A boundary survey determines the location of property lines and the monuments that mark the property corners of a parcel of land as described in a deed.  The land surveyor undertaking a boundary survey should examine the deed for the property as well as possibly your neighbor’s deed.  These deeds are normally located in the Probate office in the particular county courthouse.

The land surveyor may also talk with neighbors and/or the owners to get information they have as to the location of the boundary line. The field work begins by locating all available monuments.  Monuments (iron pipes, rebar, concrete posts, fence corners, corner trees, etc.) are typically found at property corners. If they are specifically called for in the deed they are given the highest priority.  IF they are not called for in the deed, the land surveyor must try to determine if they are in the proper location.  This process involves running a “traverse” around the boundary of the property in order to determine the relationship between all of the points, which are expressed in terms of the “bearings and distances”.

Normally, if all the bearings and distances are relatively close to the deed calls then the land surveyor will accept the monuments found as representing the property corners.  If there are significant differences, then more land surveying must be done in order to determine the proper location for the corner. During the boundary survey process, the land surveyor will also take into account the neighboring property deeds, and the long term acceptance of the corners found.  Boundary Surveyors should make every effort to settle boundary issues found in the field and not create disputes which might lead to a courtroom.

Why do you need a boundary survey?

• A boundary line survey allows you to see the exact boundary of what you are buying or selling.
• A boundary survey can determine if there are any easements for utilities such as water, sewer, drainage ways, power lines, etc. on your property.
• A property line survey identifies any encroachments like driveways, fences or buildings on the property or crossing any of your boundary lines.
• A boundary survey and drawing provide you the exact property line measurements and the precise locations of all structures (houses, barns, etc.), fences, or driveways related to those property boundary lines.
• A boundary survey might also include a determination of whether you are in a floodplain.
• A boundary survey can provide markings along your property lines which allow you to put up a fence on your property boundary line in the correct location so that you don’t encroach on another property or leave too much space between the fence and the boundary line.
• A boundary survey is the first step in being able to subdivide your property to divide it among family members.
• A boundary line survey should be done to make sure the building you’re constructing is on the lot, and not encroaching on any easement lines.