You can’t own, operate, or develop a plot of land without the right information about it. That includes knowing its boundaries, topography, and any unique features that might affect your activities on the land. That’s where land surveying comes into play.
Land surveying is a process for collecting accurate information on a plot of land, such as its boundaries, natural and man-made features, and any utilities running on or under the land. It’s conducted by trained and licensed professionals using sophisticated tools to gather data, which is later analysed and presented to stakeholders for improved decision-making.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about land surveying. You’ll discover what land surveying is and what kinds of surveys exist. Then, you’ll learn the step-by-step process of a land survey and a few key terms to understand!
What Is Land Surveying?
Land surveying is a process by which an area on Earth’s surface is precisely measured and mapped by trained and licensed professionals.
Doing so helps to accurately determine the area’s size and boundaries while identifying its natural features and any man-made structures that occupy its space.
All that information is then gathered, analysed, and presented to stakeholders for practical purposes, such as mapping, land development, and construction.
As you’ll soon discover in this guide, many different types of land surveys can be performed to serve unique purposes.
Teams of multiple land surveyors work together using sophisticated equipment to gather and analyse the necessary information for the end user.
Different Types Of Land Surveys
Experts in the field can conduct one or more types of land surveys depending on their stakeholder’s needs.
Here are 5 common types of land surveys, each happening at various stages throughout a land plot’s development:
1. Boundary Surveys
The first kind is a boundary survey. As the name suggests, this kind of land survey aims to establish the boundaries of a land plot by identifying its corners, boundary lines, and any significant monuments.
In simpler terms, a boundary survey establishes where one plot of land ends and the other begins.
2. Topographic Surveys
This type of land survey gathers much more information about the landscape on a plot of land. Its purpose is to identify all natural and man-made features, including the land’s elevations and contours.
Simultaneously, topographic surveys identify water bodies, roads, buildings, and vegetation.
Compiling that information can be useful for developers as it helps them plan how to maximise the area’s potential.
3. Construction Surveys
Some land surveys take place while the area is actively being developed, such as construction surveys. These surveys ensure that construction is going according to plan and complying with specifications given before work begins.
This type of survey may involve setting building corners and setting reference points to help monitor progress as work continues.
4. Utility Surveys
Clients often require information about the utilities in an area before they can begin any sort of planning. That’s where utility surveys come into play.
This type of land survey seeks to identify utilities, particularly underground ones, like water, sewer, and gas lines.
In doing so, they ensure that any construction or development work done on that land doesn’t damage those utilities by accident.
5. Subdivision Surveys
Some landowners want to divide a large parcel into smaller lots. In that case, they might require a subdivision survey to establish boundaries and identify utilities.
Why Land Surveying Matters
So far, you’ve read about the different types of land surveys and their unique purposes. Now, it’s time to dive deeper into understanding why all of them matter, regardless of which survey type is being carried out.
Here’s why a proper land survey conducted by trained professionals is crucial:
Establish land boundaries: First and foremost, land surveying matters because it establishes accurate land boundaries. That can help landowners avoid encroaching on their neighbours and causing disputes.
Dispute resolution: Land disputes continue to happen even with the best planning. A new land survey can help resolve those disputes by clearly re-establishing land boundaries, among other things.
Ensure compliance: Rules and regulations apply not only to the land but also to any operations that occur on it. As such, a land survey could help ensure that landowners and operators comply with all rules, like those regarding utility usage and waste disposal.
Support development: The data collected from a land survey supports more accurate development planning for a land plot. On top of that, something like a construction survey ensures that all development is going according to plan.
Support decision-making: Overall, land surveys are essential to support decision-making. That could help stakeholders decide whether or not to develop a plot of land in the first place.
There’s no disputing that land surveys are essential. Still, stakeholders must fully understand the critical role land surveying plays in their long-term plans. That way, they’ll know that this is not a process to rush or skimp out on.
Instead, they must hire trained and experienced professionals to conduct land surveys and gather the necessary information.
The Land Surveying Process
Performing a land survey takes time and effort by a trained team of experts.
Here’s what that process looks like:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Everything begins with the initial consultation between the landowner and the land surveyor.
The purpose here is to understand the landowner’s information needs. Meanwhile, the surveyor will gather basic information about the land and identify any immediate concerns.
Step 2: Research And Planning
Next, the surveyor develops a plan based on the landowner’s requirements. This includes researching relevant information, such as previous land surveys and past identified issues.
Step 3: Fieldwork
At this point, the surveying team visits the area and begins gathering data. In addition to employing their skills, knowledge, and experience, they’ll also use professional surveying equipment to collect the necessary information.
Depending on the size of the land being surveyed, this part of the process can take as little as a few hours or as much as a few weeks.
Step 4: Data Analysis
Once fieldwork is completed, the data is brought back to the office and analysed. That may include identifying errors in the measurements and boundaries of the land.
Step 5: Drafting And Documentation
Lastly, the land surveyor will draft the information in a way that is presentable for the landowner’s benefit.
Key Terms In Land Surveying
As you go through the land surveying process, you’ll come across several terms that might seem unfamiliar.
Here are a few key terms in land surveying that you must understand:
Boundary: This term refers to the legal line that separates one plot of land from another. It’s sometimes identified with structures like fences or border markers.
Topography: This term refers to the features on a land’s surface, both natural and man-made.
Plat: Most people might recognise this term as a ‘map’. It’s a detailed plan of a land plot, including measurements, boundaries, and any other important information.
Easement: An easement is a part of the land usable for a specific purpose by someone other than the landowner. For example, a drainage channel can be part of the land even though the landowner doesn’t control it.
Monument: A monument is simply a physical object that marks a plot’s boundaries, corners, or other significant points. Monuments can be natural features or simple man-made ones, such as a concrete post.
While there are plenty of other specific terms in the field of land surveying, understanding these key ones is an excellent place to start.
Final Thoughts
Land surveying is crucial when it comes to owning or developing land. Different kinds of surveys can be conducted to establish a land plot's unique characteristics, from its boundaries to its topography and any utilities running on or under the land.
Performing a land survey can help ensure that the land and its operations comply with relevant rules and regulations while preventing and resolving any land disputes with neighbours.
To learn more about this and other land-related topics, check out the blog at Tanahsewa.com, your one-stop hub for agriculture, commercial, and personal land needs!
Ray Hasbollah
Content Strategist
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