Different Types of Land Surveying Methods Used by Surveyors for Land Assessment

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Land surveying is a specialty that requires the expertise of professional land surveyors who are knowledgeable and experienced in conducting different types of surveying methods. That way, they can provide accurate and reliable results to their clients. Architects, builders, land developers, construction companies, businesses, banks and lending institutions, title firms, and residential clients rely on land surveyors and their skills for land assessment. To ensure the best results, surveyors use the following types of land surveying methods for land assessment:

3D surveying – Using 3D laser scanners, land surveyors are able to conduct speedy surveys with accurate results. The equipment uses high-speed laser scanning that takes 360 x 270-degree photo-realistic images, which can be viewed later using a high-end software. This surveying method is considered the most advanced and versatile in conducting different surveys, like ALTA/ACSM land title surveys, residential or boundary surveys, and environmental surveys. The 3D laser scanner can survey any man-made, interior, exterior, or natural area or structure within the field of view, and it transforms the images into a comprehensive raw data set, with a 3D image consisting of millions of 3D point clouds.

GPS land surveying – This land surveying method uses a scientific approach to determine and evaluate 3D and terrestrial space positions of distances, points, and the angles between them. GPS is a reliable tool for land surveyors who must identify the exact position of points, as it operates directly using satellites, which send signals to the GPS surveying equipment. The receiver sends the signals to a data collector where the information is stored. Professional land surveyors use their knowledge in trigonometry, engineering, physics, law, and mathematics to successfully pinpoint terrestrial points.

ALTA/ACSM surveys – These surveys are specifically for commercial properties that must be reviewed to determine their easements and boundaries, features that may determine their ownership, and data that may require further examination. They may reveal further improvements, encumbrances, ownership areas, and encroachments on a property, too. Insurance companies, title companies, banks, and lending institutions rely on the ALTA/ACSM survey method, as it is conducted following a uniform set of standards to ensure reliable and accurate results.

About the Author:

Armando Dupont, a professional land surveyor, started his career in surveying in 1977 and has extensive experience in managing personnel and projects. His experience includes: topographic mapping, boundary surveys and analysis, construction and control surveying, preparation of tract and parcel maps, earth work calculation and quantities, targeting and control for photogrammetric, and land title surveys in accordance with the American Land Title Association and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. Mr. DuPont founded Calvada Surveying, Inc. in 1989 and is a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in the State of California.