We all know that not all jobs are perfect. There are days when situations go over the way you want them to be. Land surveying is no different. When you work in this industry, you will face different issues and challenges. In case you need a land survey, these are the obstacles your surveyor must overcome. Take a look at this list of tough challenges in their daily work:
Time Held on the Property
This refers to the amount of time an owner has owned their property. Over the years, a lot of changes may have been made to the land. Sometimes, these changes are not reflected in the original deed. Old survey stakes, boundary lines, and fences may have disappeared. A new land survey after many decades can be a challenge for professional land surveyors.
Seasonal Changes
Each season brings its challenges and obstacles. In the fall, the leaves drop and cover the soil. This makes survey mapping more difficult. The wet and muddy soil conditions during springtime may also become a problem. High-intensity spring rains break down the soil into small particles. Finding property markers in this condition requires great effort.
Of course, extreme snow might cover evidence of property lines. The cold temperature makes survey work more demanding and dangerous. Land surveyors might slip on slippery roads and surfaces. The chilly weather affects the tools and instruments used in surveying. They may not operate as smoothly because of the temperature.
On the other hand, land surveyors prefer working on a summer day. The weather is nice and warm most of the time. The warm summer breeze makes working outside ideal for a surveying team.
Weather
Similar to the seasonal changes, the weather affects land surveying in multiple ways. Snow, rain, and wind are elements that present their own challenges. Rain causes the soil to become wet and muddy. A windy day will cause the leaves to fall on the ground. Land surveyors would rather work on a clear sunny day with comfortable temperatures.
As-Builts
Initial as-builts refer to the schematic drawings of the property’s pre-construction layout. Many building contractors disregard as-builts during the construction process. This results in less thorough as-builts, boundary disputes, and code violations.
Incomplete Model Laws
Land surveying laws are typically complex in nature. They vary in different states and counties. Most jurisdictions associate land surveying with any mapping or schematic representation that defines a property. However, some model laws have a narrower definition of the surveying trade. Some model law frameworks include secondary maps and post-survey documents. The conflicting rules pose a challenge and misunderstandings for professional land surveyors.
GIS vs. Traditional Survey Frameworks
Geographic Information Systems or GIS are considered as the repositories for data in land surveying. Although technology is advancing, states have yet to update their surveying framework. Many states are still using traditional survey frameworks. Old land survey frameworks do not account for modern GIS-enhanced surveying techniques.
The mismatch with old frameworks creates an issue for land surveyors. This is problematic if a surveyor uses GIS that’s not recognized by the established legal framework. Fortunately, more lawmakers are building GIS into the surveying processes within their states.
Paper Streets and Adverse Possession
Developers need to submit a plan before receiving construction permits. This practice resulted in “paper streets.” This term refers to the streets that were planned but never built. Paper streets are created when developers no longer want to build the roadways as marked on the original plans.
Over time, the unused property is absorbed into homeowners’ properties. They can occupy the land for an extended period by claiming adverse possession. Since the deeds may be altered, this may lead to disputes. This complicated issue may only be resolved when a land surveyor performs a new boundary survey.
Reach Out To Our Team
Professional and surveyors have many difficult tasks to complete in their day-to-day work. At Pittsburgh Land Surveyors, we are prepared to fix any issues that may arise. Our experienced land surveyors know the solutions to avoid or mitigate these challenges. We are experts when it comes to the job itself.
Our surveying company offers mortgage surveys, flood elevation certifications, and ALTA surveys. To learn more, feel free to talk to us today. We would love to work with you!
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