ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey

Boundary Survey

Topographic Survey

Mortgage Report

Construction Staking

As-Built Survey

Land Division

The American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) have jointly developed the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey standards. An ALTA Survey verifies a legal description and potential easements of a piece of property. Additional items like planimetric and topographic data, utilities and site improvements, zoning and hazard land information could be included, if necessary. ALTA Surveys are typically completed for commercial, industrial and multi family projects.

A Boundary Survey utilizes the property’s legal description to establish boundaries, typically includes staking the property corners, and occasionally property line stakes. This is also referred to as Lot Staking, Property Line Survey, Physical Survey, Lot Survey or a Stake Survey. A Certificate of Survey is a detailed drawing showing property boundary details and is used for legal matters or future reference.

A Topographic Survey, also referred to as a Topo Survey, shows the exact ground elevations, location of roads, buildings, utility services, trees and any significant drainage and landscape features. The drawing is produced according to strict requirements outlined by municipal, county and other regulations.

The Mortgage Report is a drawing showing approximate locations of property lines, in addition to the locations of any houses, foundations or out buildings. A Mortgage Report is not a Boundary Survey and is usually used when a mortgage is being sought.

Construction Staking is the process of laying out a site per a set of plans or blueprints. Construction Staking includes the location of buildings, drives, parking lots, utilities or other site improvements.

An As-Built Survey occurs after construction is complete and verifies that it was done according to the approved plans. An As-Built Survey is typically required when an occupancy permit is needed.

The division of property into smaller parcels of land requires the services of a professional surveyor. Parcels of land can be divided for residential housing, as well as commercial and industrial development. A drawing depicting the Land Division and any remaining property is provided to the client after completion.