Providing Professional Surveying and Land Development Services throughout
California, Nevada, and Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

Even with technology, land surveying is more art than science. Our land system is based on records and deeds. As a surveyor, it is vital that we follow in the "footsteps of the original surveyor."

Residential Survey

Q: Why is a Boundary Survey so expensive?
A: To begin with, anytime a land surveyor does a Boundary Survey, by law, they must file either a Record of Survey or in special circumstances, a Corner Record. A Record of Survey is a 18"x26" map that graphically shows our boundary resolution. Much like a crime scene, a surveyor locates evidence of the boundary and then by applying boundary law, determines where the property corners shall be located. This process is time consuming, both collecting data in the field and analyzing data in the office.


Q: Can't you use GPS to find my corners?
A: We certainly can use GPS as a tool to finding your corners, but rarely can we just use GPS to locate your corners. We still need to perform boundary law and find monuments to properly resolve your boundary. Property corners rarely have the inherent data GPS uses, latitude and longitude.


Q: What would my corner look like?
A: Corners are usually indicated by iron pipes, rebar, concrete monuments, aluminum or brass disks, redwood hubs, nails, cut crosses in concrete, or even charcoal and a whiskey bottle. A plastic or wood plug and/or a brass tag with the land surveyor or civil engineer's number is often attached.

Iron Pipe with Plastic Plug