by Andy Cassano
A boundary survey is a professional surveyor’s opinion as to the locations of your property lines, based on your deed and other available title information.
Boundary determinations are based on long established and accepted principles. Typically, the survey research begins with your title insurance policy or preliminary
title report which contains the insurable legal description of the property. We also review all previously recorded maps in the area of your property. The field portion of a boundary survey begins with a preliminary survey, during which a field crew using a
“total station” (integrated transit, electronic distance measurer, and computer), takes accurate measurements to property corner markers that are found on or near the property being surveyed. A Global Positioning System (GPS) is sometimes used on large properties with limited tree cover.
The preliminary field survey information is then analyzed, with the standard boundary principles being applied, to determine the boundary location. The survey
crew then returns to the property to set corner monuments or markers wherever they are needed.
Finally, State law requires that a record-of-survey map be prepared to document the work, whenever we set markers that have never been established on a prior
recorded survey, or whenever we find discrepancies with prior record information. The law also requires that we pay a fee to the County Surveyor to check the
map to assure that it meets certain technical
requirements.
We are sometimes asked if a survey can be challenged. Keeping in mind that a boundary survey represents our professional opinion based on available information, it is possible that another surveyor, perhaps based on new or additional evidence could arrive at a different opinion. This occurrence is rare. If a question arises at any time following our survey, we will work with any other surveyor in an effort to agree on the proper boundary location and to record clarifying documentation.
Andrew R. Cassano is a City/Regional Planner and Professional Land Surveyor with more than 41 years of experience in Northern California. He is CEO of
Nevada City Engineering, Inc., a firm offering regional planning, surveying, and civil engineering consulting to the private and public sector since 1978
