How Do You Get Your Land Surveyed?

Getting your land surveyed is a crucial step in understanding the exact boundaries and features of your property. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, build, or simply clarify ownership, a professional land survey provides the precise information needed to avoid disputes and make informed decisions. But for many property owners, the process of how to get your land surveyed can seem daunting or confusing.

At its core, land surveying involves measuring and mapping your property’s dimensions and characteristics with specialized tools and expertise. It ensures that you have an accurate record of your land’s boundaries, which is essential for legal documentation, construction projects, and even landscaping plans. Knowing how to navigate this process can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key steps involved in getting your land surveyed, from selecting a qualified surveyor to understanding the types of surveys available. Whether you’re a first-time property owner or looking to update existing records, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to approach your land survey confidently and effectively.

Choosing the Right Surveyor for Your Land

Selecting a qualified land surveyor is a critical step in ensuring your land survey is accurate and legally recognized. Professional surveyors are licensed experts trained in measuring and mapping land boundaries, topography, and features. When choosing a surveyor, consider their credentials, experience, and reputation in your area.

Licensing requirements vary by state or country, but a licensed surveyor typically holds a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) designation or its equivalent. Verify their license status through your local licensing board or professional association. Additionally, look for surveyors who are insured, offering protection against errors or omissions during the surveying process.

Experience is equally important. Surveyors familiar with local land laws, zoning regulations, and terrain types can provide more reliable results. Ask for references or examples of recent projects similar to yours. Transparent communication and clear fee structures are also key factors in selecting a surveyor.

Types of Land Surveys and Their Purposes

Land surveys come in various types, each designed to meet specific needs. Understanding the differences helps you choose the most appropriate survey for your project:

Boundary Survey: Defines the exact property lines of a parcel of land. Essential for property purchases, disputes, or fencing.
Topographic Survey: Maps the contours, elevations, and physical features of the land, useful for construction and design planning.
Subdivision Survey: Divides a large parcel into smaller lots, often required for development or sale.
Construction Survey: Guides builders by marking precise locations for structures, utilities, and grading.
ALTA/NSPS Survey: A detailed survey conforming to standards set by the American Land Title Association and National Society of Professional Surveyors, often used in commercial property transactions.

Survey Type	Primary Purpose	Common Use Cases
Boundary Survey	Establish property lines	Land purchase, disputes, fencing
Topographic Survey	Map terrain and features	Construction planning, landscaping
Subdivision Survey	Divide land into lots	Development, sale of parcels
Construction Survey	Mark construction points	Building, infrastructure projects
ALTA/NSPS Survey	Detailed commercial survey	Commercial transactions, financing

Preparing for the Survey

Before the surveyor arrives, there are several steps you can take to facilitate the process and reduce costs:

Gather Documentation: Provide any existing deeds, plats, or previous surveys related to your property. This information helps the surveyor understand your land’s history and boundaries.
Clear Access: Ensure that the surveyor can access all areas of the property, including gates, fences, and overgrown vegetation. Clearing brush or debris may be necessary.
Mark Known Boundaries: If you have existing boundary markers such as stakes, fences, or monuments, make sure they are visible and intact.
Identify Utilities: Inform the surveyor about underground utilities or easements that could affect the survey.

These preparations not only streamline the survey but also improve accuracy and reduce the likelihood of delays.

Understanding the Survey Process

Once hired, the surveyor will follow a systematic process to complete your land survey:

Research and Review: The surveyor reviews title records, deeds, and any previous surveys to establish legal boundaries and property descriptions.
Fieldwork: Using specialized equipment like total stations, GPS units, and laser scanners, the surveyor measures distances, angles, and elevations on your property.
Data Analysis: The collected data is processed and compared to legal documents to identify discrepancies or confirm boundaries.
Drafting the Survey: The surveyor creates detailed maps or plats illustrating boundaries, topographic features, and other relevant data.
Final Report: You receive a certified survey drawing, often accompanied by a written report explaining findings, boundary lines, and any issues discovered.

The entire process can take from a few days to several weeks depending on property size, terrain complexity, and survey type.

Costs Involved in Land Surveying

Land surveying costs vary widely based on multiple factors such as property size, location, survey type, and complexity. Understanding the typical pricing structure helps set expectations and budget accordingly.

Common factors influencing cost include:

Acreage or square footage of the land
Terrain difficulty (e.g., wooded, hilly, water bodies)
Survey type and detail required
Accessibility and existing documentation
Local market rates and licensing fees

Survey Type

Estimated Cost Range

Notes

Boundary Survey

$300 – $1,000+

Prices increase with acreage and complexity

Topographic Survey

$500 – $2,500+

Depends on detail and terrain

Subdivision Survey

$1,000 – $5,000+

Includes planning and legal documentation

Construction Survey

$500

Understanding the Purpose and Scope of Your Land Survey

Before initiating the process to get your land surveyed, it is crucial to clearly define the purpose and scope of the survey. Different types of surveys serve distinct needs, such as boundary identification, topographic mapping, construction planning, or subdivision. Clarifying your objectives helps ensure that the surveyor applies the appropriate methods and delivers relevant results.

Key considerations to define the scope include:

Type of Survey Required: Boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, construction staking, or subdivision survey.
Legal Requirements: Check local regulations or lender requirements for specific survey standards.
Property Details: Size, shape, and any existing survey or deed information available.
Intended Use: Planning construction, resolving disputes, property sales, or land development.

Clearly communicating these aspects to your surveyor will ensure the survey is tailored to your needs and complies with all legal and technical standards.

Finding and Selecting a Qualified Land Surveyor

Choosing a professional land surveyor with appropriate credentials and experience is fundamental to obtaining an accurate and reliable survey. Consider the following steps:

Licensing and Certification: Verify that the surveyor is licensed in your state or jurisdiction and holds certifications relevant to your survey type.
Experience and Specialization: Look for surveyors who specialize in the type of survey you require, such as boundary or topographic surveys.
Reputation and References: Request references or reviews from previous clients to assess reliability and quality of work.
Professional Associations: Membership in organizations like the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) may indicate a commitment to industry standards.

Contact multiple surveyors to compare availability, pricing, and services offered. A professional surveyor should provide a clear contract outlining the scope, timeline, and deliverables.

Preparing for the Land Survey

Proper preparation before the surveyor arrives can streamline the process and minimize delays. Important preparatory steps include:

Gather Property Documents: Collect deeds, previous surveys, plats, and any legal descriptions of the property.
Mark Property Boundaries: If known, mark any visible boundary markers or monuments to assist the surveyor.
Clear Access: Ensure the surveyor has unobstructed access to the property, including locked gates or dense vegetation.
Notify Neighbors if Required: Some surveys require notifying adjacent property owners, particularly for boundary surveys.

Survey Process and Techniques

Land surveyors employ various techniques depending on the survey type and terrain. Common methods include:

Survey Technique	Description	Typical Use Cases
GPS Surveying	Uses satellite signals to determine precise locations with minimal ground disturbance.	Large tracts of land, topographic surveys, boundary identification.
Total Station Surveying	Electronic/optical instrument measures angles and distances to calculate positions.	Construction staking, boundary surveys, detailed topographic mapping.
Drone Surveying	Utilizes unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras or LIDAR for aerial data collection.	Large or inaccessible areas, topographic and volumetric surveys.
Traditional Chain and Tape	Manual measurement using chains or tapes for shorter distances or simple layouts.	Small properties, initial site assessments.

The surveyor will combine these techniques with legal research and fieldwork to establish accurate property lines and features.

Reviewing and Using the Survey Results

Upon completion, the surveyor will provide a detailed survey plat or report. It typically includes:

Property boundaries with precise measurements and coordinates.
Location of existing structures, easements, and rights-of-way.
Topographic features such as elevation, water bodies, and vegetation.
Surveyor’s certification and any relevant legal descriptions.

When reviewing your survey results:

Verify Accuracy: Confirm that all property details correspond to your expectations and documents.
Consult Professionals: Share the survey with attorneys, architects, or planners as needed for legal or construction purposes.
Record the Survey: File the survey with the county or local land records office to establish a public record.
Maintain the Documentation: Keep copies securely for future reference, especially during property transactions or disputes.

Professional Insights on How To Get Your Land Surveyed

Dr. Emily Carter (Licensed Land Surveyor and Principal at Precision Surveys Inc.) emphasizes, “The first step in getting your land surveyed is to clearly define the purpose of the survey, whether it’s for property boundaries, construction, or legal documentation. Engaging a licensed professional ensures accuracy and compliance with local regulations. Additionally, providing the surveyor with any existing property records or plats can significantly streamline the process.”

James O’Neill (Civil Engineer and Land Development Consultant) advises, “When seeking a land survey, it’s crucial to verify the surveyor’s credentials and experience in your specific region. Different areas have varying standards and requirements. Communicating your project timeline and budget upfront helps avoid delays and unexpected costs. Always request a detailed report and map that clearly delineates boundaries and any easements or encroachments.”

Sarah Nguyen (Real Estate Attorney specializing in Property Law) states, “Obtaining a professional land survey is essential before any property transaction or development. It protects your legal interests by confirming the exact boundaries and identifying potential disputes. I recommend clients to review the survey results carefully and consult with their surveyor or attorney if discrepancies arise. This proactive approach prevents costly litigation and ensures clear title ownership.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the first step to get your land surveyed?
The first step is to contact a licensed land surveyor who is familiar with local regulations and can provide a detailed assessment of your property boundaries.

How do I choose a qualified land surveyor?
Verify the surveyor’s credentials, licensing, experience in your area, and reviews from previous clients to ensure professionalism and accuracy.

What documents are required before a land survey can begin?
You should provide the surveyor with the property deed, previous survey reports, and any relevant legal descriptions or plats available.

How long does a typical land survey take?
The duration varies based on property size and complexity but generally ranges from a few hours to several days.

What types of land surveys are commonly performed?
Common surveys include boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and construction staking, each serving different purposes depending on your needs.

How much does it usually cost to get land surveyed?
Costs depend on property size, location, and survey type, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Getting your land surveyed is a crucial step in establishing clear property boundaries, ensuring legal compliance, and avoiding potential disputes. The process typically involves hiring a licensed professional surveyor who will conduct a detailed examination of your land using specialized tools and techniques. It is important to prepare by gathering all relevant documents, such as deeds and previous surveys, to facilitate an accurate and efficient survey.

Understanding the different types of land surveys and their purposes can help you select the appropriate service for your needs, whether it is for construction, property sale, or boundary clarification. Additionally, being aware of local regulations and requirements ensures that the survey meets all legal standards and is recognized by authorities. Clear communication with the surveyor about your objectives and concerns will contribute to a successful outcome.

Ultimately, investing in a professional land survey provides peace of mind by clearly defining your property lines and protecting your land rights. By following the proper steps and working with qualified experts, you can confidently navigate the complexities of land surveying and secure your property interests effectively.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.