What is Land Surveying?

Land surveying is the precise measurement and mapping of the natural and man-made features of the Earth’s surface.

It involves determining the boundaries of properties, creating detailed plans of the terrain, and providing essential spatial data for various projects. For instance, a land surveyor accurately establishes property lines for legal documentation and construction, ensuring adherence to regulations and preventing boundary disputes.

Additionally, surveyors generate topographic maps that are critical for engineering design, land development, and infrastructure planning by illustrating the elevations and features of a site.

Why Do I Need a Land Surveyor?

You might need a land surveyor for various reasons, including:

• Defining property boundaries for building fences, resolving disputes, or purchasing/selling property.
• Obtaining topographic information for construction, development, or architectural design.
• Subdividing land into smaller parcels.
• Establishing control points for construction projects.
• Determining floodplain elevations.
• Securing permits for development.
• Ensuring compliance with local regulations.

What Types of Surveys Do You Offer?

We offer a range of surveying services, including:

• Boundary Surveys
• Topographic Surveys
• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
• Construction Staking
• Subdivision Plats
• Easement Surveys
• As-Built Surveys
• And more. Please contact us with your specific needs.

How Much Does a Land Survey Cost?

The cost of a land survey varies significantly depending on several factors, such as:

• The size and terrain of the property.
• The complexity of the survey required.
• The availability of existing records and monuments.
• The location of the property.
• The specific requirements of the project.

Please contact us for an accurate estimate.

How Long Does a Land Survey Take?

The timeframe for completing a land survey also depends on various factors, including the type of survey, the size and accessibility of the property, weather conditions, and the time required for record research and analysis. We will provide you with an estimated timeline during our consultation.

What is an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey?

An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is a comprehensive survey performed to a national standard jointly established by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). It is typically required by lenders and title companies for commercial real estate transactions to identify boundary lines, easements, encroachments, and other matters affecting the title to the land.

What are Survey Monuments and Markers?

Often surveys are based upon an available monumentation survey. Monumentation can take many forms. Most Cities and Counties have a system of monumentation that defines street right of ways which is then used to determine subdivision boundaries and specific property lines. Some properties have existing property corner monuments that were set as part of the original subdivision process or set during a subsequent survey. Survey monumentation is instrumental in the establishment/reestablishment of a property boundary. Absent sufficient monumentation, surveys may utilize existing improvements such as curb, gutter, sidewalk, building locations, fences, and other visible improvements.

What Information Do I Need to Provide for a Survey?

To help us provide you with an accurate quote and efficient service, please provide any information you have about the property, such as:

• Property address or location.
• Copies of your deed or title documents.
• Any previous survey maps or reports.
• Information about existing boundary markers or disputes.
• The purpose of the survey.

What is the Difference Between a Boundary Survey and a Topographic Survey?

A boundary survey focuses on establishing or retracing the legal boundaries of a property, defining property lines and corners. A topographic survey, on the other hand, focuses on mapping the three-dimensional features of a property, including elevations, natural features (trees, water bodies), and man-made features (buildings, utilities).

Are Your Surveyors Licensed and Insured?

Yes, Bruce R. Storrs is a Professional Land Surveyor (P.L.S. #6914) licensed in the state of California. We are also fully insured for your protection and peace of mind.

What Areas Do You Serve?

We survey in all of California but primarily the 9 Bay Area counties. We have direct surveying experience in at least 15 California Counties.

How Do I Get Started?

The best way to get started is to contact us by phone or email to discuss your surveying needs. We offer free consultations and will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a customized quote.