“Understanding how to read a land survey can be challenging for those not familiar with the technical aspects of surveying.” - Christopher Evans

A Detailed Guide for Property Owners on How to Read a Land Survey

Land surveys play a crucial role in property ownership, real estate transactions, and land development. However, understanding how to read a land survey can be challenging for those not familiar with the technical aspects of surveying. In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify land surveys, explaining their components and how to interpret the information they provide.

What is a Land Survey?

A land survey is a detailed map or plan of a piece of land, showing its boundaries, dimensions, and features. Surveys are typically conducted by licensed surveyors who use specialized equipment and techniques to measure and map the land accurately. The resulting survey document is used for various purposes, including property transactions, construction projects, and legal disputes.

Key Components of a Land Survey

• The title block, usually located at the top or bottom of the survey, contains essential information about the survey, including the surveyor's name and contact details, the date of the survey, the client’s name, and a brief description of the surveyed property.

• The scale indicates the ratio between the distances on the survey and the actual distances on the ground. For example, a scale of 1 inch = 100 feet means that 1 inch on the survey represents 100 feet in reality. Understanding the scale is crucial for accurately interpreting the dimensions shown on the survey.

• The north arrow shows the orientation of the survey in relation to true north. This helps in understanding the direction of the property boundaries and features.

• Boundary lines define the edges of the property. They are usually marked with solid or dashed lines and may include measurements indicating the lengths of each boundary segment. Boundary markers, such as stakes or pins, are often shown at the corners.

• Legal descriptions provide a written narrative of the property boundaries, often using terms like metes and bounds, which describe the lengths and directions of the boundary lines. This section is critical for legal and transactional purposes.

• Surveys may include topographical features such as elevation contours, trees, buildings, roads, and bodies of water. These features provide additional context about the property and its surroundings.

• Easements and rights-of-way are areas of the property that others have a legal right to use. These are typically shown on the survey and described in detail, indicating who has the rights and for what purpose.

• Encroachments are structures or features that intrude onto the surveyed property from neighboring land. Identifying encroachments is important for resolving potential disputes and ensuring clear property boundaries.

How to Read a Land Survey

Start with the title block to understand the basic information about the survey. Note the date, surveyor's details, and the description of the property.

Check the scale to understand the proportion of the survey. Use the north arrow to orient yourself and the property correctly.

Locate the boundary lines and markers on the survey. Measure the lengths and directions of each boundary segment, and compare them with the legal description.

Identify any topographical features on the survey. Understanding the layout and elevation of the land can be crucial for development or construction planning.

Look for any easements or encroachments marked on the survey. Note their locations and descriptions to understand any restrictions or potential issues with the property.

Reading a land survey may seem daunting at first, but with a basic understanding of its components and how to interpret them, you can gain valuable insights into the property. Whether you are buying, selling, or developing land, having a clear understanding of the land survey is essential. At South Texas Surveying, we provide detailed and accurate surveys to help you make informed decisions. Contact us today for all your land surveying needs.