Land surveying may seem a straightforward task of measuring land and determining where property lines or boundaries are. However, it is actually more complex than that. In fact, there are different types of land surveys that will depend on the type of property or land to be surveyed, the information you want from the job, and the topography of the land. Land surveying and mapping rely on a combination of geometry, mathematics, physics, and engineering along with modern technologies like 3D laser scanning, GPS surveys, and high-definition surveying equipment. Here are some of the different types of land surveys you need to know about:
- Boundary survey – Land surveys for finding, determining, measuring, and reporting a property’s boundary lines can provide information on any encroachments. With a boundary survey, you can verify the reliability of your property’s existing land corners, and determine right action for replacing missing corners. Professional land surveyors do their research on other documents, maps, plans, wills, and deeds that may already exist and provide information on the rights associated with your property.
- Topographic survey – This type of land surveying services and methods can determine your property’s geographical condition. Data can be used to contour the land and identify the map, making topographic surveys critical during the planning phase of construction and development projects. The contours and maps that can be created from this survey can be used as a base map for your project. The survey is conducted below or above ground level, and it will examine materials including soil density, trees, utility poles, manholes, and walkways.
- Environmental land surveys – Land surveys for the environmental industry can include different tasks, like geotracker reporting, monitoring well, construction staking, earth quantity calculations, as-built surveys, and topographic surveys. The data can be useful when determining the potential impact of developments on the environment, and the impact the environment can have on specific types of developments.