Investigating Property Boundaries (Surveying)

Surveying is a critical component for land management and development. It involves measuring, mapping, and analyzing the physical features of a property. One of the most essential aspects of Surveying is investigating property boundaries. This process enables landowners to determine the exact location of their property lines and ensure they are not encroaching on neighboring properties.

Investigating property boundaries is an intricate and complex process that requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and tools. Surveyors use a wide range of techniques to explore the physical characteristics of a property and identify potential boundary issues. These include:

1. Research: Surveyors start by researching the history of the property and the relevant legal documents, such as deeds, plat maps, and land grants. This information helps them understand the land's original boundaries and any changes that may have occurred over time.

2. Examination of Physical Markers: Physical markers such as stakes, iron pins, and concrete monuments can be used to determine the boundaries of the property.

3. GPS and GIS Technology: GPS or global positioning system technology is used to get accurate coordinates of a particular location or property. GIS or geographic information system technology is used to organize, manage, and analyze geographic data.

4. Visual Inspections: Surveyors perform physical inspections and visual assessments of the property boundaries and surrounding areas. This includes the identification of topographical features such as rivers, creeks, and natural obstacles like old trees, rocks, or other landmarks on or near the boundaries.

5. Legal Boundaries: Surveyors interpret legal descriptions and correct errors and inaccuracies in the legal descriptions affecting the property boundaries.

Once the property boundaries have been precisely determined, the surveyor will create a detailed and comprehensive report outlining their findings. This report can be used in future legal proceedings or disputes over property ownership and boundaries.

Investigating property boundaries is important to prevent encroachment issues between properties, boundary disputes, property building violations, and to ensure that the owner of a property knows what they own. It can also help in the identification of opportunities for property development, investment, or potential hazards around the boundaries of the property. It is, therefore, wise for property owners to hire a professional surveyor to investigate property boundaries before making any significant investment in the property.