Common Land Surveying Mistakes to Avoid

As professional land surveyors, it’s our job to accurately measure and document property lines, land features and infrastructure with the utmost precision. However, even experienced practitioners can sometimes make mistakes if certain practices are not followed carefully. To help clients avoid issues down the road, here are some of the most common errors surveyors encounter and how you can prevent them.  

Missing Boundary Evidence

Failure to locate and record all physical boundary markers like property corner monuments is a mistake that can lead to disputes later on. When surveying boundaries, be thorough in searching for remnants of old fences, stakes or other markers buried under vegetation. Taking the time upfront to find and document every piece of evidence pays off versus having to return to the site if questions arise about a boundary location.   Relying on non-professional sources of evidence like Google Earth images or sketches drawn freehand by other parties without surveying qualifications should also be avoided, as their accuracy cannot be verified. Stick to recorded deeds, plats and physical boundary markers as much as possible.  

Calculation Errors

Even simple math errors in distance or angle measurements can result in a boundary or feature being placed in the wrong location on a survey map or plat. Always double check field notes against the surveying equipment readout and confirm calculations. Consider having a second party examine work to catch any potential mistakes.  

Equipment Malfunction

Relying on surveying gear that hasn’t been properly maintained or calibrated is risky. Total stations, levels, digital levels and GPS receivers must be routinely tested and serviced so readings can be fully trusted. Faulty equipment could cause inaccuracies that aren’t easy to find later on. It’s worth investing in high quality, well-maintained surveying tools.  

Incomplete Research

Failure to exhaust all resources during land title and record searches is another way mistakes creep in. Not locating easements, rights-of-way or other documents referencing the property boundaries can misrepresent the true legal description of a parcel. Thoroughly checking deed records, plats, zoning maps and other sources is paramount before starting field work.  

Rushing the Job

Taking shortcuts or racing to complete a survey risks missing critical information. Land surveying requires sufficient time to methodically plan the workflow, check references, perform fieldwork and document results properly. Quality should never be compromised for the sake of speed. Rushed jobs often lead to deliverables that cause problems further down the line.  

Poor Communication

Making assumptions without full clarification from clients about the project scope, property location details and timeline can potentially misalign expectations. Maintaining open communication throughout the engagement helps deliver the desired outcomes. Key requirements such as measured items, mapping scale, title research depth, deed vs. ground mismatch notifications and deliverable specifics should be clearly defined up front.  

Lack of Documentation

If survey fieldwork and results are not accurately recorded, reported inconsistencies cannot be reliably resolved afterwards. Complete notes containing equipment setup procedures, measurement data, boundary evidence images as well as survey maps explainingPropertyBoundaryLocation should be meticulously kept. Leaving a clear audit trail protects against later disputes over methods or changes in staff on long-term projects.   Technical expertise alone does not guarantee error-free work - care, diligence and quality processes are just as vital. Taking the extra steps to avoid common surveying mistakes pays off in accurate, reliable deliverables that clients can depend on for many years to come. Let us know if you need any land surveying services to ensure your next project starts off on the right foot.