head Calvada Surveying, Inc: January 2016

Wednesday 27 January 2016

Significance of ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys

An ALTA survey is a type of land title survey product that meets the needs of title insurers in order to remove standard survey exceptions from the current/existing title policy. The American Land Title Association is the main proponent of this particular land survey product, and it aims to provide both buyer and lender with relevant information concerning the present and future use of the land in question as well as the different restrictions and encumbrances, which can –potentially affect the property. The information contained in an ALTA land survey allows lenders and buyers to evaluate the property and at the same time analyze all the potential benefits and risks of owning it.

Officially, the stated purpose of this particular survey is to remove from the property’s title insurance policy, the “survey exception language,” which is supposed to benefit both the owner and the lender’s title insurance coverage. In simpler terms, this is referred to as providing an extended coverage.

The extent that one can deviate from these standards depends on the title insurer’s willingness to provide the coverage required by the lender or the buyer for the property transaction. ALTA surveys are commonly used as underwriting tools on succeeding property transactions. An ALTA survey also provides relevant information to interested parties, answering concerns and questions in an official and unbiased manner.

Generally, an ALTA survey provides information including:

• Surveyor findings about the proper and actual boundaries of the property.

• Observed easements and any easements and exceptions stated in the title commitment.

• Significant observations about the property, which may include utilities, improvements, and public access; and

• Specific information relating to zoning, topography, flood hazard concerns, and parking configurations.

People who plan on selling properties may also use ALTA surveys for protection against potential claims from buyers or lenders after the conveyance of the property title.

3D Laser Scanning Services More Realistic Approach to Surveying

3D laser scanning has without a doubt revolutionized land surveying, among many other fields and industries. The latest in laser scanning technologies, techniques, and methodologies enable survey professionals help clients plan and execute projects in the most efficient manner while enabling customers to analyze every component and feature of facilities and sites. The many advanced capabilities of 3D lasers and equipment help ensure the accuracy of data gathered and, in turn, allow surveyors make sound recommendations on which critical decisions about property development can be based upon. Sound data collection and survey accuracy are important keys to the success of projects during all stages of the process, from planning all the way through to completion.

There are many benefits to using 3D laser scanning technology for survey applications, among the most notable of which is the faster completion and shorter field time. In the past, field surveys would usually take several days to a few weeks to complete. Today’s 3D technology, however, speeds up the entire process, cutting down several days to a week’s worth of survey work to just one day of scanning. Additionally, 3D laser scanning allows for the creation of complete fly-throughs, detailed animations, and 3D models in no time.


Because field time is cut down significantly, laser scanning also allows for reduced project costs. This is also largely because of the increased efficiency and accuracy of surveys, which means less room for mistakes and errors that often require re-scanning of the space. Data accuracy also provides you with a solid knowledge base that enables better planning of projects. An extremely versatile tool, 3D laser scanner technologies also find great applications outside of land surveying and can be used for all kinds of survey tasks from budgetary and timeline preparation to historical preservation, change detection, accident reconstruction, hazard surveying, and a lot more.

Tuesday 5 January 2016

Importance of a Topographical Survey

Topographic surveys are essential for determining a land's geographical condition. The data can be useful when identifying maps and determining the contours of a land. Topographic surveys are crucial during the planning stage of any construction or developmental project. The contours and maps created during the survey will serve as the basis for the project, whether it be a developmental structure, road, bridge, commercial, or residential structure.

Topographical surveys can be conducted below and above ground level. Walls, wells, manholes, utility poles, soil density, walkways, and trees are among the elements and areas that will be covered during the survey. Each aspect or material found on the land will contribute to a topographical survey's outcome. The following steps are usually involved in a topographic survey:

  1. Establish vertical and horizontal control to serve as the survey's framework.
  2. Determine ample horizontal elevation and location of ground points to provide enough data, which will be essential for plotting as soon as a map is prepared.
  3. Locate man-made and natural features that may be covered based on the survey's purpose.
  4. Compute angles, elevations, volumes, and distances, of the earthwork.
  5. Draw the topographic map. 
The outcome of the topographical survey should reveal various details about your land. Likewise, the results are useful in determining the land's cultural and natural features. The data is essential for determining the value, life, and strength of the land. The breadth, length, height, curves, height, elevation, and other factors that need to be measured will be calculated, and each surveyed aspect should contribute to the land's map and contouring.


Topographical surveys can be applied to a variety of situations. The results are useful for engineers, geologists, foresters, land promoters, architects, and government institutions and agencies. Topographic maps are used as guides for creating the land's actual geographical map, too.

Guidelines to Be Followed For Residential Property Survey

Property surveys are essential for your residential property, as it will help guarantee the legalities of your land. It will determine the boundaries, rights of way, and possible easements, should you want to rebuild or renovate. Hiring the right residential property surveyor is crucial to the success and accuracy of a residential property survey. Here are some of the guidelines to follow:

  • Hire a professional – Find a reputable and experienced land surveying company to conduct the residential property survey. Professional land surveyors use their knowledge and skills in physics, mathematics, engineering, and geometry to perform the most complex land surveys. Land surveying is the method of determining the three-dimensional and terrestrial positions and the angles and distances between them. The points are usually marked on the earth's surface, and these are used to establish boundaries and land maps. Special skills and equipment are required to complete a survey. 
  • Make sure the land surveyor is licensed – Always be sure to hire a licensed residential property surveyor. Licensing enables surveyors to practice and legally offer their services in your state. A license also proves the capability and expertise of a particular land surveyor. Professional surveyors can identify and research, analyze, and evaluate the land in question before deliberately plotting the boundaries of the property. They are capable of researching previous records and past surveys on your property, in case these factors may influence the findings on your land. 

  • Check what technologies and services offered – Skilled residential property surveyors are able to offer a wide range of services using the most advanced technologies. High-definition surveying is administered using state of the art 3D laser scanners, which are proven to provide swift and accurate results. Surveyors are able to conduct ALTA/ACSM land title surveys, too, in case you require assistance for a legal dispute regarding your land.