Before you hire a land surveyors sydney for your project, you should understand the different types of surveys available. There are a few main types of land survey services, including ALTA/ACSM, NSPS, and topographic surveys. Let’s take a look at the most common types and when you might need them. We’ll also talk about the benefits of each type of land survey service.
ALTA/ACSM
Commercial real estate transactions, title insurance applications, and other property transactions generally require an ALTA/ACSM land survey. Nationwide Surveying provides ALTA/ACSM land survey services. The name ALTA/ACSM is derived from the Land Title Association and the Congress on Surveying and Mapping. Both groups are devoted to uniformity in land survey information. They have standards for a wide range of land survey services.An ALTA/ACSM survey can reveal zoning restrictions and flood zone limitations. It may even indicate what the property can be used for in the future. ALTA/ACSM surveys are more expensive than other types of land surveys and can cost anywhere from $2,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. However, it’s an essential part of protecting your real estate investments. An ALTA/ACSM survey protects your major investments from claims and helps you evaluate the land’s value.
ALTA/ACSM land title surveys are often used in zoning applications and insurance applications. The ALTA/ACSM land title survey is also known as a “Due Diligence” survey because it contains information from county zoning laws. ALTA surveys note exterior points of interest, utilities, and improvements. When used for commercial property transactions, an ALTA/ACSM survey is invaluable in determining the ownership of a property and is often required by title companies.
NSPS
An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is based on a set of nationally agreed upon standards, including a uniform standard of detail and accuracy. These standards establish the minimum requirements for a land title survey, including the field work, the number of points and the accuracy level required for the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey. An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is more comprehensive than a standard state survey, and includes optional elements.
A detailed ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey reveals critical information that a title report cannot. It shows visible improvements, right-of-way easements, utilities, and zoning. This is an important document for the lender and title company. The ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey adheres to national standards, ensuring a comprehensive and detailed result. NSPS and ALTA surveys adhere to strict quality standards, delivering comprehensive, accurate results that meet or exceed all requirements.
An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey includes a list of all the parties who will be affected by the survey, including any zoning restrictions or flood zone zones. Additionally, an ALTA/NSPS survey will indicate whether a property is zoned for future use. A combined ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is a comprehensive, legally required, and accurate map of a property. While many people may not realize it, ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys adhere to national surveying standards that are very strict.
Topographic
A topographic land survey is used to determine the elevation and slope of the land and can be particularly useful when building new subdivisions or redeveloping land that has previously been used. It can also help identify areas where certain structures will not be allowed and give developers an idea of how much space they need for development. This type of service is also useful for planning the future development of existing land. You can learn more about the benefits of a topographic land survey below.
Traditionally, topographic surveys were carried out using manual methods that were oftentimes inaccurate or not worth the effort. The topographic maps compiled from these surveys are the building blocks for future planning and are often required by governing bodies to approve any construction project. With this data, the project team is better equipped to plan and budget the project, and the land surveyor can spend less time on site. In addition, a topographic survey can save time, as it can be commissioned by many companies, and it is an important tool for planning a construction project.
These surveys are done with a surveying-quality GPS unit or electronic EDM instrument. The results are then displayed on a map as contour lines. Computer software can enhance the results of topographic surveys with interactive views. Topographic survey data is often used for CAD programs and can be used for planning purposes. Surveyors and engineers can use this information to make changes to the topography of the land. They can also use this data to determine whether certain structures need to be removed or reconstructed.