Land Surveys: A Real Estate Attorney's Primer on the Types and Purposes

· 2 min read
Land Surveys: A Real Estate Attorney's Primer on the Types and Purposes


Law college doesn't teach many about land surveys, which leaves numerous aspiring real house attorneys in some sort of quandary. Surveys generally occupy the core of real-estate deals and disputes. In fact, surveys are usually central to MANY real estate matters, which include land conveyances, boundary disputes, and house development. Yet nearly all beginning attorneys be lacking even a basic understanding of the types of surveys. Despair not: this article provides the summary of the types of surveys in addition to their intended reasons.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SURVEYS

Knowing the class and purpose of the survey can significantly increase the reader's understanding. This is definitely much the same as searching out an air travel window: the region miles below can be incomprehensive unless you have some idea of precisely what to expect.

There are roughly four overarching categories of surveys: 1) boundary, 2) plat, 3) topographic, and 4) structure. Everyone has their own purpose as follows:

1. Boundary. Boundary surveys demonstrate the location associated with lots without splitting them into new properties.  Go to the website  is a 'record of survey', that is the variety discovered recorded with county auditor's offices. Various other subcategories include 'right of way' (road boundaries), ALTA or ACSM (surveys regarding land title policies), riparian (water boundaries), and boundary collection adjustment.

2. Plat. Plats depict the label of properties. They will in essence take one particular property and divided it into 2 or more elements. For example, some sort of plat might generate a subdivision, or even a 'short plat' might create a new small subdivision. These types of types of research can also illustrate multiple properties which in turn coexist as the single lot-a condominium 'survey map in addition to plan. '

a few. Topographic. Topographic research show the "contours" of the land. The standard and popular "contour" is modification in elevation, usually draw as ranges representative of two foot rises or perhaps drops. Other common contours include buildings, roads, utilities, waterways, and trees. Rather than boundary surveys plus plats, topographic research typically do not give attention to lot lines, though boundary outlines may be included regarding added perspective. The wetlands critical location survey is the good example regarding a topographic subcategory.

4. Construction. As the name recommends, construction surveys satisfy construction site and even planning needs. They will thus often present roads, sewer ranges, elevation changes, thunderstorm drain sections, electric power lines, building dimensions, physical obstruction, and any other functions about which building contractors should be cognizant. Consider them the survey equivalent to be able to a building's new drawings.

Before expressing any survey, first identify its sort and purpose. Your own clients will thank you regarding it later.