Surveying FAQs

Municipalities and state entities typically require boundary surveys and topographic surveys to support public infrastructure projects. These include right-of-way mapping, underground utility location, and environmental and remediation site surveys.

An ALTA/NSPS survey is a detailed boundary survey that meets strict national standards for commercial real estate transactions. It maps property boundaries and improvements, as well as easements and rights-of-way, potential encroachments, utilities, zoning setbacks, flood zones, and access for title insurance and lenders.

A boundary survey establishes where your legal property lines exist based on historical records and deeds. A construction survey (or stakeout) uses those property lines and design plans to physically mark the ground for the exact location of proposed buildings, roads or utilities. An As-Built Survey is conducted after construction is completed to verify that the final project exactly matches design plans and local regulations.

LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Range, is a form of high-definition surveying that uses lasers to measure distances and create highly precise, 3D representations of land surfaces, infrastructure and terrain features.  

A UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) drone LiDAR survey uses a drone equipped with a laser scanner to map the ground in 3D and is ideal for localized, highly-detailed construction monitoring, infrastructure inspections and volumetric calculations.

An industrial metrology survey is a high-precision measurement process used in manufacturing, engineering and construction to ensure components, machinery and structures meet strict exactness and tolerance standards. These surveys are often used for quality control and verification, to assess wear and tear, and to ensure machine calibration and alignment.

Forensic surveying is the collection and analysis of spatial data for legal and investigative purposes. By utilizing high-tech mapping, drones and 3D laser scanning, surveyors reconstruct accident sites, crime scenes, and structural failures to provide precise, legally admissible evidence.

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a non-intrusive historical records review, visual inspection, and interview process used to identify Recognized Environmental Concerns (RECs). If RECs are found, a Phase II ESA is triggered. A Phase II is an intrusive survey that physically tests soil, groundwater, and vapor to confirm the presence and concentrations of hazardous substances.

Hydrographic surveys measure water depths, identify underwater obstructions, map the composition of the seafloor or riverbed, and record tidal variations and water levels for navigation, dredging, engineering, and environmental studies.