Surveying Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Let North Country Engineering, Inc.'s (NCE) surveying department help you to determine which survey will best fit your needs. Please browse through this page and contact us to discuss your specific project.

Boundary Surveys

What is a boundary survey?

A boundary survey establishes the property corners and property lines of a parcel of land. It will also indicate the extent of any easements or encroachments on the property.

When is a boundary survey needed?

A boundary survey is strongly recommended before buying, subdividing, improving or building on land. Surveying the parcel before these activities ensures that the expense and frustration of defending a lawsuit, moving a building, or resolving a boundary disputes can be avoided.

Is a boundary survey similar to a mortage report?

A mortgage inspection or report is not a survey. It is only a surveyor's opinion that the buildings and major improvements appear to be located on the property described in the deed. Although lending institutions sometimes required this inspection to check for obvious problems with the parcel (such as encroachments, zoning violations, and flood insurance needs), it does not determine whether the boundaries described in the deed are correct.

What does a boundary survey entail?

The surveyor examines historical records relating to the land in question and often all lands surrounding it. After this research, the field work begins, which involved establishing a control network of known points (a traverse) locating existing monuments and other evidence of the boundaries. The results of the field work are compared with the research and the surveyor reconciles the information. The new monuments are set and the surveyor drafts a survey drawing and legal description.

How much does a boundary survey cost?

The cost of the boundary survey varies greatly depending on: size, terrain, vegetation, location and season. Additionally, deeded monuments may be missing or conflicting, increasing both field and research costs.

What is the product of a boundary survey?

Depending on the agreed upon services, a boundary survey could typically include:

Monuments at all property corners
A written description of the property (legal description)
A recordable survey drawing

How will the boundaries be marked?

This also depends on what is agreed to in the contract. Monuments may be wooden posts, iron pins or pipes, capped rebar, concrete monuments, or marked trees. Michigan survey standards require that each monument set by a surveyor clearly show his or her license number. Additionally, you may wnat to have the surveyor blaze and/or paint trees along the boundary lines.

Is a survey drawing necessary?

Unless you specifically exclude a drawing from the scope of services, State rules required that one be prepared. The drawing will provide you with a permanent record of the survey. If any monuments are lost or destroyed, they can be replaced with the information shown on the plan. If a drawing is prepared, you may also wish to record it in the Register of Deeds, as insurance against most claims or disputes.

Topographic Surveys

What is a topographic survey?

A topographic survey depicts the relief or "lay of the land" and the location of natural and man-made objects on a specific parcel. Elevations are recorded with survey equipment and plotted as contours on a drawing. Contour lines are shown in an assumed datum (usually feet-change from 100) or USGS datum (feet above sea level).

When should which datum be used?

An assumed datum is fine for most site plans and drainage design. However, if your project involves working within or near a floodplain or wetland, USGS datum will be required.

When do I need a topographic survey?

Topo surveys are used in determining building and drainage opportunities and constraints. If you are persuing a site plan or design, the engineer will need a topographic survey to develop grading plans and permit applications.

What is the product of a topo survey?

Topo surveys typically include:

Noting property corners (if a boundary survey was completed)
Locate topographical features in the field
Creation of a base map with noted contours and features