While most of us may think that laying out boundary lines on a piece of land is as easy as getting a tape measure and your writing, the truth is much more complicated than that. Surveyors use a combination of research, science, and art to determine where the true boundaries of any given property are. And only licensed and regulated surveyors have the skills and wherewithal to properly assess a property’s boundaries.
Most people would assume that boundary surveying begins with the survey of the property, but in reality, surveying begins when the licensed surveyor searches available records on the property, such as summaries, opinions of title, certificates of title, or deeds. . The surveyor must investigate and take into consideration previous surveys, titles and easements. Most of today’s properties have been created from multiple divisions of a larger property. Every time a split occurs and was not measured or recorded correctly, the job of today’s surveyors becomes more challenging.
Once the surveyor has established where the boundaries are historically, he or she will begin to take steps to see if the existing boundaries at the site conflict with those from historical records or previous surveys. In the past, buildings, trees, or other landmarks were used as property line markers. This creates problems when trying to re-measure, as those markers may no longer exist. The surveyor may use a number of different tools when taking measurements, from the use of traditional transit and tape, or electronic distance and angle measuring equipment. Satellite positioning equipment such as GPS is increasingly being used, although the technology is not as effective in heavily forested areas. The use of modern computer technology assists surveyors by gathering accurate information quickly, but is not a substitute for the surveyor’s analytical skills and assessment.
With the investigation and remeasurements complete, the surveyor will report any encroachments or defects in the previous description of the property. The surveyor can address any specific concerns the owner may have about these discrepancies.
When all concerns have been addressed, the surveyor will give his professional assessment of where the true property lines lie. The property lines, as established by a licensed surveyor in the state where the property is located, become the legal property lines. If the new boundaries differ significantly from what the assumed boundaries were, it may be necessary for your neighbors to conduct a boundary survey as well. It is not unusual for a surveyor to end up doing surveys on multiple properties in a given area.
If there are serious legal concerns about the property, such as encroachments, easements, or a significant difference between legal and assumed property lines, a surveyor will advise the client to the best of his ability, but will also refer the client to an attorney who specializes in these issues. proprietary.
A good surveyor will be able to guide the homeowner through the boundary surveying process and answer any questions along the way. While there is an expense associated with completing a proper survey, having one before property issues arise will result in greater peace of mind regarding property ownership.
