Survey Types Vary for Land Use,
Loan Approvals, Subdivision Plans

Know more about the different types of surveys in this article reprinted from the brochure, Facts You Should Know About Having Your Land Surveyed, by permission of the North Carolina Society of Surveyors, Inc.

A survey of the boundary of property according to the description in the recorded deed. Interior improvements such as: buildings, drives, etc., are not located. Any improvements along the boundary affecting the use of or title to the property are located, such as: fences, drives, utilities, buildings, sheds, streets, etc. Missing corner markers are replaced. A map showing the boundaries and improvements along the boundaries is prepared.

A boundary survey with the additional location of all the interior improvements. Missing corner markers are replaced. A map showing the boundaries and improvements is prepared. This type of survey is required for the acquisition of a loan.

A survey locating all improvements and topographic features such as: elevations of the land, embankments, contours, trees, watercourses, roads, ditches, utilities, etc. This survey can be used in conjunction with a Location Survey in order to prepare a Site Design Map, a Subdivision Map, or an Erosion Control Plan.

This survey uses a boundary and topographic survey as a base to design future improvements. It can be a design for a house, a residential subdivision, a store, a shopping center, a new street or highway, a playground, or anything else.

This often includes a topographic survey of a parcel of land that will be divided into two or more smaller tracts, lots or estate division. This can also be used for site design of lots, streets and drainage. It is for construction and recording.

Using surveying techniques to stake out buildings, roads, walls, utilities, etc. This includes: horizontal and vertical grading, slope staking, and final as-built surveys.

This survey is a very detailed survey often required by lending institutions. The request for this survey must be in writing and be accompanied by all of the deeds and easements affecting the subject property, as well as the deeds to adjoining properties. A list of items to be located as noted in the ALTA/ACSM publication can also be included.