"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 Ranches in Texas: Protecting Property, Preserving Legacy

Owning a Texas Ranch? Here’s Why a Land Survey Should Come First

Whether your ranch has been in the family for generations or you're investing in your first piece of Texas land, having a current and accurate land survey is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Ranch properties often span hundreds to thousands of acres, with a mix of fences, creeks, livestock pastures, oil and gas rights, and generational buildings. Without a reliable survey, it’s nearly impossible to manage, protect, or transfer the land effectively.

In Texas, where land is a legacy, a survey ensures you know exactly what you own, what you're passing down, and where your boundaries truly lie.

When Ranch Owners Need a Land Survey

You should consider a land survey if:

✔️ You’re buying or selling a ranch
✔️ You’re fencing the property or resolving a boundary issue
✔️ You plan to lease land for cattle, hunting, or agriculture
✔️ You're passing land to family members or subdividing
✔️ You’re preparing for oil, gas, or renewable energy development
✔️ You want to verify acreage, access, and easements
✔️ You’re seeking a loan or refinancing

📍 Even long-owned ranches often rely on outdated descriptions that don’t match physical boundaries—especially in areas with no clear markers or recorded corners.

Types of Land Surveys for Ranches in Texas

🧭 Boundary Survey

Establishes the exact property lines of the ranch. This is essential for fencing, leasing, preventing trespassing, and resolving disputes with neighbors.

🗺️ ALTA/NSPS Survey

Used when financing or selling large tracts of land. This high-detail survey satisfies lenders, title companies, and institutional investors.

🐄 Improvement or As-Built Survey

Documents the location of barns, water wells, tanks, corrals, homes, and other permanent structures. Useful for tax records and appraisal accuracy.

🪵 Topographic Survey

Shows elevation changes, slopes, and features of the terrain. Great for planning roads, trails, pond construction, or erosion control.

🧾 Easement & Access Survey

Rural ranches often have private roads, gate access, or utility lines crossing the land. A survey helps you document who has access—and where.

Why Ranch Land Surveys Matter in Texas

🛡️ Protects You from Disputes

Boundary disagreements with neighbors can become costly lawsuits. A professional survey gives you the legal backing to defend your property lines.

🌾 Supports Leasing and Land Use

Whether it’s for agricultural exemptions, oil drilling, hunting leases, or wind energy, survey data provides the foundation for smart contracts.

🧬 Simplifies Estate Planning

Many ranches are divided among family members over generations. A current survey helps ensure the division is fair, accurate, and legally binding.

💵 Increases Property Value

Ranches with recent, detailed surveys often sell faster and at higher value, as buyers feel more secure knowing exactly what’s being purchased.

🐎 Aids Infrastructure Development

Surveys help with building ranch roads, digging ponds, running utilities, and complying with county setback rules.

How South Texas Surveying Supports Texas Ranchers

At South Texas Surveying, we’ve surveyed rural land across the state for over 40 years. We understand the challenges of large, remote properties and the importance of accuracy when every acre counts.

We offer:

✔️ Boundary and topographic surveys for large acreage
✔️ ALTA surveys for ranch refinancing or sale
✔️ Easement identification and access verification
✔️ GPS-based surveying for difficult terrain
✔️ Clear documentation for title companies, attorneys, and lenders

📞 Need a survey for your ranch in Texas? South Texas Surveying has the expertise and equipment to get the job done right.

What You’ll Need to Order a Ranch Survey

• Legal description or deed (if available)

• Property size and location

• Purpose of the survey (sale, fencing, inheritance, etc.)

• Any existing survey records you may have

📍 The more information you provide upfront, the faster and more efficient your survey will be.

Don’t Manage Your Ranch Without a Map

Owning land in Texas is a privilege—but managing it responsibly starts with knowing what’s yours. Whether you’re maintaining, passing down, or developing your ranch, a land survey provides the legal and practical clarity to move forward with confidence.

📞 Contact South Texas Surveying today to schedule a ranch land survey and protect your piece of Texas.