Frequently Asked Questions...                      Ask a Surveyor?

When is a survey needed?

• Prior to purchasing land to insure what you are buying.

• Prior to installing a fence, building a house, or other types of construction.

• Prior to dividing land into smaller parcels.

• When you sell a parcel of land not previously surveyed.

• To verify the amount of land assessed for taxes.

• When you think someone has encroached onto your land.

How much should a survey cost?

The cost of a survey depends on many factors:

• Type of survey required

•  Existing terrain and land conditions

• Amount of information supplied by owner

• Surveyor’s knowledge of the area

• Availability of record information

• Existing monumentation

•  Liability incurred by Land Surveyor 

Because of the varying conditions and requirements, it may be difficult to determine the exact fee in advance. However, based on general experience, the Surveyor can usually furnish an approximate cost. The lowest fee is not always in the best interest of the client or the Professional Land Surveyor. A well prepared land survey will be the least expensive part of your total land investment cost.

Should I have my survey recorded?

It may not be necessary to record a lot survey or boundary survey but should you desire, it can be recorded at the County Recorder's office. It must be signed and sealed by the Professional Land Surveyor. All subdivision plat and boundary surveys that create a new parcel must be recorded.

Why should I choose a Professional Land Surveyor?

A Professional Land Surveyor renders a highly technical service in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, codes and court decisions set forth by local, county, state and federal authorities.

In order to protect the public from inferior land surveying, "Standards for Property Boundary Surveys" have been established. These standards describe recommended procedures for a survey and information to be provided to the client.

I know of an established corner, why can’t you start my survey from there?

This is a common misconception about surveys. Boundary surveys are dependent upon the outer framework of the original Government survey. Even with today’s high-tech equipment, it is impossible to duplicate the exact direction that the original surveyors ran their lines. At that time lines were run with magnetic compasses that were inaccurate compared to today’s standards. Compasses were affected by the constantly changing magnetic declination and once in a while the compass needle was affected by large deposits of iron ore. The statutes and rules for retracement surveying that we have today take those inaccuracies in measurements into consideration. This sometimes requires surveyors to measure several miles to re-establish section and quarter section lines before they can determine the boundary of your property.

Where can I obtain Record information?

Mobilmapping Coal Piles

What is Mobilmapping?

Mobilmapping is the ability to do various types of surveys using an All Terrain Vehicle equipped with a computer that communicates with a Global Positioning System.

How are Coal Piles Surveyed?

The field survey encompasses traversing the coal pile with the Mobilmapping Unit.  Data points are collected at 10 foot intervals.  Areas unable to be traversed are remotely located using a Trimble Direct Read Total Station surveying instrument.  In the case where borings are needed, we can also locate these spots if requested.

How is the Collected Data Presented?

Within a 1”= 50’ scale volumes are computed using the Prismoidal Method.  The volumes can be broken down by cross sections or vertical slice. The client normally provides a base map. In the event that an active pile is to be surveyed, a complete time log is available upon request.

What is the Cost?

Quotes for surveying are available in writing prepared by a professional surveyor.  The quote will also include a time frame to begin and end work.