When creating a survey map, a land surveyor Tulsa does much more than outline boundaries—they provide essential legal and geographic details that are used in everything from permitting to purchasing agreements. As such, if you are buying a property, preparing for construction, or overseeing a development project, knowing how to read your map is crucial.
This guide will help explain this essential Oklahoma land surveying data, allowing you to navigate your upcoming projects with confidence.
Elements of a Land Survey Map
To effectively read your map, you need to understand its primary components:
Key Map Details
The survey will include a North Arrow to indicate the map’s orientation. It will also feature a section in the corner called a “Title Block,” which includes:
- The land surveyor’s name and license number.
- The date the survey was conducted.
- The type of survey conducted (e.g., boundary, topographic, or ALTA surveying).
- The scale used (e.g., 1 inch = 20 feet).
Property Boundaries
Usually marked with solid or dashed lines, boundaries define the exact edges of ownership. These lines are legally binding and based on fieldwork done by your land surveyor. In addition to outlining the property boundaries, the survey map will note:
- Bearings and distances (e.g., N 89°10′ E, 150.00′).
- Monuments or markers (like metal pins or concrete posts).
Legal Descriptions
Survey maps include legal descriptions that precisely define the property’s perimeter. These descriptions are used in deeds, titles, legal filings, and other documentation. Many surveys use one of two systems:
- “Metes and Bounds” describes perimeters based on directions and distances from a fixed point, often a natural landmark or fixed monument.
- “Lot and Block” references a recorded plat map, identifying the property by a lot number and plot within a specific subdivision.
Easements and Right-of-Ways
Easements give another party legal access to a portion of your property; this might include access for utility companies, drainage, or neighboring landowners. They are often marked on a survey as shaded, dashed, or dotted areas and labeled with terms like “10’ Utility Easement” or “Access Easement.”
Right-of-ways are often designated for public or shared access, such as roads or sidewalks. They are usually indicated on a survey with labeled pathways, boundary lines, or specific callouts, such as “Right-of-Way” or “R/W.”
Structures and Improvements
Survey technicians mark buildings, driveways, fences, and other improvements on the map to show their placement in relation to boundaries. This helps buyers and builders better understand setbacks, zoning compliance, and encroachments.
FAQs About Oklahoma Land Surveying Maps
What Projects Are Survey Maps Used In?
You may encounter land survey maps when involved in:
- Real Estate Transactions: Maps confirm property boundaries and reveal any encroachments or easements. This information is often required by lenders and title companies to finalize sales while preventing future boundary disputes.
- Property Development: Maps guide the site planning process by showing elevation changes, existing structures, and utility locations. Developers use this to design infrastructure, determine buildable areas, and comply with zoning regulations.
- Legal Disputes or Easement Clarification: In cases of boundary disagreements or unclear access rights, maps provide legally documented evidence. They clarify where easements begin and end, thus supporting court proceedings or negotiations.
- Commercial Deals: Maps offer comprehensive details about a property’s physical and legal status, especially when prepared through ALTA surveying standards. Investors and lenders rely on them to assess risks and confirm that the property aligns with development goals.
Why Does Accurate Interpretation Matter?
Misreading a land survey can result in costly legal or construction errors. Structures built outside boundaries may violate zoning laws or encroach on neighboring lots, leading to fines, project delays, or even demolition.
Reviewing your land survey map before purchasing a property or starting construction can help you avoid these setbacks and protect your investment, especially with the assistance of a qualified land surveyor Tulsa.
Do I Need to Hire a Land Surveyor Tulsa to Read My Map?
With an understanding of the parts of a land survey map, it can be simple enough to understand the basics. However, interpreting legal nuances is often best done with the help of a licensed land surveying professional, especially when preparing for property transactions or land development.
Reliable Oklahoma Land Surveying Services
If you are preparing for your next project, Sisemore & Associates is ready to help. With more than 30 years of experience in boundary, topographic, and ALTA surveying, we create detailed, accurate maps that support successful projects.
To learn more about our services or to meet with an experienced land surveyor, please contact us.