Land surveyors perform a range of land surveys depending on the property or the construction project. They use the latest technology and calculation methods to provide you with the most accurate survey results.
6 Types Of Land Surveys & When To Use Them
Below, we outline six different types of land surveys. We also cover when to use them for residential properties or construction projects.
Boundary Survey
Land surveyors conduct boundary surveys to determine the correct property lines for a plot of land.
Firstly, they need to do research on the property, which includes searching for the property’s registered Deposited Plan and Certificate of Title as well as looking into the current survey information in the area.
Next, the surveyor attends the site to conduct a physical survey using specialised survey equipment. The Surveyor locates the property line using the registered Deposited Plans and State Survey Marks and then places marks in the boundary line.
Property owners or developers need boundary survey documents to install new fencing or apply for Development Consent.
Topographic Survey
A land surveyor performs a topographic survey to identify the presence of natural or man-made features. These include:
- Existing buildings
- Existing easements
- Adjoining neighbouring properties
- Substantial trees
- Visible street furniture
- Levels of the site
Surveyors use a combination of field equipment and CAD (Computer-Aided-Design) software to create a plan of the property. They can also produce a 3D model of the site if it is required.
Topographic surveys are necessary when the property owner is looking to develop the property. A topographic survey allows an architect to commence the design process.
Identification Survey and Report
A land surveyor performs an Identification Survey and Report to identify buildings or other structures on a property in relation to the property boundaries and to show any encroachments by or upon the property by neighbouring properties.
The surveyor performs calculations and using CAD (Computer-Aided-Design) software prepares a sketch and a written report.
Identification Surveys and Reports are requested by Council when illegal works have been built on a property or at the end of a new build to ensure it is built in the correct position. They are also requested by solicitors and conveyancers are part of a Contract of Sale.
Construction Survey
Land surveyors use the approved architectural plans as well as Deposited Plans to determine the approved proposed location of a new structure.
Surveyors place physical marks in the approved proposed location for various trades such as excavators, bricklayers and concreters to follow. The surveyor then prepares a sketch showing the location of the marks. This sketch is signed by a Registered Surveyor.
Developers and builders can use construction surveys to determine the progress of the project and the accuracy of the construction compared to the original design plans.
Subdivision Survey
Surveyors perform subdivision surveys which detail how a parcel of land is to be legally divided into smaller parcels of land.
Surveyors prepare both Preliminary Subdivision surveys for the purpose of gaining approval and Final Subdivision plans for registration with Land Registry Services.
Any property owner or developer needs a subdivision survey if they want to divide their land.
Easement Survey
An easement grants a property owner legal use of a portion of a neighbouring property. The most common form of easement is an Easement to Drain Water. This type of easement allows a property owner to legally run stormwater pipes through an adjoining property. There are two methods of legally registering an easement and a surveyor will determine the required method based on the stormwater design provided by a Hydraulic engineer.
Final Thoughts
Land surveyors generally map out boundary lines and identify features on a construction site or building project. This is important for many reasons and is necessary for new developments, construction projects, subdivisions, and more.
There are several reasons why you might want to carry out a land survey or plot plan. They’re used by people who own a piece of land for a variety of reasons, and they might also be implemented on a piece of land you’re thinking of buying. In the case of the latter, the land survey or plot plan might help you make a purchasing decision.
In this guide, we’ll discuss whether a land survey or a plot plan is right for you, as well as answering questions such as what does a land survey include? What’s a plot plan? And how much can you expect to pay?
So, if you want to find out more about this topic, read on now.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to ALTA Surveys
Why Choose Land Surveys?
There are many reasons why you might want to choose to carry out a land survey. First of all, they’re commonly used to precisely establish the parcel’s legal boundaries. This allows you to determine exactly where the boundaries lines are, and that’s a crucial part of understanding the parcel of land’s legal dimensions.
The reasons for wanting to define the boundaries of the land in this way include a buyer wanting to understand the area before going ahead with a purchase. It might also be the case that the land is about to be divided up or maybe developed or improved in some way. It might also be used in boundary disputes.
How to Prepare for a Land Survey
When having a land survey carried out, your aim should always be to ensure the process goes smoothly and the outcomes are accurate.
- If you own the land, you should provide the surveyor with any legal documents about the property’s legal description, which includes the title deed.
- You should also provide a plot map of the land; this is particularly important for large parcels of land.
- Anything that’s covering the lines of the lot should be removed, so the landscape is as clear as it can be ahead of the survey.
- You should also meet with the surveyor if it is at all possible, especially if they have questions they want answers to.
- Finally, you should mark the boundary pins or monuments on the plot.
What Does a Land Survey Include?
When a land survey is completed, it includes a scale drawing of the parcel, which will come with precise measurements. It will also show the locations and features that are permanently in place.
- The land survey might also include:
- Positions of large trees
- Location of underground storage tanks
- Locations where it’s unsuitable for a drain field
- Fences
- Topographic contours
Get everything you need for a proper land survey with Millman National Land Services today!
What is the Cost for The Land Survey and Who Pays for It?
The individual responsible for paying the costs of the land survey if the parcel of land is being sold, improved, or divided up is the person who owns the property. However, if the land survey is being bought because of a dispute regarding the boundaries of the property, then it’s the individual bringing the suit who is responsible for the payment.
In terms of costs, a land survey can vary in price depending on a range of factors, including the complexity of the parcel itself. Generally speaking, a land survey will cost somewhere between $300 and $1200.
What is a Plot Plan?
A plot plan is a type of architectural drawing that shows a piece of property and all of the essential structures and features. There are several features included on a plot plan, which includes all the buildings, decks, porches, sheds, pools, and other landscape features, as well as the boundaries of the property.
They can often be used as part of a zoning application, which has to be submitted to the relevant permitting agencies when making an application. They can be drawn by homeowners themselves but are usually completed by architects, surveyors, or engineers, depending on the context.
Related: Detailed Zoning Reports and ALTA Surveys
Plot Land Versus Land Survey
If you’re looking to identify the existing structure and man-made features, a plot plan is an excellent option that makes the most sense. These are ideal solutions to ensure that the site plan will meet the guidelines of the development codes, and to demonstrate that to the relevant authorities.
On the other hand, land surveys are more focused on the accurate and precise display of the land’s dimensions and where the boundaries lie. So if that’s the factor that matters the most to you for whatever reason, it might make the most sense to choose a land survey.
Contact Millman National Land Services to get more information regarding plot land and land survey!
How to Draw a Plot Plan
Some essential instructions need to be followed if you want to draw your own plot plan:
- Obtain accurate measures of the property using a measuring wheel. Mark down the measurements, and repeat the process with all the structures on the property.
- Use the measurements to draw an outline to scale on graph paper.
- Ensure you show the scale used on the map.
- Show existing buildings on the map, as well as the changes that you’re proposing to make.
- Show the orientation of the property with a directional arrow or compass.
- Show the square footage of the property and the overall project.
How Can We Help?
If you need any help with the process of creating a land survey or plot plan, Millman National Land Services can certainly help you. We have highly skilled professionals that can offer precise plans and surveys to clients for a wide variety of reasons and purposes.
We provide a highly efficient service to our clients and do all our work in-house. When you choose us, you know that we’ll be the ones doing the work and we’ll be accountable for it. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to learn more about our services or you want to start using them.
Getting land surveys and plot plans done correctly is vital, and if you want to do that, it’s best to trust our team of professionals. Hopefully, the guide above will help you decide whether you need a land surveyor a plot plan, as well as cover what both of these terms mean, and which one is right for you.
Related: ALTA Land Survey Process and Overview