What is Surveying?

Surveying is the technique, profession, and science of measurement and mapping of the surrounding environment using mathematics, specialized technology, and equipment. Land surveyors work both in the field and the office and no two days are the same. Surveyors work on a diverse variety of projects from land subdivision, site development, highway design, hydrographic mapping, aerial photogrammetry, mining exploration, tunnel building, and major construction. Surveyors are experts in determining land size and measurement. Surveyors can map almost anything on land, and can even measure the ocean floor or elements in the sky.

In the field, surveyors use the latest technology such as high order GPS Stations, tripod-mounted Robotic Total Stations, digital levels, and aerial and terrestrial scanners to map areas, perform calculations, and observe physical evidence to delineate property boundaries or locate features.

In the office, surveyors utilize sophisticated software, such as Auto-CAD, to draft maps reflecting the physical measurements obtained in the field and provide expert guidance and information to facilitate the work of engineers, architects, and developers.

In Texas, a Registered Professional Land Surveyor must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, as well as undertake a two-year apprenticeship before obtaining a license from the State of Texas to perform land survey.

Types of Surveys

Land Surveys

Land surveys are maps created by a surveyor to determine and advise on property boundaries when a property is purchased, sold, or subdivided.

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ALTA/NSPS Standard Land Surveys

ALTA/NSPS Standard Land Surveys are surveys that are administered under guidelines established by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors that address a comprehensive list of various items that are typically of concern to lenders and title companies.

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Category 1A Condition II

This type of survey refers to specific code in the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors Standards and Specifications.

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Topographic Surveys

Topographic Surveys report on the physical conditions and characteristics of a property.

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Utility

Utility Surveys are exactly like they sound. They are a survey or map undertaken to reflect the location, size, depth, or condition of subsurface utility lines.

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GPS Surveys

GPS Surveys can be any kind of survey prepared using GPS equipment.

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Mapping

This encompasses utilizing surveys to piece together information acquired by the surveyor to produce visual maps of the land topography.

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