A Land Survey is the procedure of determining the location of monuments which mark a property line, boundary or corner of a parcel of land or the setting of new monuments.

When Should You Order a Land Survey?

A survey should be ordered whenever there is a conveyance of any parcel of land, to be assured of the location of the boundaries of the land. Additionally, Land

Surveys may be done to show the location or ownership of features, whether man-made or natural and to obtain Title Insurance Coverage over matters of survey.

Most buyers and their lenders require a survey at time of closing.

What Does a Land Survey Do?

A Land Survey locates and marks the property corners. If those corners are not marked, the surveyor will monument them. A Plat of Survey is then prepared and signed by the surveyor which shows the nature of the monuments found or set, measurements of all property lines, encroachments and building lines and easements as shown on a recorded subdivision plat if the parcel is within a subdivision. If asked, the surveyor will show the location of all buildings on the parcel.

Is a Land Survey the Same as a Mortgage Survey?

It is important that a "Land Survey" not be confused with a Mortgage Survey. Most Mortgage Surveys will show the record or deed distances of the property lines and will not show a measured distance. This is usually adequate for loan purposes.

Are There Different Types of Surveys?

There are several types of survey services which may be offered to a client. A few of these are:

Survey of a lot in a previously recorded subdivision.

Survey of a parcel described by distances and directions.

Topographic survey to show horizontal and vertical aspects of the land together with the location of features thereon, both natural and man-made.

Construction stake out survey for the building of improvements.

Land Title Survey or A.L.T.A. Survey generally requested by a Title Insurance Company for extended coverage on commercial property.