The Importance of Surveying in Land Development Projects

Building and development is one of the hallmarks of civilization. While there are cultures that do not build many permanent structures, most of the world regards architecture and land development as central to progress. In order to build anything, from a park to a skyscraper, one of the first steps is to survey the land in question. A land development survey can take many different forms, but each is designed to help make the most of a piece of property.

Different Types of Survey

Most of the earliest surveys were topographical in nature, since the landscape and geography of the world was still being explored. Today there are still topographic surveys, but many others types as well. Some of the various kinds of survey include: flood elevation, construction, boundary, as-built, and ALTA/ACSM surveys. Determining where a piece of land falls within the local flood plane is very important for builders and for insurance purposes. A flood certificate is required by most investors to ensure a property is prepared for the possibility of flooding. Boundary surveys are most often used when the corners of a parcel of land must be re-established before a construction or building project can go forward. Each land development survey, like those listed above, has minimum standards that determine its usability. If a survey is not completed to the required specifications, the result could be disastrous for the final development project.

Trust the Survey Experts

Since performing accurate surveys is essential to the future integrity of building projects, it makes sense to trust the experts in survey taking, such as Chris Nelson & Associates. They are well-versed in each type of land development survey that your project may require. If you find that you want to create something out of an empty piece of property or would like to transform and old development into something different, contact Chris Nelson & Associates. They will complete your surveys professionally, accurately, and quickly allowing your land to be developed accordingly. 

Breaking Down the 3 Step Process of ALTA Land Surveys

Lenders, corporations, and title companies often require ALTA Surveys when dealing with commercial properties, especially those of value. ALTA stands for the American Land Title Association, which is a trade association that works specifically with industries such as abstract of title and title insurance. ALTA Surveys are usually arranged for commercial properties. The surveys give the information necessary to ensure the land title and improvements to a high degree. This information is provided to the title company. Before completing the survey, a current title commitment must be obtained. Los Angeles ALTA Surveys include fieldwork, a plat or map displaying the fieldwork results, and optional elements from “Table A.”

On-site fieldwork is performed on the ground and includes checking for monuments and rights of way and access. Monument fieldwork comprises of the location and description, including size and type, of monuments that control the boundaries of the property or are found within the property. Rights of way and access fieldwork contains points such as physical evidence, like curbs and driveways, which show the access to roads and highways, and it also contains the location of potentially encroaching alleys and driveways. Then there is also the locating and surveying of buildings, cemeteries, water features, and more.

After the fieldwork is completed, the surveyors provide a plat or map showing the results of the survey as well as its relationship to record documents. Any encroachments found during the land survey should be easily identifiable on the graphical representation. If the client and surveyor have negotiated items on “Table A” of the ALTA Land Title Survey document, such as flood zone classifications or exterior dimensions of all buildings at ground level, then those survey elements should be provided as well. “Table A” items negotiated for Los Angeles ALTA Surveys could be different from items selected for other areas because of differences in climate and other factors.

www.ChrisNelsonAssociates.com is a company that can provide these services, specifically for those requiring Los Angeles ALTA Surveys because California serves as the base of the company. As long as the minimum standards of the ALTA trade association are followed, all information necessary should be provided to the title company.

The Science of Land Surveys

The southern California landscape offers its own world of changing and beautiful landscapes. It is no wonder that so many people are drawn to Los Angeles to work, play and live. Designing and building structures to accommodate life in southern California requires careful consideration and planning. Los Angeles surveyors Chris Nelson & Associates understand how to work the balance between the goals of clients, architectural design professionals, local regulatory land use agencies and the natural environment.

Before construction can begin on any project, the land must be surveyed by a professional. The site must be mapped. Topography surveys will include all the details of the natural landscape plus all existing man-made features. Topography surveys are done through contour lines which indicate buildings, roadways and utilities. The lines will show geographical features such as rock outcroppings, hills, slopes and drainage patterns. These details may be shown in different perspectives and cover wider or narrower swaths of land.

Knowing what is presently on the landscape and how the ground itself is shaped is important information when selecting a building site or developing a design. Los Angeles surveyors plot a varied topography. Sometimes a unique land feature leads to an inspired design. At other times it is imperative to know if the land would present problems down the road, such as a sinkhole or flood susceptibility.

Chris Nelson uses several methods to survey a property, depending on what the situation calls for. Often the most efficient way to map is through GPS technology. The use of robotics is a flexible and useful way to get the information as well. For more expansive projects, aerial mapping will reveal the greatest detail over the widest area.

It is crucial when developing or improving a site in southern California that you have all the data you need to make good design decisions and stay in compliance with local agencies. Los Angeles surveyors Chris Nelson & Associates have the experience and tools to get your project started the right way.