| The practice of surveying land dates back to | | | | networks. After these steps are |
| ancient history. Surveying is used for a | | | | accomplished, the property description and |
| number of interrelated purposes, such as to | | | | plat are prepared. |
| establish a precise location on the earth of | | | | |
| a parcel of land along with its exact | | | | Interpreting the results of a land survey is |
| acreage, to ascertain boundaries for defining | | | | not as difficult as it may first seem. For |
| an area of ownership and tax liability, and | | | | instance, a property plat will usually always |
| to identify a property by a written legal | | | | contain the following information: a |
| description or to provide a review of the | | | | directional orientation, typically indicated |
| accuracy of an existing description. This | | | | with an arrow pointing north; the bearing and |
| data is of the utmost importance with regard | | | | distance of each boundary line; the property |
| to buying and selling land, and is also used | | | | lines of other properties shown on the plat |
| to insure a clean, marketable title. | | | | (also known as departing property lines); the |
| | | | names of adjacent property owners listed in |
| There are many different kinds of surveys | | | | the areas of their property that are shown on |
| that can be performed. For undeveloped land | | | | the plat; any corner monuments, along with |
| a boundary survey is typically employed. | | | | the names of any natural monuments (such as |
| This type of survey measures the actual | | | | "Smith's Creek", for example) or a brief |
| physical extent of the property in question. | | | | description of any unnamed natural monuments |
| Most surveys - regardless of type - progress | | | | (such as "the 30-foot pine tree"); and a |
| through the following general procedures: | | | | title block containing the property's |
| first, any pertinent deeds, contracts, maps | | | | location and name of owner, the surveyor's |
| or other documents that contain a description | | | | name, the date the survey was performed, the |
| of the property's boundaries are located, | | | | scale of the plat and any other relevant |
| studied and interpreted. A determination is | | | | data. |
| made of what the actual property description | | | | |
| is deemed to be, along with the locations of | | | | If you need the services of a land surveyor, |
| any physical evidence of the boundaries (in | | | | be sure that you're hiring an experienced, |
| the form of both natural and man-made | | | | certified and highly competent professional. |
| monuments or markers) that exist in the | | | | Surveyors can certainly be found in the |
| field. The property is then measured to | | | | Yellow Pages, but word of mouth is often |
| establish the boundaries, not only using the | | | | invaluable. Ask a relative, friend or |
| appropriate existing monuments but with the | | | | co-worker who's recently made use of a land |
| creation and referencing of new markers where | | | | surveyor's expertise, or inquire with the |
| necessary. Measurements are accomplished | | | | local tax assessor for recommendations. |
| using a theodolite and other surveying tools. | | | | Professional organizations can also be |
| The theodolite measures both vertical and | | | | instrumental in identifying their members in |
| horizontal angles, as used in triangulation | | | | your local area. |