Types of Surveying Jobs Defined
The following list is a very simple explanation of each of the types of surveys that are talked about here. As you can see, some types of surveys are known by multiple names. These can change in different parts of the country. I’m offering this as an initial list. Please let me know if you have any additions, corrections, or clarifications that need to be made to any of these.
Standard Types of Surveying:
ALTA Land Survey - more specifically known as an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey and done according the likewise named Standards developed by the two organizations.
As-Built Survey - a survey to determine the as-built location (horizontal and/or vertical) of any improvements that have been constructed.
Boundary Survey - aka Property Survey, Cadastral Survey - this type survey typically is done to find the property corners and/or lines for a parcel of land.
Cadastral Survey - see boundary survey.
Construction Survey - aka Construction Staking, Stakeout - setting reference points for defining the location of certain improvements that are planned. This normally includes both the horizontal location as well as the elevation (vertical location.) Construction surveys are also done in order to determine quantities for progress payments on a construction site. This may also be called an as-built survey.
Condo Survey - a specific type of survey of a condominium unit which not only locates the unit horizontally, but also vertically. A condo is typically owned from floor to ceiling and inside the walls.
Elevation Survey - aka Flood Survey, FEMA Flood Elevation Survey - done to determine the relative location of a structure or land with the Base Flood Elevation, as previously determined. The results are documented on an Elevation Certificate.
Elevation Certificates - FEMA form used to document the results of an Elevation Survey or Flood Survey.
Engineering Survey - done at the request of engineers in order for them to be able to design some type of project. These typically include the property boundary, a topographic survey, as-built locations of any utilities in the area or off-site that have to be extended to the site, easement locations, and any environmental issues located on the site.
Lot/Block (Plat) Survey - aka Mortgage Survey or Closing Survey - a survey of a platted lot in a subdivision. Plats are typically recorded in the local courthouse and contain multiple lots assumed to be created all at the same time.
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