What is surveying?
Surveying or land surveying is the technique and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them. These points are usually on the surface of the Earth, and are often used to establish land maps and boundaries for ownership or governmental purposes.
Why do I need a survey?
The largest investment most people make is their home or land. Each landowner should have a survey completed of their property to insure they are buying and getting what they believe they are. Each landowner should also know where their property boundaries lie in order to protect their property from encroachments and trespassing. Too many times people opt out of the option for a survey and end up with legal and or personal issues.
How can I find out if my land has been surveyed?
You can start by checking with the town clerk’s office in which the parcel is located. If the town clerk doesn’t have documentation for a survey, you may need to conduct a title search on the property to see whether a survey has been conducted at any point in its history.
What does a land surveyor do?
Land surveyors measure properties and pieces of land to determine boundaries. Information about boundaries is necessary for many reasons: it helps determine where roads or buildings will be constructed, settles property line disputes, and leads to the creation of maps. The maps and land descriptions created by a land surveyor are usually considered legally binding, and surveyors are sometimes called on to present their findings in a courtroom setting. Because of the legal and precise nature of the work, surveyors must be licensed by the states in which they work.
How much will my survey cost?
There are many factors that come into play during the process of a survey, including the terrain, foliage, old recorded documents, date of last survey, disturbed or missing property corners, size of tract to be surveyed and the scope of services required to name a few.
I will provide an estimate at the beginning of every job. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to explain what you expect as a final product and the services you expect to receive during the survey process.
Additional Resources
- Vermont Society of Land Surveyors
- New York State Association of Professional Surveyors
- National Society of Professional Surveyors
- Vermont Survey Library
- Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
- Vermont Board of Land Surveyors
- New York State Ed. Dept. - Office of the Professions
- FEMA Map Service Center
- ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards
- ALTA/NSPS Table A