Before any new development or construction on a commercial, residential, industrial or agricultural site, you may need to have a topographic survey performed. This type of survey is frequently needed during your project’s application or permit process to map the terrain and any existing structures. The resulting map is a planning document that your whole project is built upon, whether it’s a dam, a home or a septic field. Natural habitat restoration and other types of environmental projects may also require one. A survey like this is used to determine setbacks and easements from slopes, other land features, hazards and property lines. It’s also used to study the feasibility of planned irrigation and drainage areas, grading work and other land modifications.
How Is the Survey Done?
The variety of terrain, site size, level of accuracy required and accessibility of parts of the site are all considered when a survey company evaluates which method (or methods) to use. Several approaches may be combined, from a survey party of several people on foot, to mapping from the air or with GPS technology. Property lines may need to be established by a Licensed Land Surveyor, especially for older parcels with few official records.
What Does This Type of Survey Cover?
Land features such as ravines, canyons, large mounds, hillsides and cliffs are identified on your property in this type of survey. Man-made and natural ditches, waterways, ponds, levees, river banks and other ground features are also denoted. Boulders, large rock formations, trees and other natural growth are included as well. All man-made retaining walls, outbuildings, utility poles, structures, roads, driveways and existing easements are also investigated and clearly marked. With the resulting survey, you can easily identify obstacles and hazards to your plan and develop work-arounds to accomplish your construction goals.
Moving Forward With a Survey
If your project’s process demands a topographic survey, you need to enlist the help of an experienced company like Chris Nelson and Associates, Inc. Their crew understands the complete landscape of the survey business.
