The importance of surveying

Land surveying is the art and science of mapping and measuring land, and calculating the precise locations and boundaries of divided plots of land. One of the oldest professions in the world, land surveying has been practiced for thousands of years, with ancient surveyors working on the sites of the pyramids in Egypt before the first massive building stones were moved into place.

The importance of surveying is bound closely to our right to own private property, something often taken for granted in our society—even though, in many places in the world, private property rights simply do not exist. Private-property rights entitle property owners to the right to exclusive use of the property, legal protection against intrusion of property and the right to sell, transfer, exchange and mortgage property—land surveying makes this all possible.

Property rights enable the certainty of private property ownership, while a land survey enables the certainty of the exact extent of private property ownership. The physical framework of our modern world—from the design of cities to the layout of farmlands—is completely based on land surveying. This physical framework created by surveying enables the stable and secure boundaries that are the foundation of a flourishing society where property rights are mutually respected and people live together in peaceful harmony.

However, sometimes even the closest of friends or the best of neighbours may disagree about property rights, boundary locations or utilizing land in a responsible and law-abiding manner. Courts and judges resolve these disputes based on the expertise and judgment of licensed land surveyors who create special maps and documents called land survey plans. These survey plans—signed and sealed by the surveyor—are legal documents that carry such authority and precision that they are automatically accepted and used by the legal, engineering and architectural professions as the basis for their decisions, plans and designs.

Banks, builders, realtors, utility companies and other businesses and institutions depend on the information contained in survey plans and the land surveyors that create and interpret the plans. However, individual landowners potentially benefit the most from surveyor expertise and services—especially when the time comes to buy or sell private property.

A land surveyor can determine accurate boundary measurements to ensure that the land you are considering for purchase is actually the land you are buying. The land surveyor can tell you almost everything you need to know about your land, including locations of buildings, trees, fences, sidewalks, driveways and other features of the property, including any structures, features or activities that are encroaching on the property you wish to buy.

A land surveyor will be familiar with local bylaws, building regulations, wetland regulations, zoning limitations and more. If your intent is to improve, develop or subdivide the land, a surveyor can help you evaluate possibilities and alternatives, and determine the most efficient and legal method to achieve your goals. A survey plan may be the single most important part of your home ownership due diligence, and the services of a licensed land surveyor enables you to protect your boundaries, defend your property rights and enjoy your property with confidence and peace of mind.