Boundary surveys are intended to depict some real property that a person or entity owns. Boundary surveys will typically result in a map showing a graphical representation of what a parcel of land looks like. The main features shown are; the boundary / property lines, improvements such as buildings, fences, sidewalks, driveways, roadways, and utilities. The improvements are shown in their correct location in relation to the property lines. Also shown on a boundary survey are any known easements and a legal description that defines the location and geometry of the property. Some other common names for a boundary survey are listed below.

• ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey
• Mortgage, Lot & Block
• Metes & Bounds, Sectionalized
• Subdivision/Condominium Platting
• Sketch & Description

Residential construction comprises a large part of the land surveying industry. Just like any land development project, residential construction will occur in several phases. Accurate surveys are vital to each stage of a construction project to ensure contractors have the information and reference points needed to build a home or building correctly. The steps for a typical homesite project from a survey standpoint are as follows;

Boundary Survey – The initial survey of the land before any new construction begins.

House Plot (Site Plan) – A house plot or site plan will show the location of the proposed structure on a map. The proposed structure will be shown in relation to the boundary line, setback lines and existing easements.

Foundation/Stem-wall Location Survey – at this point in the process, some agencies like to see where the forms for the foundation of the structure are located prior to pouring concrete or taking the next major step in the construction process. If any errors can be found at this stage it can greatly reduce liabilities for all parties involved.

Final Survey or As-Built – a final survey or as-built survey is usually the last stage in a construction project. These are completed in stages or once all construction is complete. The final survey certifies that the construction was performed in accordance with design plans and specifications.

Platting is another word for map. When we refer to a plat today we are typically talking about a recorded map document which shows land divisions. SGIS, Inc. can prepare new plats for condominiums and land development subdivisions.

A related land survey product is a Sketch & Description. A sketch and description can be prepared to define new property divisions, easements and a variety of other land boundary related information. A legal description of a parcel can sometimes be accompanied by a simple sketch showing the shapes and key record information related to that parcel of a land.

Commercial construction on large buildings, roadways and large infrastructure are supported at all stages by land surveying or related professions.

Control Survey – control surveys are intended to yield points of reference for a contractor or surveyor to use when they are performing the staking and grading for a construction project. These surveys are not only for construction but can be useful for any application where known locations that are relative to certain features or mapping datums are desired.

Existing Site Conditions Verification – surveys used to verify original surveys to make sure there have been no changes or major errors prior to beginning of construction.

Project Stationing – a process where a surveyor can mark stations along a route or corridor at given intervals that help contractors reference a point in the field to a set of design plans.

Complete Site Layout – working with Engineers, Contractors, and Developers, we take hard copy design plans and stake out accurately their positions in the real world. Anything from buildings, parking lots, drainage structures, utilities, boat ramps and more.

As-built/Record Drawings – Verification of a construction site with the designed plans involves an As-built survey.

Topographic Surveys are surveys that are usually intended to support some sort of design for construction. A topographic survey will usually show all above ground improvements as well as their positions vertically and horizontally. These surveys will help engineers and architects determine appropriate design functions for new roads, buildings, drainage and utilities. Some related products are listed below

• Digital Terrain Modeling
• Quantity Survey

Geographic Information Science gives us the ability to store and query data to create maps for our clients, so they can make timely and precise decisions. Using ESRI ArcGIS software, we can build maps tailored to your needs, layering key information on one map.

Asset Management – keeping track of large or small inventories of land, infrastructure, or utilities can be made possible with the database of a GIS.

Mobile Mapping – data and maps can be viewed in the field with your real time location via any mobile IOS or Android device. Maps can be customized to specific needs of the client.

• Specific Purpose Survey
• Elevation Certificate, LOMA/LOMF
• Drain Plan
• Hydrographic Survey
• Mean High Water Line Survey
• Forensic Survey
• Expert Witness Testimony
• Environmental