How hard can it be?

I need to do a boundary survey on a city lot, what equipment will I need to perform the survey?

Performing a boundary survey on a city lot requires specific equipment to ensure accurate measurements and precise demarcation of property lines. Here is a list of essential equipment you will need:

Total Station: A total station is an advanced electronic surveying instrument that combines an electronic theodolite with an electronic distance meter (EDM). It measures angles and distances between points to determine precise coordinates.

GPS (Global Positioning System) Receiver: GPS equipment is used to establish accurate coordinates for various points on the lot. It is especially useful for establishing control points and tying the survey to a global reference system.

Surveying Prism and Pole: These are used with the total station to reflect the EDM signal back to the instrument, allowing you to measure distances to specific points.

Tripod: A stable tripod is essential for setting up the total station and maintaining its stability during measurements.

Measuring Tape: A long measuring tape is handy for measuring distances that may be difficult to access with the total station.

Plumb Bob: A plumb bob is used to establish vertical reference points, ensuring that measurements are taken from level positions.

Wooden or Metal Stakes: Stakes are used to mark points and corners on the lot, such as property corners or specific reference points.

Surveyor's Flagging Tape: Colored flagging tape is used to mark points and lines temporarily for easy identification during the survey.

Pruning Shears/Machete: In cases where vegetation obstructs your view, pruning shears or a machete can be helpful for clearing the path and getting clear line-of-sight.

Notepad and Pencils: Keep a notepad and pencils handy for recording measurements, notes, and any other relevant information during the survey.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Depending on the location and potential hazards, it's crucial to have safety gear such as a hard hat, safety vest, gloves, and sturdy footwear.

Communication Device: If you are working with a team, having reliable communication devices such as two-way radios or smartphones is essential for coordinating the survey.

Before conducting the boundary survey, ensure you are familiar with surveying techniques and regulations in your area. Also, consider checking with local authorities or hiring a professional surveyor if you're unsure about any legal or technical aspects of the survey. Boundary surveys are critical for establishing property lines, so accuracy and precision are of utmost importance.

For this boundary survey, will I need any office equipment?

Yes, for a boundary survey, you will need some office equipment to process and analyze the data collected in the field. Here are some essential office equipment and tools you may need:

Computer: A computer is essential for data processing, analysis, and generating survey reports. Ensure your computer has sufficient processing power and memory to handle surveying software.

Surveying Software: Invest in reliable surveying software to process and analyze the data collected during the survey. These software tools help you calculate coordinates, angles, distances, and create detailed survey maps.

CAD Software: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is valuable for creating precise drawings and maps based on the survey data. It allows you to draft boundary lines, features, and other details accurately.

Printer/Plotter: You may need to print survey maps, drawings, or reports for record-keeping or to provide clients with physical copies. A high-quality printer or plotter is essential for this purpose.

Scanner: If you receive any paper documents or drawings related to the property, a scanner will allow you to convert them into digital formats for easier storage and manipulation.

External Hard Drive or Cloud Storage: Since survey data can be substantial, it's essential to have ample storage space to keep backups and ensure data security. Consider using an external hard drive or cloud storage for data backup.

Office Supplies: Keep a supply of stationery items such as pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, and notepads for general office work and taking notes during data processing.

Large Format Scanner (Optional): Depending on the scale of the survey and the size of physical survey drawings, a large format scanner may be beneficial for digitizing large documents and drawings.

Survey Record Books: Maintain organized and well-documented survey records in physical or digital format for future reference and to comply with legal requirements.

Internet Connectivity: A reliable internet connection is necessary for accessing online resources, collaborating with team members, or sending and receiving large survey files.

While the fieldwork is crucial for gathering accurate data, the office work is equally essential for processing the collected information, generating deliverables, and ensuring the survey is completed successfully. Having the right office equipment will facilitate efficient data processing and analysis, leading to accurate boundary survey results.

Thank you, what research will I need to do for the boundary survey before I go out in the field?

Before going out into the field for a boundary survey, conducting thorough research is essential. Proper preparation will help you understand the property's history, legal documents, potential survey challenges, and relevant regulations. Here's a list of research tasks to undertake:

1. Property Deed and Legal Description: Obtain a copy of the property deed and legal description from the property owner or local land records office. The legal description should provide detailed information about the property's boundaries and any reference points used in the deed.

2. Previous Surveys: Look for any previous surveys of the property. Existing survey records can be valuable references and may reveal important details about the property's boundaries and corner markers.

3. City/County Records: Check with the city or county records office to gather information on any past building permits, land use restrictions, or zoning regulations that might impact the survey.

4. Plat Maps: Obtain copies of any plat maps or subdivision maps for the area. Plat maps can provide valuable insights into the layout of the neighborhood and surrounding properties.

5. Easements and Encroachments: Research any easements or encroachments that may affect the property boundaries. These can include utility easements, rights-of-way, or neighboring structures that cross into the property.

6. State and Local Surveying Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the surveying laws and regulations in your jurisdiction. Each area may have specific requirements for boundary surveys, such as allowable measurement methods and accuracy standards.

7. Historical Maps and Aerial Imagery: Look for historical maps and aerial imagery of the area to understand changes in the landscape over time. Old maps can help identify natural or artificial markers that might not exist today.

8. Nearby Monuments or Reference Points: Identify any known reference points or monuments near the property. These may include survey markers, benchmarks, or other permanent objects that can serve as control points for your survey.

9. Adjacent Property Owners: Reach out to neighboring property owners to gather information about any shared boundaries or disputes that might impact the survey.

10. Environmental Factors: Consider environmental factors that could affect the survey, such as flood zones, wetlands, or steep terrain.

11. Online Resources: Utilize online resources such as GIS databases, property assessment websites, and geographic data to gather additional information.

12. Consult a Licensed Surveyor (Optional): If you are uncertain about any legal or technical aspects of the survey, consider seeking advice from a licensed professional surveyor.

Thoroughly researching the property and its surroundings before heading into the field will equip you with the necessary knowledge to conduct a successful and accurate boundary survey. It will also help you anticipate potential challenges and ensure compliance with local regulations.

In the field for this boundary survey, I found the two back corners, but could not find any front corners. I did find a monument in the centerline of the road on each side of my lot. How can I establish the front lot corners?

If you have found the two back corners of the lot but are unable to locate the front corners, and there are monuments in the centerline of the road on each side of your lot, you can use the monuments as reference points to help you establish the front lot corners. Here's how you can proceed:

1. Determine the Centerline of the Road:

   Use a measuring tape or total station to establish a straight line between the two road monuments. This line represents the centerline of the road.

2. Calculate the Half-Width of the Road:

   Measure the distance between the two road monuments to determine the width of the road. Divide this measurement by 2 to get the half-width of the road.

3. Offset from the Centerline:

   Measure the half-width of the road from the centerline towards your lot. This will give you an approximate location for each of the front corners.

4. Look for Evidence of Lot Corners:

   Once you have established the approximate location of the front corners, look for any evidence of lot corners in the area. This evidence may include old survey markers, metal pins, or physical monuments.

5. Search for Property Corners:

   Conduct a thorough search around the approximate locations to find any property corner markers. Be diligent in examining the ground for any signs of boundary markers or survey monuments.

6. Use a Metal Detector (Optional):

   If you are having difficulty locating markers, you can use a metal detector to assist you in finding buried metal pins or markers that might not be visible on the surface.

7. Consult Previous Survey Records (Optional):

   If available, refer to any previous survey records for the property. The records may provide additional information about the front lot corners or the location of corner markers.

8. Verify with Local Authorities (Optional):

   If you are uncertain about the lot boundaries, you may consult with local land surveying authorities or a licensed surveyor for guidance on establishing the front corners.

Remember that a boundary survey requires precision and accuracy. If you encounter challenges in locating the front lot corners or have doubts about the survey, it's best to seek assistance from a licensed professional land surveyor. They have the expertise and tools to accurately establish property boundaries and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Great, I have now set the front corners of my lot. I live in the City of San Luis Obispo, in the state of California. Do I need to file anything with a government agency to show where I set my corners?

As a responsible property owner conducting a boundary survey and setting the lot corners, it is a good practice to inform the relevant government agency or local authorities about the survey work you have done. In the City of San Luis Obispo, California, there might be specific requirements regarding property surveys and lot corner markings. Here are the steps you should consider taking:

1. Consult with a Licensed Land Surveyor (Optional):

   While you have set the lot corners, it is advisable to consult with a licensed land surveyor to review your work and verify the accuracy of the boundary survey. A professional surveyor can ensure that your survey meets the necessary standards and complies with local regulations.

2. Record the Survey with the County Surveyor's Office:

   In California, you can record your survey with the County Surveyor's Office or the County Recorder's Office. Recording the survey provides an official record of the boundary work you have completed and helps ensure the information is accessible to the public and other parties.

3. File a Corner Record (Optional):

   California offers the option to file a Corner Record with the County Surveyor's Office. A Corner Record is a formal document that provides information about the monumentation and location of property corners. While it is not mandatory, filing a Corner Record can help protect the corners you have set and preserve the information for future reference.

4. Communicate with the City's Planning or Building Department:

   Inform the City's Planning or Building Department about the boundary survey and the establishment of lot corners. They may have specific requirements or documentation needed for the city's records.

5. Notify Neighboring Property Owners:

   It is courteous to inform your neighboring property owners about the boundary survey and the establishment of lot corners, especially if the survey might affect their property in any way.

6. Keep Detailed Records:

   Maintain detailed records of your survey work, including field notes, measurements, photographs, and any other relevant documentation. These records will be valuable for future reference and potential disputes.

Remember, land surveying and property boundaries can be legally complex matters. It is always best to consult with a professional land surveyor and follow the local regulations and procedures to ensure that your survey work is accurate, properly documented, and in compliance with all applicable laws.

So you have mentioned a licensed land surveyor a few times in our discussion. Since I am doing the survey on just my lot, do I need to have a licensed land surveyor do this, or am I okay doing this on my own.

The decision to hire a licensed land surveyor or conduct the survey on your own depends on various factors, including the complexity of the survey, your expertise in surveying, and the legal requirements in your area. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed choice:

1. Complexity of the Survey:

   If your lot has straightforward boundaries, no disputes with neighbors, and clear reference points (such as existing monuments or markers), you may be able to conduct a basic boundary survey on your own. However, if the lot boundaries are complex or unclear, or if there are potential encroachments or disputes with neighbors, it is best to involve a licensed surveyor to ensure accuracy and avoid legal issues.

2. Legal Requirements:

   Different states and localities have varying regulations concerning land surveys. Some jurisdictions require that boundary surveys be conducted by licensed surveyors to ensure the survey's validity. Check with your local authorities to determine if there are specific requirements for conducting a boundary survey.

3. Liability and Accuracy:

   Property boundaries are legal matters, and an accurate survey is crucial to avoid potential boundary disputes with neighbors in the future. Licensed surveyors are trained professionals with expertise in conducting precise surveys and understanding the legal aspects involved. Hiring a licensed surveyor can minimize the risk of errors and increase the reliability of your survey.

4. Property Transactions:

   If you plan to sell or buy the property or make significant changes to it, such as constructing a new building or subdividing, having a professional survey conducted by a licensed surveyor can be essential for legal and financial reasons.

5. Preservation of Property Records:

   A survey conducted by a licensed surveyor is more likely to be accepted by local authorities and agencies for record-keeping and future reference.

In conclusion, while it may be possible to conduct a basic boundary survey on your own for a simple and well-defined lot, it is generally advisable to involve a licensed land surveyor for more complex surveys or those with potential legal implications. A licensed surveyor will ensure the accuracy, legality, and reliability of the survey results, providing you with peace of mind regarding your property boundaries.

Well, I decided to do it on my own and file one of those record of surveys with the County Surveyor's office. What should I show on the map that I file with them. Do I need to show my house location, or just the monuments I set?

If you have decided to conduct the boundary survey on your own and file a Record of Survey with the County Surveyor's office, it's essential to include accurate and relevant information on the map. While I can provide general guidance, keep in mind that specific requirements may vary depending on your local jurisdiction. Here are some key elements you should consider including on the map:

1. Property Boundaries: Clearly depict the property boundaries of your lot on the map. Use accurate measurements and angles to define the boundary lines.

2. Corner Monuments: Show the locations of the corner monuments you set during the field survey. Use symbols or labels to identify each corner, and include details about the type of monument used.

3. Lot Dimensions: Include the dimensions of the lot, indicating the lengths of each boundary and the angles between adjacent sides.

4. Legal Description: Provide the legal description of the property as recorded in the deed or other official documents.

5. Street Names and Right-of-Way: If applicable, indicate the names of adjoining streets and the width of any public right-of-way adjacent to your property.

6. Building and Structures (Optional): While not strictly required for a boundary survey, you may choose to include the location of your house and other significant structures on the property to give context to the boundaries.

7. North Arrow and Scale: Include a north arrow to indicate the orientation of the map and a scale bar to show the map's relationship to real-world measurements.

8. Surveyor's Certification: If allowed by your jurisdiction, include a certification block stating that the survey was conducted by you, listing your name, address, and qualifications.

9. Date of Survey: Clearly indicate the date when the survey was conducted.

10. Reference Data: Provide information about the reference points used for the survey, such as the location of nearby monuments or control points.

11. Note About Setbacks or Easements (Optional): You may add a note indicating any setbacks or easements recorded in your deed or other relevant documents.

Ensure the map is drawn to scale, neat, and legible. It is vital to maintain accuracy and consistency throughout the drawing. Before submitting the Record of Survey, review the requirements set by the County Surveyor's office to ensure that your map complies with their guidelines.

Keep in mind that the quality and completeness of the map can significantly impact the acceptance and validity of your boundary survey. If you are uncertain about any aspect of preparing the map, consider consulting with a licensed surveyor or the County Surveyor's office for guidance.

Thank you for your help with this.

You're welcome! I'm glad I could assist you. If you have any more questions in the future or need further help with anything else, feel free to reach out. Good luck with your boundary survey, and I hope everything goes smoothly for you! Have a great day!