How do you survey a land?

Answer 1

You could survey your own land but it is highly NOT recommend for multiple reasons. Land surveys are done by licensed professionals which perform the survey and prepare the maps and stamp them with a seal and signature. Land surveys are based upon information gathered at the county clerks office as well as field measurements taken by extremely sensitive and accurate surveying equipment. Land Surveyors are overseen in most states by a sector of the state government and regulated by way of a professional organization or association, and carry errors and omissions insurance much like a Doctor would. Most banks or lenders require this oversight so as to be able to accept a certified survey from a licensed surveyor. I would recommend that you hire a surveyor to survey any land you are interested in purchasing. If you look at their insurance, labor and time spent, liability, and the use of expensive equipment, several hundred dollars for a survey is a very excellent deal. You couldn't survey your property yourself for less.

Even if you're not a licensed land surveyor, you might assist later surveyors by patrolling your property lines and corners from time to time, making sure they are visible (staked, pinned, flagged, blazed, painted, etc) and use the opportunity to ensure they are not being obliterated, moved or trespassed.

Answer 2

There are many problems with surveying your own land. First, if you are a license/registered land surveyor you can survey your own land for personal reference but if you want to use the survey for conveyancing purposes a buyer would likely request a survey performed by an objective third party.

If you are not a licensed/registered surveyor this site is not intended to provide instruction in such complex areas of expertise as land surveying. You need specialized equipment and training to survey land "in the field". The information disclosed by the field survey is then converted by specialized software into a drawing of the land with the metes and bounds and abutters added by the surveyor. If you're not a professional surveyor no other person would accept your home made survey.

You should perform a search for "land survey methods" sites to acquaint yourself with the complexities of land surveying.

Answer 3

You hire a land surveyor to survey your property. This person should be certified by the American Land Title Association or an equivalent organization for property outside of the United States. This is important to know the exact area and if there are any buildings too close or over the property line.