TL;DR: Tulsa surveying covers seven main types—ALTA/ACSM, boundary, topographical, construction, location, site planning, and subdivision—and the right one for your project depends on whether you’re closing a transaction, resolving a boundary question, or preparing to build.
Tulsa surveying includes seven main types—ALTA/ACSM, boundary, topographical, construction, location, site planning, and subdivision—each suited to a different stage or purpose of a project. Working with the right Tulsa surveying technician will help make any significant project a success. In general, land surveys are conducted to locate and measure both natural and artificial features. There are various types of surveying, so it helps to understand which survey best fits your project before getting started.
Types of Tulsa Surveying
ALTA/ACSM Survey
These provide a lender or title company with the location and survey data needed to issue an American Land Title Association or Extended Coverage Title Insurance policy. Usually, an ALTA/ACSM survey shows the relationship between a property’s existing improvements in relation to its boundaries as described on its deed.
Boundary Survey
These locate a property’s corners and boundary lines. A technician may also conduct one to find easement lines or encroachments. For a boundary survey, the technician conducts record and field search, which includes making the measurements and computations needed to set boundary lines according to local and state laws.
Topographical Survey
These locate the artificial and natural topographic features of a property, including any buildings, streams, utilities, and embankments. A technician may conduct a topographic survey because a government agency needs one. Architects and engineers also use them to plan site improvements and developments.
Construction Survey
These are important in the construction process as they involve staking out all structures on a property. The staking process provides directions for implementing the improvements listed on the development plan. Construction surveys help in the creation of various significant projects, including buildings, walls, roads, and utilities.
Location Survey
These are similar to boundary surveys but provide additional information regarding the locations of a property’s interior improvements. Technicians most frequently conduct location surveys to fulfill the requirements needed for zoning permits and loan applications.
Site Planning Survey
These combine elements of boundary and topographic surveys for site planning purposes. Site planning surveys are often required for development permit applications as designers and contractors use them when planning various improvements and developments, such as highways, stores, and industrial sites.
Subdivision Survey
These are used to divide a property into smaller lots, tracts, or estates. Subdivision surveys are also utilized to help design streets and drainage systems. Because of these significant elements, they must also be recorded by the relevant state and local government agencies.
When Do You Need a Land Survey
There are many situations in which Tulsa surveying is needed. Some of the most frequent reasons for a property owner to hire a land survey technician include:
- Resolving boundary issues; land surveys will end any disagreements regarding where your property ends and someone else’s begins.
- Determining plot sizes and prices; if you know a property’s exact size, you can more effectively determine its value (making surveys important for buying and selling).
- Building a new structure; if you are constructing a home or office building, you need to know as much about the property as possible before you begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of survey do I need for a real estate transaction?
It depends on the lender or title company’s requirements—many commercial transactions call for an ALTA/ACSM survey, while simpler transactions may only need a boundary survey.
What’s the difference between a boundary survey and a location survey?
A boundary survey establishes a property’s corners and lines. A location survey covers that same information plus the position of interior improvements, often for zoning permits or loan applications.
Do I need a subdivision survey if I’m just building one new structure?
No. Subdivision surveys are for dividing a property into multiple lots or tracts. A single new structure typically calls for a boundary, site planning, or construction survey instead.
Can one project require multiple survey types?
Yes. Larger projects often need several types—for example, a topographical survey during planning and a construction survey during staking—to cover the full scope of the work.
Key Takeaways
- Tulsa surveying includes seven main types: ALTA/ACSM, boundary, topographical, construction, location, site planning, and subdivision.
- ALTA/ACSM surveys support title insurance transactions, while boundary surveys establish a property’s corners and lines.
- Topographical surveys map a property’s natural and artificial features, often for government agencies, architects, and engineers.
- Construction, location, and site planning surveys each support a different phase of development, permitting, or design.
- Common reasons to request a survey include resolving boundary issues, determining plot value, and preparing to build.
Where to Get a Topographical Survey Tulsa
All successful construction projects begin with an accurate land survey, so it is essential to work with experienced surveyors. At Sisemore & Associates, our knowledgeable technicians use the highest quality equipment to get the best results. Contact us to learn more.