The field of land surveying is broader than people might think. It is more than measuring and recording boundaries of different properties. Here are the most common types of professional land survey:
- Boundary surveys
- Construction surveys
- Topographic surveys
- Mortgage surveys
- Flood Elevation Certification Surveys
- ALTA surveys
In this blog, we will mainly focus on ALTA surveys. An ALTA survey is a combination of different land surveys: boundary, title, as-built, and location surveys. For this reason, it’s deemed the gold standard in the land surveying industry.
ALTA surveys adhere to strict standards and requirements developed by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). In general, lenders require ALTA surveys for commercial real estate transactions. Aside from real estate, this type of survey is used for legal transactions, engineering, land development, finance, and more.
Essential Components of an ALTA Survey
- Boundary lines and markers
- Easements, including unrecorded easements
- Water features
- Encroachments
- Land improvements along the boundaries
- Location of utility lines and points of connection, including underground utilities
- Rights of way and access to public streets and highways or private ways
- Roads and property features
- Zoning classification
- Flood zone classification
- Legal property description
Who performs ALTA surveys?
Since an ALTA survey represents the highest standards in the industry, only a professional land surveyor can perform this survey. Compared to other types of surveys, ALTA surveys are more detailed as needed by lenders, attorneys, and real estate professionals. The report provides them with the peace of mind to continue with the transaction.
ALTA surveys adhere to national standards called “Minimum Detail Standard Requirements.” This standard helps maintain the quality of work in the industry. Aside from the national standards, professional surveyors must also adhere to state laws and requirements. That’s why you should hire a surveyor who has knowledge of ALTA survey practices. They should have extensive knowledge and experience in performing different types of surveying.
Qualifications to Become a Land Surveyor
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in land surveying or any related field (spatial science or survey engineering)
- Take and pass the Fundamentals of Surveying exam given by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
- Obtain hands-on training with a licensed surveyor, which lasts about four years
- Fulfill requirements in your specific state
- Earn land surveyor certifications from different organizations
- Obtain a seal and license number to perform an ALTA survey
The ALTA Survey Process
Step 1: Research
Most land surveying work begins with the research step. This involves conducting an in-depth investigation into both private and public records. A land surveyor will review documents and maps about the property. Most surveyors obtain existing deeds and documents from local agencies.
Step 2: Fieldwork
The second step is all about conducting a field survey. In any kind of land survey, fieldwork is important in ensuring accurate and reliable results. During the fieldwork phase, surveyors will obtain data by going to the site. They will identify the boundary lines, markers, and other essential components of an ALTA survey. Specialized survey equipment must be used when doing field surveys.
Step 3: Drafting of the Survey Report
Once all the evidence is collected, your surveyors will start creating a map of the survey. They will analyze all the relevant data and double-check the measurements to ensure accuracy. All the details should be verified before finalizing the ALTA survey report.
Step 4: Completion
The survey report will be sent to the client. Depending on the complexity of the process, the entire process can be completed in 2-3 weeks.
Get Started With Your Surveying Project
For accurate and affordable ALTA surveys in and around Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Land Surveyors is here to help. We are dedicated to offering many different types of land surveys. With our years of experience and expertise, we can meet your land surveying needs, on time and within budget.
Our team of licensed surveyors provides prompt and excellent work all around. When you hire us, we will send out our crew quickly and perform the required land survey. In every project, we always make sure to get the job done in a professional manner.
To get a free quote from us, feel free to reach out to our friendly staff. We look forward to working with you soon!
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