How Do Surveyors Survey Land?
posted 4th June 2024
Land surveys date back centuries. In fact, the first example of land surveying dates back to the construction of the Great Pyramid, by Ancient Egyptians back in 2700 BC. Whether you want to establish your property boundaries, when new infrastructure, such as road, are established, or when a developer want to ensure breaking ground is safe, surveyors are called in to conduct a land survey.
To make it easy, land surveying is a process where accurate measurements are taken and mapped out to determine the boundaries, size, and characteristics of a plot of land. This is done using specialised equipment that has been used for centuries, though today they have evolved, thanks to advancements in technology.
Why Do I Need a Land Survey?
Before delving into how surveyors do land surveys, let's have a quick look at why you may need one.
- Establishing Property Boundaries – If you need to know the boundaries of your property before extending your home or developing your property without encroaching on neighbours land, you will need a land survey. Surveyors provide valuable information so you know where you can erect a boundary wall or fence, for example
- Renovating or constructing a property – When a developer wants to renovate or build a new building, land surveyors identify that the land is suitable to build on
- Planning Permission – If you want to extend your property, you will need a land survey to include with your application to the local council for planning permission
- Legal Disputes – Encroachment over property boundaries is relatively common around the world. Professional land surveyors can identify the boundaries and help eliminate the risk of future disputes
- Applying for a Mortgage – When you are buying a new home and have applied for a mortgage bond, land surveys are needed to confirm the value of the property, along with the structural integrity of the home
- Mapping Agricultural Land – surveying is needed to map out agricultural land for farming
What Do Surveyors Look For?
Land surveying uses tools and technology including laser scanning, advanced GPS, measuring wheels, and more. There are certain things that land surveyors look for when they conduct any measuring. What they look for is determined by the type of land survey being carried out:
- Construction land surveys – monitoring water levels, vibrations, and settlement to ensure that the land is safe to build on
- Geodetic land surveys – these are used to measure the characteristics, size, and dimensions of larger areas of land using laser mapping
- Boundary land surveys – these are used to locate the boundaries of our property, this includes field and desk research
How do Surveyors Survey Land?
Surveyors use a number of different tools and equipment to collect important data during your land survey. The specialist equipment used helps them measure distances, angles, and topography. The most common tools include:
- 3D laser scanners
- Tripods
- GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar)
- Mobile mapping systems
- Global navigation satellite systems
How Long Will It Take to Receive My Land Survey?
Land surveying is very complex and should be carried out by a professional with extensive experience in surveying. The type of land survey being carried out will determine how long it takes to receive your land survey.
Home buyers surveys often only take a few hours to complete, while commercial surveys take considerably longer, as they require a lot of fieldwork and research. Commercial land surveys can take anywhere from one to two months before you receive your survey report.