Three Land Survey Equipment Mistakes To Avoid
Posted on: 11 May 2017
Whether you are simply verifying your property lines or doing a more in depth survey to determine building sites, a properly done land survey is a must. An error can come back to haunt you later, especially if a neighbor ever contests the survey. Knowing the following mistakes and how to avoid them can help you avoid future problems.
#1: Depending on old surveyor's marks
Some new property owners opt to skip the survey. This isn't necessarily a problem if a relatively modern survey is on file with the local county or zoning commission, and if you can verify exactly where the property lines on this older survey land. The problem is if there is no land survey on file so that you instead depend on the little metal stakes that were sometimes used to mark the corners of property in the past. Simply stretching a line between these stakes does not always indicate the property line, since not all property lines follow a straight course.
#2: Not testing the equipment
Several pieces of equipment are used to ensure that the measurements are correct. Many now depend upon GPS technology, so the margin for error is greatly reduced. Others, like the simple tape measure and level, work well but they do increase the chance of human error. Some equipment though, like the theodolite and total station, need to be inspected before each use to ensure they are properly working and in calibration. Otherwise these can deliver false distance or slope measurements, for example.
#3: Skipping visible marks
When you get a survey completed the surveyor will give you maps of the surveyed land along with measurements that clearly outline your property boundaries. These are intended for your builder, but they can be difficult to understand if you aren't experienced in reading surveys. If you are planning to do your own work, such as installing a fence, then the surveyor can put up temporary marks of your boundaries for you. This is typically done using temporary spray paint, flags, or line. Marking like this is sometimes included as part of the survey upon request, but often it will be an additional survey. It is well worth it though, as otherwise you chance building in the wrong area, which can force you to tear down the work and start over.
For more help with boundary issues, contact a land surveyor or survey equipment dealer in your area.
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