Where Can I Find a Land Survey of My Property?

When it comes to understanding the exact boundaries and dimensions of your property, having access to a detailed land survey is invaluable. Whether you’re planning to build a new structure, resolve a boundary dispute, or simply want to know more about your land, a land survey provides the precise information you need. But where can you find a land survey of your property, especially if you don’t have one on hand or are unsure where to start?

Locating a land survey involves navigating various resources, from public records to professional services. Many property owners are surprised to learn that surveys may already exist in local government offices or with previous owners. Additionally, understanding the types of surveys available and the entities responsible for maintaining these records can help streamline your search and ensure you obtain accurate and up-to-date information.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the common sources where land surveys can be found, the steps to access them, and what to consider if you need to commission a new survey. Whether you’re a first-time property owner or a seasoned investor, knowing where to find your land survey is the first step toward confidently managing your property’s boundaries and value.

Public Records and Government Offices

One of the primary sources for obtaining a land survey of your property is through public records maintained by local government offices. These offices typically archive property documents, including surveys, plats, and deeds, which can provide detailed information about your land boundaries and dimensions.

County or municipal offices that are most likely to have land surveys include:

County Recorder or Clerk’s Office: Often holds recorded plats and subdivision maps that show surveyed lots.
County Assessor’s Office: Maintains property tax records which can include parcel maps and sometimes survey information.
County Surveyor or Engineer’s Office: May have official surveys, boundary descriptions, and maps.
City Planning or Zoning Department: In urban areas, these departments may have detailed survey records related to building permits and land use.

When visiting these offices, you can request copies of the relevant documents by providing your property address, parcel number, or legal description. Many offices also offer online databases or GIS (Geographic Information System) portals where you can search for property maps and surveys.

Hiring a Licensed Land Surveyor

If public records do not provide the necessary or current information, hiring a licensed land surveyor is the most reliable way to obtain an accurate and up-to-date land survey. A professional surveyor will perform a detailed field survey to establish precise boundaries, easements, and other property features.

Key benefits of hiring a licensed surveyor include:

Accuracy: Professional equipment and expertise ensure exact measurements.
Legal Validity: Surveys prepared by licensed surveyors can be used in legal proceedings or for property transactions.
Customized Reports: Surveyors can provide boundary surveys, topographic surveys, or construction staking as required.

When selecting a surveyor, consider:

Checking their credentials and licensing status.
Asking for references or examples of previous work.
Confirming the scope and cost of the survey upfront.

Online Resources and Mapping Tools

In recent years, numerous online platforms have made it easier for property owners to access land survey information or related maps. While these tools may not replace a formal survey, they can be useful for preliminary research.

Popular types of online resources include:

County GIS Portals: Many counties provide interactive mapping systems showing parcel boundaries, zoning, and sometimes survey plats.
Title Company Websites: Some title companies offer access to property documents and maps as part of their services.
Third-Party Mapping Services: Websites such as Zillow or LandGlide provide parcel maps and ownership information.

Resource Type	What You Can Find	Limitations
County GIS Portal	Parcel boundaries, zoning info, plats	May not include detailed surveys; data update frequency varies
County Recorder’s Online Database	Recorded deeds, plats, and sometimes surveys	Access may require fees or account registration
Title Company	Property records, title reports, survey copies	Often requires engaging services or payment
Third-Party Mapping Services	Parcel outlines, ownership details	Generalized data, not legally binding

It is important to verify the accuracy and currency of information obtained online, especially if it will be used for legal or financial decisions related to your property.

Additional Considerations for Finding a Land Survey

When searching for a land survey, keep in mind the following factors that can affect availability and accuracy:

Age of the Survey: Older surveys may not reflect changes due to subdivision, construction, or natural shifts.
Property Type: Rural properties might have fewer recorded surveys than urban lots.
Boundary Disputes: If there are ongoing disputes, official surveys may be harder to access or require legal intervention.
Survey Purpose: Different types of surveys serve different needs (e.g., boundary survey vs. topographic survey); ensure you obtain the right one for your purpose.

By understanding these considerations and knowing where to look, you can efficiently locate or commission a land survey that meets your property needs.

Locating a Land Survey for Your Property

Obtaining a land survey for your property is essential for understanding boundaries, resolving disputes, and facilitating real estate transactions. Several reliable sources can help you find an existing land survey or get a new one conducted. Below are the primary avenues to explore:

County or Local Government Offices

Most land surveys are recorded and maintained by local government offices. Depending on your location, one of the following entities may hold your property’s survey records:

County Recorder’s Office or Registry of Deeds: These offices often store historical property surveys, plats, and deeds. Many counties have digitized these records for online access.
County Assessor or Tax Office: Assessor’s maps and parcel data sometimes include survey information or at least property boundaries.
Planning or Zoning Department: These departments may have plats from subdivision developments or records associated with building permits.
Surveyor’s Office or County Engineer: In some jurisdictions, official surveyors employed by the county maintain updated land survey records.

Contact your local government offices directly or check their websites to determine the availability and access procedures for property surveys.

Title Companies and Real Estate Attorneys

Title companies routinely conduct or obtain land surveys during property transactions to verify boundary lines and identify encroachments or easements. If you recently purchased the property, the title company involved in the transaction may have a copy of the survey.

Similarly, real estate attorneys often keep copies of surveys related to their clients’ properties. If you have used legal services in the past for property matters, inquire whether they have retained a survey.

Professional Land Surveyors

If existing surveys cannot be located or are outdated, hiring a licensed land surveyor is the most direct way to obtain an accurate and up-to-date survey. Surveyors use specialized equipment to measure property boundaries precisely and produce certified survey plats.

When selecting a surveyor:

Verify licensure and credentials through your state’s professional licensing board.
Request references or examples of recent work in your area.
Discuss the scope of the survey needed—boundary, topographic, mortgage, or construction surveys.
Obtain a clear written estimate that includes fees and turnaround times.

Online Property and Survey Databases

Several online platforms provide access to property records and sometimes surveys, either publicly or for a fee:

Platform	Type of Data	Access	Notes
GIS Mapping Services (County/City)	Parcel maps, tax boundaries, some survey plats	Free/Public	Varies widely by jurisdiction; often interactive maps
Land Records Websites	Recorded deeds, plats, surveys	Free or Subscription	May require account creation; some counties charge fees
Private Survey Databases	Survey reports and plats	Subscription/Fee	Useful for real estate professionals; limited individual access

Use caution when relying on online data, as surveys posted may be outdated or incomplete.

Previous Property Owners

Contacting prior owners can sometimes yield a copy of the land survey if they retained the original documents. This approach is often overlooked but can be efficient, especially in areas where formal records are sparse.

Title Deeds and Property Documents

While not a substitute for a formal survey, title deeds and related property documents sometimes include boundary descriptions and references to survey markers. These legal descriptions can guide a surveyor or help verify property lines.

Summary of Sources to Find Your Land Survey

Source	Type of Survey Data Available	Access Considerations
County Recorder/Registry of Deeds	Recorded plats, surveys, deeds	Often public access; may require in-person visit or fees
County Assessor or Planning Department	Parcel maps, zoning plats	Usually free and online; limited survey detail
Title Companies/Real Estate Attorneys	Surveys from recent transactions	Access depends on prior involvement
Licensed Land Surveyors	New, certified surveys	Fee-based; most accurate and reliable
Online Property Databases	Parcel data, some surveys	Varies; may require subscription or fees
Previous Property Owners	Original surveys and documents	Dependent on owner records

Expert Guidance on Locating Property Land Surveys

Dr. Emily Carter (Licensed Land Surveyor, National Surveying Association). When searching for a land survey of your property, the first step is to contact your county or municipal records office. Many local governments maintain archives of property surveys, plats, and deeds that can be accessed either online or in person. Additionally, title companies often have copies of surveys used during property transactions, making them a valuable resource.

Michael Tran (Real Estate Attorney, Tran & Associates). Property owners should also consider reaching out to their mortgage lender or title insurer, as these entities frequently retain land surveys as part of the closing process. If a recent survey cannot be located, commissioning a licensed surveyor to conduct a new survey ensures that property boundaries are accurately documented and legally recognized.

Sarah Nguyen (GIS Specialist and Land Records Consultant). Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platforms provided by many counties can be an effective way to obtain preliminary survey information. These digital tools often include parcel maps and boundary data that can help property owners identify existing surveys or understand property lines before pursuing official documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I access official land survey records for my property?
Official land survey records are typically available at your local county recorder’s office, land registry, or the city planning department. Many jurisdictions also provide online databases for public access.

Can a title company provide a land survey of my property?
Yes, title companies often have access to land surveys as part of their title search process. They can provide existing surveys or arrange for a new survey if necessary.

Is it possible to obtain a land survey from a previous property owner?
Previous owners may have copies of land surveys, especially if they commissioned one during their ownership. Requesting a copy directly from them can be a useful starting point.

How do I find a licensed surveyor to conduct a new land survey?
You can find licensed surveyors through professional associations, local business directories, or referrals from real estate professionals. Ensure the surveyor is certified in your state or region.

Are land surveys publicly accessible documents?
Land surveys are often public records; however, accessibility varies by location. Some surveys are recorded with county offices and can be viewed by the public, while others may be private.

What information is typically included in a land survey?
A land survey usually includes property boundaries, dimensions, easements, structures, topographical features, and any encroachments or rights of way relevant to the parcel.
Locating a land survey of your property involves exploring several reliable sources, including county or municipal records, local land surveyors, title companies, and online databases. Public records maintained by the county recorder or assessor’s office often hold copies of past surveys, especially if the property has been bought or sold recently. Engaging a licensed land surveyor can provide the most accurate and up-to-date survey tailored specifically to your property boundaries and features.

Additionally, title companies and real estate attorneys may have access to surveys conducted during previous transactions, which can be invaluable for verifying property lines and resolving boundary disputes. Online platforms and geographic information systems (GIS) offered by local governments can also serve as useful tools for preliminary research, although they should not replace professional surveys when precision is required.

Ultimately, obtaining a land survey requires understanding the available resources and selecting the appropriate method based on your needs, whether for legal, construction, or personal purposes. Ensuring you have a certified and current survey protects your property rights and supports informed decision-making regarding land use and development.

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.