SUMMIT LAND SURVEYORS

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does a Surveyor know that I may not?

Surveyors must have a thorough knowledge of algebra, basic calculus, geometry, and trigonometry. They must also know the laws that deal with surveys, property, and contracts. In addition, they must be able to use delicate instruments with accuracy and precision. In the United States, surveyors and civil engineers use units of feet wherein a survey foot is broken down into 10ths and 100ths. Many deed descriptions requiring distance calls are often expressed using these units (125.25 ft). On the subject of accuracy, surveyors are often held to a standard of one one-hundredth of a foot; about 1/8th inch. Calculation and mapping tolerances are much smaller wherein achieving near perfect closures are desired. Though tolerances such as this will vary from project to project, in the field and day to day usage beyond a 100th of a foot is often impractical. In most states of the U.S., surveying is recognized as a distinct profession apart from engineering. Licensing requirements vary by state, however these requirements generally all have a component of education, experience and examinations. In the past, experience gained through an apprenticeship, together with passing a series of state-administered examinations, was required to attain licensure. Nowadays, most states insist upon basic qualification of a Degree in Surveying in addition to experience and examination requirements. Typically the process for registration follows two phases. First, upon graduation, the candidate may be eligible to sit for the Fundamentals of Land Surveying exam, to be certified upon passing and meeting all other requirements as a Surveyor In Training (SIT). Upon being certified as an SIT, the candidate then needs to gain additional experience until he or she becomes eligible for the second phase, which typically consists of the Principles and Practice of Land Surveying exam along with a state-specific examination.

Typically a licensed land surveyor is required to sign and seal all plans, the format of which is dictated by their state jurisdiction, which shows their name and registration number. In many states, Oregon being one of them, when setting boundary corners land surveyors are also required to place monuments bearing their registration numbers, typically in the form of capped iron rods, concrete monuments, or nails with washers.

What kind of Equipment is used for surveying?

As late as the 1990s the basic tools used in planar surveying were a tape measure for determining shorter distances, a level for determine height or elevation differences, and a theodolite, set on a tripod, with which one can measure angles (horizontal and vertical), combined with triangulation. Starting from a position with known location and elevation, the distance and angles to the unknown point are measured. A more modern instrument is a total station, which is a theodolite with an electronic distance measurement device (EDM) and can also be used for leveling when set to the horizontal plane. Since their introduction, total stations have made the technological shift from being optical-mechanical devices to being fully electronic with an onboard computer and software. Modern top-of-the-line total stations no longer require a reflector or prism (used to return the light pulses used for distancing) to return distance measurements, are fully robotic, and can even e-mail point data to the office computer and connect to satellite positioning systems, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS).

How much will my survey cost?

Generally, it is difficult to provide an exact amount for the price of a survey. There are many variables that can affect the cost of a survey. Depending on the type of survey requested, we may have to coordinate with engineers, planners, title companies, and contractors just to name a few. We will likely have to research public records, contact title companies, and possibly interview local residents. We will make every attempt to provide you with an accurate estimate of the project, prior to beginning any work. However, since there is only so much we can anticipate up front, unforeseen circumstances can arise, which makes an exact price almost impossible. Remember when choosing a surveyor to ask exactly what they intend to do for you for the price they have quoted. If you are trying to compare fees, you need to know exactly what you are comparing.

Why should I have a title report?

There are many things disclosed in a title report, many of which do not pertain to surveying. However, a surveyor generally will want to see a title report because it will disclose any easements and property rights that may exist on the property. When we are surveying a property to define it’s boundary, or building space, we will require the vesting deeds for your property, as well as those of your neighbors. A single piece of property is like a puzzle, in that it fits in between other properties. In order to see how your property fits, we need to see how the neighbors fit as well. The deeds are a written document that describes your land. The title company will provide these deeds to us along with the title report so that we can properly resolve your boundary. These records are available at the county, however, only a title company has the tools to properly research and assemble all the deeds necessary to get a clear picture of your property and the easements that may exist on it. There is a fee associated with a title report from the title company, but using their tools and being their area of expertise, their fee is generally lower than if you attempt to do all the research on your own. There is also a guarantee that comes with that fee.

Will a surveyor tell me what property I own?

No. A surveyor uses the deed for your property to resolve your boundary, and give you their professional opinion of your ownership. However, if problems are discovered such as neighboring gaps or overlaps, structural or use encroachments, or other problems, the surveyor can assist you in resolving the conflicts. Typically, a conversation and cooperation with the neighbor to adjust the property line, or create an easement is all that is necessary. If that course of action is unsuccessful, the problem may need to be brought to a court of law. This action being the most expensive solution.

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