Glossary of Land Surveyor Terms for Land Surveyors

Want to speak the language of a seasoned Land Surveyor? This glossary isn’t just definitions; it’s a toolkit. By the end of this article, you’ll have a curated list of terms with real-world examples, allowing you to communicate with precision and confidence. You’ll be able to quickly understand and use industry-specific language, avoid common misinterpretations, and demonstrate a deeper understanding of land surveying principles. This isn’t a dictionary; it’s your shortcut to sounding like you’ve been in the field for years.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• A curated glossary of Land Surveyor terms: Understand essential terminology beyond basic definitions.
• Real-world examples for each term: See how these terms are used in practical scenarios.
• Scripts for explaining complex terms: Confidently articulate technical concepts to stakeholders.
• A checklist to avoid common misinterpretations: Ensure accurate communication in critical situations.
• A rubric to assess your understanding of key concepts: Identify areas for improvement in your knowledge base.
• A strategy to quickly learn new terminology: Efficiently expand your Land Surveyor vocabulary.

What This Is and What It Isn’t

• This is: A practical guide to understanding and using Land Surveyor terminology.
• This isn’t: A comprehensive textbook on land surveying principles.
• This is: A tool to improve communication and comprehension in the field.
• This isn’t: A replacement for formal training or certification.

Essential Land Surveyor Terms

Understanding the language of land surveying is crucial for effective communication and project success. This section defines key terms with practical examples to help you grasp their meaning and application.

Definition: ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey

An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is a comprehensive survey performed to meet the stringent requirements of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). It provides detailed information about a property’s boundaries, easements, and improvements, crucial for title insurance and real estate transactions. Example: A developer requires an ALTA/NSPS survey before purchasing a parcel for a new housing development to ensure clear title and identify any potential encumbrances.

Definition: Metes and Bounds

Metes and bounds is a method of describing property boundaries using distances (metes) and directions (bounds). It often references landmarks or monuments to define the perimeter of a parcel. Example: A property description might read, “Beginning at the oak tree, thence North 45 degrees East 200 feet to the iron stake…”

Definition: Easement

An easement is a legal right granted to a party to use another person’s land for a specific purpose. Common easements include utility easements (for power lines or pipelines) and access easements (for roads or driveways). Example: A homeowner grants an easement to the local power company to run electrical lines across their property to serve neighboring residences.

Definition: Right-of-Way

A right-of-way is a type of easement that allows passage over another person’s land. It’s commonly used for roads, highways, and public utilities. Example: A state highway department acquires a right-of-way across several properties to construct a new interstate highway.

Definition: Setback

A setback is the minimum distance a building or structure must be from a property line, street, or other designated area. Setbacks are typically dictated by local zoning ordinances. Example: A city ordinance requires a 25-foot setback from the front property line for all new residential construction.

Definition: Benchmark

A benchmark is a permanent reference point with a known elevation, used as a basis for determining the elevations of other points in a survey. Example: A surveyor uses a brass disk set in a concrete monument as a benchmark to establish the elevation of a new building site.

Definition: Control Point

A control point is a precisely located point with known coordinates (latitude, longitude, and elevation) used as a reference for surveying and mapping. Example: A surveyor establishes several control points using GPS to accurately map a large construction site.

Definition: Topography

Topography refers to the shape and features of the land surface, including its elevation, slope, and natural and man-made features. Example: A surveyor creates a topographic map showing the contours and elevations of a property to assist in designing a new golf course.

Definition: Plat

A plat is a map showing the division of land into lots, blocks, streets, and easements. It’s typically recorded in the county records and serves as a legal document for property ownership. Example: A developer records a plat showing the layout of a new subdivision, including lot dimensions, street widths, and easement locations.Definition: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to create a high-resolution 3D model of the earth’s surface. Example: A surveyor uses LiDAR to quickly and accurately map a large area of forested land for environmental studies.

Language Bank: Explaining Land Surveyor Terms

Use these phrases to clearly and confidently explain land surveying terms to clients and stakeholders. Having a prepared script can save you time and prevent misunderstandings.

• Explaining an Easement: “An easement is a legal right that allows someone to use a portion of your property for a specific purpose, such as utility lines or access to a neighboring property. It doesn’t transfer ownership, but it does grant specific usage rights.”
• Explaining Metes and Bounds: “Metes and bounds is a way of describing property boundaries using distances and directions, often referencing landmarks. It’s like a treasure map, using specific points to define the property’s perimeter.”
• Explaining a Setback: “A setback is the minimum distance a building must be from a property line. It’s determined by local zoning laws and ensures adequate space between structures and property boundaries.”
• Explaining ALTA/NSPS Survey: “An ALTA/NSPS survey is a very detailed survey that meets specific national standards. It’s used primarily for commercial properties and is required by title companies to ensure there are no hidden issues with the land title.”
• Explaining Topography: “Topography describes the shape and features of the land. We create a topographic map to show the elevation changes, slopes, and natural features, which is crucial for planning construction or development projects.”

The Importance of Accurate Terminology

Using the correct terminology is not just about sounding professional; it’s about avoiding costly mistakes and legal issues. Misinterpreting a term in a contract or survey report can lead to significant financial and legal consequences.

Scenario: Misunderstanding Setbacks

A contractor misinterprets the setback requirements on a plat, leading to a building being constructed too close to the property line. This results in costly rework to comply with local zoning ordinances and potential legal action from neighboring property owners.

Scenario: Ambiguous Easement Descriptions

An easement description is poorly written and open to interpretation. This leads to a dispute between property owners regarding the scope and usage rights of the easement, requiring expensive litigation to resolve.

Checklist: Avoiding Common Misinterpretations

Use this checklist to ensure accurate understanding and communication of land surveying terms.

1. Always consult the original source document: Review the plat, deed, or easement agreement for the precise definition of the term.
2. Clarify ambiguous terms: If a term is unclear, seek clarification from a qualified Land Surveyor or legal professional.
3. Consider the context: Understand how the term is used in the specific situation or project.
4. Document all interpretations: Keep a record of how terms were interpreted and the rationale behind those interpretations.
5. Verify with stakeholders: Confirm your understanding with all relevant parties involved in the project.
6. Use consistent terminology: Avoid using different terms to describe the same concept, which can lead to confusion.
7. Be aware of regional variations: Some terms may have different meanings or applications in different geographic areas.
8. Stay updated on industry standards: Land surveying practices and terminology evolve over time, so stay informed about the latest developments.
9. Double-check calculations: Ensure all measurements and calculations are accurate and consistent with the defined terms.
10. Use visual aids: Diagrams, maps, and other visual aids can help clarify complex concepts and terminology.

Rubric: Assessing Your Understanding of Key Concepts

Use this rubric to evaluate your comprehension of essential Land Surveyor terms.

• Accuracy: Can you define the term correctly?
• Application: Can you provide real-world examples of its use?
• Context: Do you understand how the term relates to other surveying concepts?
• Communication: Can you explain the term clearly to others?
• Consequences: Do you understand the potential risks of misinterpreting the term?

The mistake that quietly kills candidates

Assuming everyone understands the same definition of a Land Surveyor term. When discussing technical aspects of a project, clearly define the terms you’re using to avoid misunderstandings. This shows you value clear communication and prevent errors.

Use this when setting expectations with a new client.

“To ensure we’re aligned, let’s define what we mean by ‘ALTA survey’ for this project. It includes [specific items] and will be delivered by [date].”

What a hiring manager scans for in 15 seconds

Hiring managers quickly assess your understanding of Land Surveyor terminology to gauge your expertise and communication skills. Be prepared to define and explain key terms clearly and concisely.

• Correct Usage: Using terms accurately in your resume and interview answers.
• Contextual Understanding: Demonstrating an understanding of how terms relate to real-world surveying scenarios.
• Clear Communication: Explaining complex terms in a simple and understandable manner.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying and correcting misinterpretations of terms.
• Industry Knowledge: Staying up-to-date on the latest surveying practices and terminology.

FAQ

What is the difference between a plat and a survey?

A plat is a map showing the division of land into lots, blocks, streets, and easements, typically recorded in the county records. A survey is a precise measurement of the land, which can be used to create a plat. The plat is the visual representation derived from the survey data.

What is the purpose of a topographic survey?

A topographic survey is used to map the shape and features of the land surface, including its elevation, slope, and natural and man-made features. This information is crucial for planning construction, development, and environmental studies.

What is the definition of a “point of commencement” in a legal description?

The “point of commencement” (POC) is the initial reference point used to begin describing a property’s boundaries in a legal description. It’s the starting point from which all subsequent measurements and directions are based.

What is a “tie” in surveying terms?

A “tie” refers to a measurement connecting a survey point to a known reference point, such as a benchmark or control point. Ties are used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the survey data.

What are riparian rights?

Riparian rights are the rights of landowners whose property borders a body of water, such as a river or stream. These rights typically include the right to use the water for reasonable purposes, such as irrigation or recreation.

What is an as-built survey?

An as-built survey is a survey conducted after a construction project is completed to document the final location and dimensions of the built structures and infrastructure. It verifies that the construction matches the approved plans and identifies any deviations.

What is a “closing corner”?

A closing corner is a survey monument established on a boundary line where it intersects a previously surveyed line. It’s used to ensure accurate closure and alignment of survey lines.

What is a “meander line”?

A meander line is a series of connected straight lines that approximate the course of a natural feature, such as a river or shoreline. It’s used to define the boundary of a property that borders the water.

What is a “datum” in surveying?

A datum is a reference system or framework used to define the position of points on the earth’s surface. Common datums include horizontal datums (for latitude and longitude) and vertical datums (for elevation).

What is a “traverse” in surveying?

A traverse is a series of connected survey lines used to determine the relative positions of points. It involves measuring the distances and angles between successive points.

What does “basis of bearing” mean?

The basis of bearing is the reference direction used for all angular measurements in a survey. It can be a true north, magnetic north, or an assumed direction. The basis of bearing must be clearly stated in the survey report.

What is a “corner record”?

A corner record is a document filed with the county recorder that describes the location and condition of a survey monument. It’s used to preserve and protect survey corners for future reference.

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