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.
Understanding Surveying: The Science Behind Land Measurement and Mapping
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.
Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technology: The Dual Roles of Modern Surveyors
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.
Exploring Different Types of Surveys
From Land Boundaries to Topographic Mapping
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.
Land surveys can broke into several categories: ALTA Surveys, Boundary Surveys, Land Title Surveys, Mortgage Inspections, Right-of-Way Surveys, Topographic Surveys, and Utility Surveys, that are each used to define or determine specific elements of a land survey. All surveys must meet the minimum technical standards that are established by the Board of Professional Surveyors and Engineers.
Utility Surveys
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. By means of physical observation, probing, potholing, excavation, or review of construction drawings, surveys create maps that show the location and depth of existing utility lines that can be used for comparison, design, construction, or repair. In most cases, utility surveys require the use of highly specialized subsurface locating equipment like ground penetrating radar to locate subsurface lines. If site or soil conditions are too difficult, sometimes the employment of an excavator or hydro excavation team is necessary to locate subsurface utilities for mapping. Utility surveys are generally prepared for cities, counties, engineers, and contractors.
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. ALTA/NSPS also dictate minimum allowable precision requirements, as well a minimum standard of practice for standardizing elements of a land survey. Most specifically, ALTA surveys can depict optional items as required to suit individual needs (Optional Table “A” Items) that can range from building height, nearest street intersection, zoning information, wetlands, and utilities. They can even specify minimum professional liability requirements.
Category 1A Condition II
Category 1A Condition II This type of survey refers to specific code in the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors Standards and Specifications. A Category 1A condition denotes a survey in which all corners must be staked, or identified, to provide the least amount of deviation in the survey. A condition II survey means it is conducted in an ‘Urban’ setting, meaning within the limits of an incorporated city; however, this excludes a recognized downtown business district.
Topographic Surveys
Topographic Surveys report on the physical conditions and characteristics of a property. This can vary from just listing locations of buildings to outlining improvements on a property based on design style surveys that reflect spot elevations, contours, grade breaks, utility structures, depths of utilities, and locations of rivers, streams, or gullies. It can also cover locations of street signage, striping trees, wells, and expansion joints, and it can even report specific conditions such as type of paving, depth of stream, or if a tree is sick or dying. Topographic surveys are primarily created to develop property and are used by engineers and architects as the base map for design projects. A development and design is only as good as the survey it is built upon, so it is very important to choose a surveyor in Houston who understands the elements necessary to create a quality civil engineering design or architectural plan.
GPS Surveys
GPS Surveys can be any kind of survey prepared using GPS equipment. Normally, a survey involves several people who use mechanical and electromechanical equipment that help them in measuring and collecting data about any piece of land. This equipment may include a compass, measuring tapes, calculators, and much more. The precision of data in a survey depends on the area of the land under survey. Line of sight also plays an important role in traditional surveys as most of the measurements are manually done. With the availability of GPS survey equipment, the need for several people is eliminated while also replacing the traditional equipment that often produce erroneous results if not maintained properly.
Mapping
Mapping This encompasses utilizing surveys to piece together information acquired by the surveyor to produce visual maps of the land topography; or sometimes, for more complex needs, to show the layout of potential water flow or utility lines. These maps are then used to establish boundaries for ownership, proper building locations, common right of ways, and adherence to local codes from government entities. The mapping can be done either as a traditional maintenance item to keep record of the land information, or in advance of anticipated land development or sale of property as a due diligence item for legal purposes.
