"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

Land Surveys for Film Locations: Supporting Texas Productions from the Ground Up

Before “Action!” Comes Accuracy

From sprawling ranch scenes to suburban streetscapes, Texas has become a popular destination for filmmakers seeking natural, versatile backdrops. But behind every great shot is a production team navigating permits, power access, set placement, and legal boundaries.

That’s where a professional land survey becomes a crucial (and often overlooked) part of pre-production.

At South Texas Surveying, we work with location scouts, producers, and property owners to ensure that every square foot of land used for filming is safe, compliant, and clearly defined.

Why Film Productions Need Land Surveys

Film and TV shoots often involve:

• 🎥 Temporary structures (trailers, tents, camera rigs, etc.)

• 🚧 Equipment staging areas and road access

• 💡 Generator placement and utility tie-ins

• 🧾 Permits from city or county agencies

• 🧱 Construction of temporary or semi-permanent sets

• 🛑 Avoiding encroachments onto neighboring properties

📎 A land survey helps identify where everything can (and legally can’t) go—before production begins.

Survey Types That Support Media Projects

Survey TypeWhy It’s Used in Production PlanningBoundary SurveyEnsures all filming stays within legal property linesTopographic SurveyHelps set design and equipment layout on uneven or sloped terrainImprovement SurveyShows current buildings and obstructions for set and camera planningConstruction StakingMarks out areas for set construction or mobile unitsAccess & Easement SurveyConfirms right-of-way for crew entry, parking, and vehicle access

Who Needs a Survey in the Film Industry?

• 🎬 Production companies planning shoots on rural or undeveloped land

• 🧭 Location scouts who need clear land data before recommending a site

• 🏠 Private landowners leasing property to studios or producers

• 🛠️ Set designers and crew leads who need accurate layouts for logistics

• 📜 Permit coordinators working with city and county governments

Where Productions Are Happening in Texas

• Waller & Liberty Counties: Private ranches and raw land often used for westerns or indie films

• Galveston & Brazoria Counties: Coastal properties popular for thrillers and historical shoots

• East Houston & Pasadena: Industrial zones used for dystopian or action-based settings

• Montgomery County: Wooded properties and small-town streets used for period pieces

• Harris & Fort Bend Counties: Urban settings and commercial properties for TV, ads, and social content

What’s at Risk Without a Survey?

• ❌ Shooting on someone else’s land due to unclear boundaries

• ❌ Failing to obtain proper permits for set construction or street access

• ❌ Blocking access to public utilities or private roads

• ❌ Creating drainage or erosion issues from temporary structures

• ❌ Post-production legal trouble over improper land use

📎 A land survey isn’t just paperwork—it’s your production insurance.

Why Production Teams Trust South Texas Surveying

✔️ Fast turnaround for time-sensitive production timelines
✔️ Scalable surveys for small indie shoots or large commercial projects
✔️ Local experience in city permitting and rural access mapping
✔️ Serving Houston, Harris County, and all surrounding filming regions

📞 Need to prep your property for a shoot? Want to ensure filming goes smoothly? South Texas Surveying is your behind-the-scenes expert.

Set the Scene—On Solid Ground

Texas may offer the perfect backdrop, but it’s the ground beneath your set that determines how smoothly production goes. A land survey makes sure your crew, your budget, and your permits are aligned from day one.

📍 Contact South Texas Surveying to get your location camera-ready, legally and logistically.