Ray Carlson & Associates, Inc.
Mapping
a Better World
Methods of Surveying
Selecting a Surveyor
How Much Will a Survey Cost?
GPS (Global Positioning System)
Methods of Surveying
Most Land Surveyors use photogrammetry (aerial photography) and total stations which measure distances and angles electronically. Field computers are used to collect and store this electronic data.
Modern computer systems aid in efficiently processing and evaluating all collected evidence required to perform the survey.
The Land Surveyor takes pride in being able to use the most efficient tools to accomplish the desired results.
Most progressive firms
now own and use GPS (Global Positioning System) equipment to reduce
errors and speed the gathering of data on the following types of
surveys:
- A.L.T.A or Extended Coverage Survey
A survey made for the purpose of supplying a Title Company with survey and location data necessary for issuing American Land Title Association or Extended Coverage Title Insurance.
- Boundary Survey
A survey for the express purpose of locating the corners and boundary lines of a given parcel of land. Easement lines may also be located and/or established with this type of survey.
- Topographic Survey
A survey locating topographic features- natural and man made - such as buildings, fences, trees, streams, contours of the land, etc. to be used by engineers and/or architects for the design of improvements on a site.
- Site Planning Survey
A combination of boundary and topographic surveys with the resulting plan used for designing improvements such as houses, roads, subdivisions, industrial construction, etc.
- Subdivision Survey
The division of a tract of land into smaller parcels with monumentation and preparation of a Parcel or Final Map conforming to California law and local ordinances.
- Control Survey
Precise location, both for horizontal position and elevation of points for use in mapping of aerial photographs, construction staking, environmental monitoring and GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
- Court Exhibit Survey
Mapping of locations such as accident scenes, property line encroachments, specific to an event, for the purpose of presenting a visual display for use in court proceedings.
- Construction Survey
Layout of control for construction of roads, buildings, pipelines, etc.
Surveying | Mapping | GIS/LIS | Consulting | GPS | Home
Ray Carlson & Associates, Inc.
Mapping
a Better World
Methods of Surveying
Selecting a Surveyor
How Much Will a Survey Cost?
GPS (Global Positioning System)
Selecting a Surveyor
A person may require the services of a Professional Land Surveyor only once during their lifetime. Because such employment is so infrequent, a person may not be aware of the important points to consider before selecting a Surveyor.
To help in making such a selection we have prepared this page with the answers to a few questions commonly asked.
Q: When do I need a survey done?
A:
In general, a survey should be made before purchasing real estate,
when dividing any parcel of land (in conformance with state laws and
local ordinances), and prior to the construction of any structures on
property in which you have an interest.
Q: Who can perform a survey for me?
A:
Only a Professional Land Surveyor or a Civil Engineer authorized to
practice land surveying are legally permitted to survey in the State
of California.
Land Surveyors, like other professionals, vary in knowledge,
ability, and competence.
It is important that you select the best.
Q: What is the scope of duties for a land surveyor?
A:
A Land Surveyor is a part of a professional team comprised of
attorneys, engineers, architects, planners, lenders, vineyard
managers, and landscape architects.
Choose a reputable, Professional Land Surveyor whose skill and
judgment you trust.
A Surveyor should not be selected by price. Competency is of first importance.
Your selection should be made after you are sure that they have all of the facts and are completely aware of your needs and of the requirements of the governing body.
Remember, the services of a Surveyor today will cost less in time, worry, and money than the cost of moving a building or defending a lawsuit later!
Surveying | Mapping | GIS/LIS | Consulting | GPS | Home
Ray Carlson & Associates, Inc.
Mapping
a Better World
Methods of Surveying
Selecting a Surveyor
How Much Will a Survey Cost?
GPS (Global Positioning System)
How Much Will a Survey Cost?
The time it takes to complete your survey is directly related to the cost. The following variables may effect the time:
Type of Survey - Costs may increase as the need for precision and comprehensiveness required for the survey increases.
Record Research - This necessary step is complicated by the casualness with which land has been transferred in the past, resulting in many vague, incomplete, and often contradictory legal descriptions. Cost varies depending on a) the number of parcels involved b) the number of past transactions.
Size and Shape of Property - An irregularly shaped parcel has more corners and a longer boundary than a regular shaped parcel containing the same area.
Government Section Retracement - This normally requires the survey of the entire Section (being a square with sides one mile long) in which the land being surveyed lies, regardless of the area of the parcel. In some cases, a survey of more than one Section is required, depending on the location of the parcel in question.
Terrain - A flat field is easier to survey than a mountain.
Vegetation - Branches, brush, and trees must be trimmed to afford clear sights for the Land Surveyor.
Accessibility - The time varies with the distance to the job, and the difficulty in reaching the corners, once on the site.
Amount of Existing Evidence on the Property - Existing evidence such as iron pins, stone monuments, old fences, witness trees, etc., aid the Surveyor. Their absence may compound difficulties involved in retracing the original survey.
Local Knowledge of Property - Someone pointing out lines, monumentation, and access is a considerable aid to the Surveyor.
Adjoiners - When neighbors are cooperative, an otherwise difficult or impossible boundary line location may be established by agreement.
Time of Year - In summer, foliage presents a problem. In winter, weather slows travel, and sometimes conceals field evidence.
Title Company Requirements - Title Insurance companies may require considerably more documentation than is normally provided to the average owner.
Mapping Requirements - California law requires a map or document to be filed with the County Recorder or County Surveyor when boundary lines are determined or when monuments are set or re-set.
Surveying | Mapping | GIS/LIS | Consulting | GPS | Home
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