The various types of topographic surveys
Surveying can be defined as a scientific or legally sufficient method of determining the location of points on the earth’s surface, the angles formed by said points, the distance between them. According to historical records, the ancient Egyptians practiced surveying even before the construction of the Great Pyramids. Ancient Egyptian surveyors and others interested in civil law recognized the importance of surveying in civilized society and began keeping survey records as early as 3000 BC.
As a scientific method of inquiry and investigation, topographic surveys incorporate elements of geometry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and law in their determination. Topographic surveys fulfill important needs in many fields. For example, geologists and cartographers use topographic surveys to create elevation maps. Archaeologists refer to current and historical studies before conducting excavations.
Engineers and builders will not risk starting a new construction project without reliable on-site inspections. Real estate and mortgage professionals require knowledge of land lines and the precise location of a building structure before closing on a transaction. Title insurers, attorneys, and judges rely on the accurate legal descriptions provided by a surveyor to resolve property disputes.
The basic legal purpose of surveying is to determine boundaries. This can be accomplished by establishing where the measurements and boundaries of the land begin and end. Civilized society has depended on the precision of territorial boundaries to respect the borders of sovereign states, jurisdictions, municipalities, land use planning, and private property. To this extent, different types of topographical surveys are used today to recognize and respect boundaries.
American Land Title Association (ALTA) Survey
In the United States, the real estate and mortgage lending industries depend on whether a property’s title can be insured or whether it is “marketable”. This means whether an insurance company would consider taking the risk of issuing a policy insuring the property, or whether the land and attached structures can be easily transferred without fear of outside claims. The American Land Title Institute, in conjunction with the American Land Survey and Mapping Congress and the National Society of Professional Surveyors, have adopted and developed a set of detailed minimum standard requirements for surveys to be used in any legal matter related to land transfer. and the transfer. Real Estate Survey The ALTA survey is essentially a boundary survey that meets and exceeds standards set in different states. In most cases, ALTA surveys are considered to be legally sufficient. These comprehensive studies require written authorization from the client. Many important issues are addressed in ALTA surveys: boundaries, structural location, easements, encroachments, impediments, etc.
cadastral survey
Every country in the world has some kind of land registration record system that identifies boundaries. In the United States, for example, the Public Land Survey System maintains plates, diagrams, sketches, maps, and other documents that establish the boundaries of all public and governmental lands in the country. This is known as a cadastral system. Local governments have an interest in surveying for tax purposes. A cadastral survey is a search made from records maintained in a public cadastral registry. Comprehensive topographic surveys such as ALTA include cadastral surveys.
Boundary lifting
Government offices issuing building permits will often require a minimum of a boundary survey or sketch before granting construction work to begin. Property boundaries must be clearly defined in these surveys to detect potential problems, such as easements and encroachments.
Site Planning Survey
In addition to identifying boundaries and obtaining the required building permits, architects and engineers will need a topographic survey that identifies elevation features to create a site plan. Construction of tall structures often requires review of site planning studies before beginning.
subdivision survey
Construction of new housing complexes that include multiple units arranged in neighborhood blocks often requires that a tract of land parcel be divided into smaller parts. For this purpose, a subdivision survey that includes topographic elements must be used. This type of survey is not only used for construction purposes. Lot design, drainage, street access, landscaping, utility mapping, and registration also rely on subdivision surveys.
mortgage inspection
In certain mortgage loan transactions, a simple review of surveys, public records, and other existing legal documents may be enough to prove ownership, easements, and/or encroachments. While mortgage inspections may include a sketch and even indicate limits, these are not true surveys.
gps-survey
The growing popularity of geographic positioning systems has found its way into surveying. Although GPS surveys are not as complete as ALTA surveys, they are being used for urban planning and to augment cadastral registration systems. Useful Land and Geographic Information Systems are based on GPS data, and these systems are increasingly used as a reference by surveyors.
Court Display or Judicial Inspection
In property disputes, a court may appoint an expert surveyor to provide a careful and detailed analysis of existing legal descriptions, preliminary surveys, maps, recorded documents, and other evidence to resolve a real property dispute.