Element Land Surveying has gotten a bad rap. It is a vital tool that many people do not fully understand or appreciate until a problem arises.

The practice dates back centuries, when rudimentary surveys were used to mark legal boundaries. Today, the profession uses advanced technology and methods to produce accurate survey maps.

The legal boundaries of a property determine ownership rights and are the basis for recording deeds and resolving disputes. To define these boundaries, a licensed land surveyor conducts a boundary survey. This involves determining the location of record boundary lines based on an evaluation of many pieces of information, including records from local and state agencies, deeds and titles, maps and the physical characteristics of the property. Other important aspects include the locations of utility lines, encroachments both ways over property lines and recorded easements and the existence and location of any improvements like fences or buildings.

A survey is conducted prior to purchasing, subdividing, improving or building on a parcel of land. This helps to prevent future legal disputes and ensures compliance with zoning and subdivision regulations. A land survey can also provide accurate information about the presence of underground utilities and ancillary structures.

While a visual inspection of a property by a real estate agent, contractor or title company representative may appear sufficient to make a property boundary determination, only a licensed surveyor can perform a legally binding and accurate survey. These surveys are based on scientific data and established survey principles. They are also augmented by discussions with current and previous property owners, neighbors and adjoining landowners to gather more information about the historical use of property boundaries.

Once a boundary survey is complete, a detailed description of the property and its boundaries is provided in the survey report. This includes the location of any existing monuments, a detailed map of the parcel and its improvements, and a written description of how the property was surveyed with notes on how each boundary was determined. The surveyor will then place durable markers on the ground to identify property corners and lines, such as iron pins or pipes, marked trees or concrete monuments.

A boundary survey differs from a land survey, which is more in-depth and focuses on topography. Understanding the differences is crucial to ensuring the proper type of survey is performed. R&R Surveying is experienced in preparing both types of surveys and can assist clients with determining which type of survey is best for their needs.

Building Permits

Whether you’re adding an addition to your home or building a new shopping mall, your construction project needs to comply with zoning laws and standards. Government building agencies often require you to obtain a permit before proceeding with construction. Permits safeguard public health and impose standards that can save you money in the long run. They also help protect flora and fauna from health hazards and environmental concerns. While nobody likes dealing with permits, they ensure that you build structures in a safe and reliable way.

The first step in obtaining a building permit is to conduct a land survey. A professional land surveyor will map the property’s boundaries and other features. This information will then be used to create a site plan for the project. A site plan is vital to ensuring that the structure is built in compliance with zoning regulations and other requirements.

A site plan also lets you determine whether a structure will be suitable for the site in terms of location and size. This helps you avoid costly mistakes during the construction process and ensures that the building will be structurally sound once it’s completed. The survey will reveal topographical details, such as flood-prone areas, slopes, geographical features, and intricate plot details that might affect the integrity of the structure.

As a land surveyor, you’ll need to have a range of skills to perform your job duties well. For example, you’ll need to have excellent communication skills to relay important information to clients and other team members. Additionally, you’ll need to be physically fit, since the nature of your work often involves walking and standing for long periods of time. You’ll also need to have good time-management skills, as you may need to meet strict project deadlines.

Subdivisions

If you’re looking to develop land for either residential or commercial purposes, it’s important to know the laws and regulations governing your area. Land surveying plays a key role in this process by ensuring that all properties are correctly surveyed and marked before any construction begins. To avoid legal complications, you’ll want to hire a surveyor who is experienced in subdivision surveys in your area.

A subdivision is the process of splitting an undivided piece of land into multiple parcels. This can be as simple as splitting a single acre of land into two one-acre lots, or it may involve dividing a large tract of land into smaller townships. Regardless of the size of the subdivision, it is critical to have a detailed plan in place before beginning any work. This will ensure that the property is divided according to local law and that all necessary permits are obtained before construction begins.

To prepare a subdivision survey, the first step is to examine the existing boundary lines of the property. A professional surveyor will reference all public records, interview the property owner and neighbors, and use a variety of tools to determine the true location of each boundary line. A surveyor will also identify any potential issues that could affect the final results, such as wetlands or a water table.

Once the boundaries of the property are determined, the surveyor will then begin preparing a preliminary or final plat. These documents will include the layout and dimensions of each lot, as well as any streets, alleys, or common areas. Depending on the complexity of the project, these documents may need to be submitted to local government agencies for approval before construction begins.

In addition to preparing the subdivision plat, a professional land surveyor will also perform a topographic survey and design the interior of each tract. This will help to ensure that the new subdivision offers adequate building sites, a good road and utility layout, and assured drainage. A well-designed subdivision will also make it easier for developers to construct buildings and other infrastructure that are in compliance with local zoning regulations.

Environmental Impact Assessments

There are several types of surveys that land surveyors use to determine important characteristics and features of a piece of land. Each type addresses a specific issue, from determining legal property lines to identifying potential environmental hazards on the land. Many types of surveys are used in connection with construction projects and home purchases, but land surveyors also play an important role in supporting ecological preservation efforts and ensuring that development projects minimize their impact on the environment.

In a typical survey, a land surveyor will carefully measure and map the topography of a site. This provides vital information that can be used in a variety of ways, including environmental impact assessments (EIAs). EIAs are crucial for any major development project. These assessments will identify any potential impacts on natural resources, such as water bodies, wildlife habitats, and sensitive ecosystems. The assessments will also help decision-makers develop strategies for minimizing the impact of the project on the environment.

Accurate land surveys are important for preventing the degradation of critical environmental areas, such as forests, wetlands, and endangered species habitats. By establishing precise property lines, land surveyors can prevent encroachment on protected areas and promote sustainable practices for resource management. Additionally, land surveyors can provide valuable data for mapping and monitoring natural resources like mineral deposits and underground water supplies.

Land surveyors are also often responsible for conducting Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). This is a process that identifies and evaluates any contaminants or pollutants in the soil, water, and air on a piece of land. ESAs are typically conducted before purchasing a property or submitting it for development. Banks and lending institutions often require an ESA before loaning money to a new property owner.

In addition to conducting environmental impact assessments, land surveyors can also help with land use planning, boundary disputes, and land subdivisions. In addition, they can perform a variety of other types of surveys related to engineering, construction, and real estate. Land surveyors are also involved in a number of other environmental projects, including the construction of eco-friendly buildings and establishing setback requirements for structures in environmentally sensitive areas.