A land survey plan is a specialized map of a parcel of land, created by thoroughly examining and measuring the property. It determines and delineates boundary locations, building locations, physical features and other items of spatial importance. More than just a diagram of the property, a land survey plan is an important legal document that displays the exact legal borders of the property and applicable aspects of the registered.

Who can create a survey plan?
Only a Registered Land Surveyor can create a survey plan for a property.

How does a surveyor determine property boundaries?

A Registered Land Surveyor prepares a survey plan in accordance with detailed regulations, authority statutes and Generally Accepted Surveying Principles. The surveyor ascertains the property boundaries using evidence of prior surveys, older authoritative plans and the legal descriptions of pertinent parcels of land, in conjunction with on-site evidence to formulate an opinion of the location of the boundaries. The surveyor marks property boundaries by confirming the location of found survey monuments or setting new ones. These markers can be square iron bars, cut crosses, or official rustproof nails called concrete pins set into asphalt. In the past markers included concrete monuments, iron pipes, or even old axles or used mining drill bits.

Creating a land survey is a rigorous procedure involving research, analysis and computation to produce a computer-drawn plan. Plans are drawn in accordance with professional standards, reviewed and approved by an SURCON, and subject to peer review through the industry's governing body. The resulting survey plan depicts:

property size and shape
underlying legal lot pattern
location of right of ways and easements
designation of pertinent ownership documents and more
Survey plans often reveal hidden deficiencies such as building encroachments and property