour’s land or that there are rights to easement by one of the service companies (this...

All measurements for Land surveying must be referenced to the Standard United States or metric measurements. Distance and Elevation must comply with the U.S. Survey Foot and/or metric units and sub units of the same.  Angles must be referenced in degrees, decimal degrees, radians, azimuths, or bearings.  If any other standards of measurement are used it must be referenced and a conversion...

The history of land surveying is very interesting and diverse and it is in fact one of the oldest professions in the world. In today’s guide we shall look at the history of land surveying and how it has influenced modern land surveying. About Land Surveying Land surveying is the process by which land is surveyed and measured using mathematical means. The history of land surveying dates back...

Geographic Information System (GIS) and Map Symbols All land information is stored in Geographic Information System (GIS) and can be easily recovered and used. GIS was developed to control any information that can be mapped and is related to a location. Big improvement in storing all land information was a development of the digital GIS. Anybody can use it and it can be kept in many different

Throughout the years, a surveyor’s tool of choice in determining property lines and building sites was the optical transit.  However the electronic theodolite began to replace the optical transit in the 1970’s due to its ability to measure angles more accurately.  By the early 1980’s a new instrument of choice came about called “total stations.”  Total...

Definition of an ALTA Survey A land survey is made for the Title Company and/or Lender with the survey and location data needed for the issuing of title or mortgage insurance. For this purpose a map is drawn to “ALTA” specifications. "ALTA" stands for American Land Title Association. ALTA specifies the data to be shown on the survey and this includes boundary lines, location of the...

Land surveyors have very important jobs and are an integral part of every modern civilizations society. With land surveying being such as large subject area, many choose to specialize in a particular area of land surveying – such as topographic land surveying which we shall look at in more detail in today’s guide. What is a Topographic Land Survey? Land surveying is a very intricate...

Land surveyors have a very important role in establishing ownership of land and helping ensure the smooth running of new building developments. In today’s guide we shall look at the accuracy of land surveys and why it’s important. Importance of Accuracy in Land Surveys Accuracy is one of the most important factors of land surveys. The purpose of a land survey is to accurately map and...

Land Surveying courses can range from Surveying, Electronic Surveying, Survey Math, and Drafting.  In good programs you will be taught AutoCAD.  AutoCAD is a computer-aided design program for 2D and 3D design and drafting.  With these courses you’ll get hands-on experience and practice with surveying land and learn a variety of mathematical principles that are required for...

Receiving an estimate of costs for a survey from a Registered/Professional Land Surveyor takes very little effort and is easier than you may think.  A surveyor first needs a copy of your Warranty Deed in which a description of your land helps determine an accurate estimate.  The cost of a Land Survey is directly related to the total time and effort involved for the survey.  When...

The ability to read and use a variety of maps is crucial in land surveying.  Land surveyors begin with a large-scale map in order to make a landscape-level plan.  After the land surveyor determines the need for specific projects a stand-level map will be required.  Two kinds of stand-level maps include: Transportation maps and Topographic maps. Types of Maps Transportation maps...

Land survey markers or land survey monuments are objects that are placed in marking major survey points on the earth’s surface.  They are placed for use during surveys and for possible following surveys to come.  Markers are typically durable and are often intended to be permanent.  They can be as straightforward as a chisel mark or nail to as complex as stamped metal disks...

Land is one of the few earthly possessions an individual can own that always retains value. For that reason, land surveyors are frequently hired to set property boundaries so that each property owner knows exactly how much land he or she owns. There is a great of room for a land surveyor to make mistakes due to the complexities of the job. This is why it is gravely important for a land surveyor...

Land surveyors are mainly involved with land features and water boundaries. Prior to a building or housing complex being built, the land must first be ruled acceptable for construction. The job outlook for ambitious land surveyors is promising, and the earnings can be considerable. Land surveyors appraise the area of the land in order to authorize the precise site of elevations, lines and outlines...