A.L.T.A. Survey

A survey made for the purpose of supplying a title company and lender with survey and location data necessary for issuing American Land Title Association or Extended Coverage Title Insurance.

Boundary Survey

A survey for the express purpose of locating the corners and boundary lines of a given parcel of land. This involves record and field research, measurements, and computations to establish boundary lines in conformance with the Professional Land Surveyors Act. Easement lines may also be located and/or established with this type of survey.

Topographic Survey

A survey locating topographic features--natural and man made--such as buildings, improvements, fences, elevations, trees, streams, contours of the land, etc. This type of survey may be required by a governmental agency, or may be used by engineers and/or architects for design of improvements or developments on a site.

Site Planning Survey

A combination of boundary and topographic surveys for preparation of a site plan to be used for designing improvements or developments.

Subdivion Survey

The subdivision of a tract of land into smaller parcels, showing monumentation and survey data on a map, in conformance with the local ordinances and the Subdivision Map Act.

Control Survey

Precise location of horizontal and vertical positions of points for use in boundary determination, mapping from aerial photographs, construction staking, and other related purposes.

Court Exhibit Survey

Analysis of various legal descriptions and survey maps; field locating of record, existing monuments, and physical features; and mapping showing this information for the purpose of presenting a visual exhibit to be used in a courtroom.

Construction Survey

Construction staking of improvements shown on improvement plans for control of construction on developments for roads, buildings, pipelines, etc.

Definitions courtesy of the California Land Surveyors Association