Property Line Apps in Canada: Are They Really Accurate?

These days, we use phone apps for various aspects of our lives, for example: navigation, banking, weather updates and even property-related matters.

For homeowners or soon-to-be property buyers in Canada, property line apps have become a popular tool for checking and verifying property boundaries. However, there are some crucial considerations to keep in mind when using these apps in Canada, particularly in the province of Ontario.

GPS on phones is inaccurate.

When it comes to property boundaries, the accuracy of GPS on phones can be a concern because it is not designed for survey-grade accuracy and can have an error range of several meters. This level of accuracy is insufficient when determining precise property lines, which can lead to costly misunderstandings or legal issues.

Apps Not Using Official Data Fabric

One of the critical issues with property line apps in Canada, especially in Ontario, is that they often do not utilize the official property data fabric managed by Teranet, which is a trusted source for land registry information. Their data is the gold standard for property information in Ontario.

On the other hand, many apps rely on incomplete, outdated, or unofficial data sources, which can lead to inaccurate boundary assessments.

US-Centric Approach to Property Information

A common pitfall when using property line apps is that many of them are designed with a US-centric approach to land and property information. The United States has a different system for property registration and land surveying compared to Canada. This fundamental difference in approach means that property line apps designed for the US may not provide accurate or relevant information for Canadian properties.

Importance of Hiring a Licensed Surveyor

In Canada, the work of a Licensed Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) is the only recognized, official, and legal source for property boundary surveys. OLS professionals have the training, knowledge, and expertise required to conduct surveys accurately and ensure that property boundaries are correctly established. Here are some benefits of hiring a surveyor over relying on property line apps:

Precision: OLS professionals use specialized surveying equipment and techniques to provide precise property boundary measurements, ensuring you have an accurate representation of your property's limits.
Legal: Surveys conducted by OLS professionals hold legal weight and are admissible in courts. This can be invaluable in property disputes or real estate transactions.
Boundary Markers: Surveyors can physically mark property boundaries with survey stakes, which can help prevent boundary disputes with neighbors.
Compliance: OLS surveys comply with all local regulations and standards, giving you peace of mind that your property boundaries meet the legal requirements.
Expert Guidance: Licensed surveyors can provide valuable insights and recommendations related to your property, such as zoning regulations and potential encroachments.

Conclusion

While property line apps may offer a convenient way to get a rough idea of property boundaries, their limitations in terms of accuracy and data sources make them a risky choice, especially in Canada, and more specifically in Ontario.

Relying on the work of a Licensed Ontario Land Surveyor and having a copy of your Land Survey Plan is the only way to ensure that your property boundaries are accurately and legally defined.

The cost of acquiring a professional survey may seem high, but it's a worthwhile investment to avoid potential disputes, legal issues, and to ensure that you fully understand your property's true extent.

At Protect Your Boundaries, we have made existing survey plans available to the public. Existing survey plans can be a great alternative to acquiring a new survey plan as they are available for instant download and much more cost effective. Type your address into our free search engine to see if we have a copy of your Land Survey Plan available.

Remember to always consult your municipality and/or contractor to find out your plan requirements before making your purchase. If in doubt, you can always send us an email or give us a call to find out more about our available survey plans.

When it comes to something as valuable as real estate, accuracy is key, and professional surveyors are your best choice for achieving that precision.

October 20, 2023 | View: 2135 | Categories: Home owner, Professional