Land surveys can give you a variety of information, such as where property lines end and whether the current legal description of a property is accurate. There are a few different types of land surveys depending upon what the results will be used to do.
Boundary Surveys
As the name suggests, a boundary survey determines the boundaries of a property. These surveys are completed by a land surveyor to define and determine true property lines while delineating measurements and improvements. Also referred to as a mortgage survey, they also sometimes determine easements and encroachments on the property.
ALTA Surveys
An ALTA survey is a boundary survey that is extremely detailed and rigorous, since it adheres to the strict standards set by the American Land Title Association. Sometimes a simple boundary survey is sufficient, but there are some cases where a full ALTA survey is necessary, such as for commercial developments.
Improvement Location Certificate
Improvement Location Certificates, or ILCs, are technically not surveys, but they are certified by a land surveyor. Used to determine whether or not the current survey is valid, an ILC is only an estimate and is less detailed than a boundary survey.
Elevation Certificate
Elevation certificates are a standardized form published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Like the ILC, this is a process that is performed by a professional land surveyor but differs from other surveys. If the property is located somewhere that is considered a high risk for flooding, it needs to be evaluated so that the premium rate can be established as well as adequate insurance plans. Flood insurance often can be purchased using old certification, but getting the proper survey done can help you understand a property’s current risks as well as lower the premiums for flood insurance.
Land surveys can tell you all sorts of important information about a property. When you hire a land surveyor, be careful to choose a type of survey that tells you all of the information you need to complete the tasks you want done.
The Science of Surveying 