Owner / Developer / Realtors

"Land surveyors play a vital role in providing essential information and services that enable engineers and architects to design and construct successful projects."

1. Land Acquisition & Feasibility Studies

• Boundary Surveys – Identify property lines and resolve any disputes.

• Topographic Surveys – Assess the natural features and elevation of the land.

• Environmental Surveys – Determine potential hazards or protected areas.

2. Zoning & Permitting

• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys – Required for commercial properties to meet lender and title insurance requirements.

• Subdivision & Platting Surveys – Divide land into lots for development while complying with zoning laws.

• Easement Surveys – Identify access rights, utility corridors, and other encumbrances.

3. Design & Site Planning

• Construction Staking – Mark locations for roads, utilities, buildings, and infrastructure.

• Hydrological & Floodplain Surveys – Ensure compliance with drainage and flood regulations.

• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey https://nsps.us.com/page/ALTANSPSFAQs

• ADA compliance verification

• As-built Survey

BMP sand filter inspection https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Energy%20Mineral%20and%20Land%20Resources/Stormwater/BMP%20Manual/C-6--Sand-Filter-11-7-2018.pdf

Conceptual Site Planning

4. Physical Survey

Here's a breakdown of what a physical survey entails:

5. Fieldwork

Boundary Location: Surveyors use specialized equipment, like total stations and GPS receivers, to locate and measure the precise positions of property corners and boundary lines.

Monumentation: They search for existing survey markers (like iron pins or concrete monuments) and, if necessary, set new ones to clearly mark the property corners.

Feature Identification: Surveyors record the locations of any physical features on the land, such as buildings, fences, walls, driveways, and visible utilities.

Data Collection: They gather data on elevations, contours, and any easements or encroachments that might affect the property.

6. Data Processing and Mapping

• Calculations: Surveyors use the field data to calculate precise measurements and determine the exact location of boundaries.

• Map Creation: They create a detailed map of the property, showing the boundaries, dimensions, features, and any relevant legal information.

• Report Preparation: Surveyors prepare a written report that describes the survey process, findings, and any potential issues or discrepancies.

Why is a physical survey important?

• Legal Certainty: It provides a clear and legally defensible definition of property boundaries, preventing disputes with neighbors and ensuring clear ownership.

• Construction Planning: Architects and engineers rely on physical surveys to design buildings and infrastructure that comply with property lines and regulations.

• Real Estate Transactions: Buyers and sellers use surveys to verify property boundaries and identify any potential issues before finalizing a sale.

• Property Development: Developers need accurate surveys to plan subdivisions, obtain permits, and ensure compliance with zoning regulations.

• Dispute Resolution: In case of boundary disputes, a physical survey serves as crucial evidence to resolve conflicts and establish property rights.

• When might you need a physical survey?

• Buying or selling property: To confirm boundaries and identify potential issues.

• Building a new structure or making significant changes to your property: To ensure compliance with property lines and regulations.

• Erecting a fence or wall: To avoid encroaching on neighboring land.

• Resolving boundary disputes with neighbors: To provide clear evidence of property lines.

• Subdividing land: To create new property boundaries.