Land Survey – Definition, Purpose, Types (+ Examples)

A land survey, or land surveying, is the process of measuring and mapping a property to define its boundaries accurately. 

Yet, land surveying involves much more than precise measurements—it employs various methods to mark and calculate key property details.

At some point, whether you’re buying land, building, or resolving a legal dispute, you’ll likely need a professional survey, and understanding all of its aspects is essential.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about land surveys clearly and straightforwardly.

Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways:

• A land survey is the process of measuring and mapping a property to define its boundaries, structures, and natural features with precision.
• The purpose of a land survey is to establish legal property limits, support real estate transactions, and provide essential data for construction and development.
• There are various types of land surveys, including boundary, topographic, construction, and ALTA/NSPS surveys, each serving a specific purpose.

Land Survey – What is It?

A land survey precisely measures and maps a parcel’s boundaries, structures, and natural features. Therefore, the meaning of land surveying lies in providing a comprehensive topographical mapping of the land.

Yet, to fully understand a property’s layout and legal descriptions, a land survey must include several critical components.

What’s Included in a Land Survey?

A land survey ensures accurate property measurements and informed decision-making. 

To fulfill those requirements, a land survey typically includes:

• Precise Boundary Definitions – Clearly delineate property limits to prevent disputes
• Easements & Encroachments – Identify rights of way and unauthorized intrusions
• Topographical Features – Elevation changes, slopes, trees, waterways, and other land characteristics
• Structures – Documentation of buildings, fences, driveways, utilities, and other features

Learning how to read a land survey is crucial for understanding these elements. Nevertheless, containing all these elements, surveying is applied in many situations.

What’s the Purpose of a Land Survey?

The purpose of a land survey varies from property transactions to large-scale development and legal clarity.

Key purposes include:

• Measuring Property Boundaries – Confirms exact land limits
• Ensuring Legal Compliance in Land Ownership – Verify zoning regulations, building codes, and land use restrictions
• Supporting Real Estate Transactions – Helps buyers and sellers avoid boundary-related conflicts
• Aiding Construction & Development – Provides crucial data for proper building placement and site planning
• Mapping Topographical Features – Records elevation changes, buildings, utilities, and land elements
• Resolving Property Disputes – Ensures clarity in property demarcation and acts as documented proof of ownership and land rights
• Determining Easements and Right of Way – Identifies shared access routes, utility corridors, and legal land use rights  
• Assessing Land Value & Taxation – Assists in property appraisals for taxation and investment purposes
• Environmental & Land Use Planning – Supports sustainable development by assessing flood risks, wetlands, and conservation areas

However, when planning a project, it’s helpful to understand the key differences between a plot plan and a land survey, as both serve different purposes in property development.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how surveying is done.

How Land Surveying is Conducted

Surveying land is conducted using advanced surveying instruments and reliable geodetic data collection. Professionals use specialized tools to create high-quality documents and ensure legal compliance.

These tools help obtain all necessary information about the land. 
Geodetic systems establish terrain data by incorporating precise coordinate calculations, a practice outlined in federal surveying guidelines to maintain legal consistency in land records [1].

What Does a Land Survey Look Like?

A land survey results in a detailed map of a property, illustrating its boundaries, physical features, and legal details.

As part of this process, a land survey maps topographical features alongside property boundaries, ensuring a complete representation of the land. 

A completed survey typically includes the following key elements:

• Boundary Markers – Physical indicators placed on-site to define property limits
• Geographical Mapping – A plotted representation of elevations, slopes, water bodies, and other natural or man-made features
• Certified Survey Reports – Official documents verifying property measurements and legal descriptions

Together, these components form a comprehensive survey plan, serving as a reference for land ownership, development, and regulatory compliance.

Since these accurate measurements require specialized tools and expertise, land surveying is a meticulous process that cannot be completed quickly.

How Long Does a Land Survey Take?

The time required varies from a few days to several weeks, depending on various factors. 

Key factors affecting duration include:

• Property Size & Complexity – Larger plots require more time
• Survey Type – Basic boundary surveys are quicker, while terrain analysis takes longer
• Terrain & Accessibility – Dense vegetation or difficult landscapes slow the process
• Legal Requirements – If permits or approvals are needed, processing time may increase

Similarly, land survey costs can fluctuate based on property size, survey type, and terrain conditions.

Regardless of the factors involved, surveying always follows the same steps to completion.

How to Get Your Land Surveyed?

To get your land surveyed, you need to follow a step-by-step process.

The steps to obtain a land survey are:

• Hire a Licensed Surveyor – Professionals use instruments to inspect and measure property demarcation.
• Gather Existing Records – Deeds, previous surveys, and legal documents help clarify property history.
• Surveyor Measures Property Boundaries – Instruments calculate precise coordinates and establish boundary lines.
• Receive Official Documentation – The surveyor provides professional certification and documentation for legal and construction use.

Yet, before you begin, it’s important to determine what type of documentation your project requires (in some cases, you may need a land survey and a site plan). 

Understanding the differences between a site plan and a survey ensures you choose the right document for legal and development purposes.

Since this process has several steps and seems easy, you may wonder if the DIY surveying option is possible.

Can You Survey Your Own Land?

While you can attempt to analyze your property and conduct a survey of land with basic tools, only a professional survey can ensure accuracy, legality, and reliability. 

Professional surveyors use specialized instruments to establish precise property boundaries, ensuring compliance with zoning laws and legal regulations.

Markers define legal boundaries, while professional reports certify property measurements and zoning compliance, providing official documentation for property records.

Land Survey Types

As land surveys serve different purposes, there are different types, each emphasizing specific aspects of a property. 

While all surveys follow the same initial process of measuring and mapping, they vary in detail depending on what needs to be highlighted—whether it’s boundaries, topography, or legal compliance.

Different Land Survey Types

Land surveys vary based on their function and the details they provide. 

The most common types include:

• Boundary Survey – Identifies property lines and prevents disputes by placing physical markers at precise locations.
• Topographic Survey – Captures elevations, slopes, and natural or man-made features to assist with land development.
• Construction Survey – Ensures structures, roads, and utilities are built in the correct locations according to design plans.
• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey – A detailed survey is required for real estate transactions to confirm boundary lines, easements, and zoning restrictions.
• Subdivision Survey – Used to divide a large tract of land into smaller parcels, ensuring compliance with local planning regulations.
• Floodplain Survey – Determines elevation levels relative to flood zones, often required for insurance and zoning purposes.

Besides land survey types, a landowner should also understand the distinction between a plat and a survey, as this knowledge could also help determine which document suits their needs.

Lastly, all these types of land surveys can be conducted for residential or commercial properties, depending on the landowner’s or developer’s specific needs and requirements.

Residential Land Surveying vs. Commercial Land Surveying

While both types of land surveys define property boundaries and ensure compliance with regulations, they differ in scope and complexity. 

Here are the main differences:

• Residential Land Surveying – Focus on defining lot lines, identifying encroachments, and documenting features like fences and driveways. These surveys are typically used for home purchases, construction, and property disputes.
• Commercial Land Surveying – This involves larger, more complex properties, often requiring additional details such as zoning restrictions, utility locations, and infrastructure planning for large developments. Sometimes, due to the large scale of a commercial project, a site plan is required alongside a land survey.

Choosing the right survey depends on the property’s use, legal requirements, and future development plans.

Land Survey Examples (Drawings)

To get more familiar with different types of land surveys, you can take a look at examples and drawings. Those will help you distinguish between types and probably help you in deciding which one is most appropriate for your project.

A Foundation for Informed Decisions

Being an official process, land surveying ensures accuracy, legality, and reliability in property evaluation.

Understanding its technical aspects helps transition from idea to realization and determines whether a professional survey or a simpler alternative is needed.

With this knowledge, you can actively assess and plan for your property needs with confidence.

References:

1. https://www.blm.gov/programs/lands-and-realty/cadastral-survey/cadastral-tools