If you have ever bought a piece of property, embarked on new construction or worked in the oil business, then you probably have some idea of what land surveying is: studying a piece of property to identify its different characteristics, size and boundaries. But not all surveying is the same—in fact, on different days D.G. Smyth & Company can serve in any of a number of different surveying roles, from being a boundary surveyor in Texas to inspecting for flood elevation certification. Here is a closer look at the six most common types of land surveying in Texas:
- Boundary surveying: For this one, the name says it all. A boundary surveyor’s main concern is identifying where your property ends and your neighbor’s begins, down to the square foot, and sometimes even more precise. Boundary surveyors are often called on to settle boundary disputes between neighbors, which can sometimes turn ugly.
- Topographical surveying: If you have ever seen a topographical map or globe, then you know that topography is all about identifying the different characteristics of the land itself, be they mountains, hills, valleys, ravines, rivers or any other geographical details. It is a topographical surveyor’s job to come up with an accurate and detailed topographical map of any given piece of property.
- Pipeline and oil well surveying: Here in Texas, the oil industry is booming, but it requires a lot of forethought and caution to make sure drilling is done in a safe, responsible and effective way. That is where pipeline and oil well surveying comes in; the surveyor will make sure that a certain piece of land is safe to drill on, and that no unpleasant surprises will come up.
- Mortgage surveying: Virtually anybody who has owned a home knows what a mortgage is—essentially, it is a large home loan, and the bank uses the property as the collateral. Before agreeing upon a mortgage, most banks require a mortgage survey to ensure that the value of the home has been accurately and fairly represented.
- Title surveying: Before you can receive the title to a certain piece of land, the American Land Title Association requires that a basic survey be done for the property. This survey generally covers boundaries, ownership rights, exact measurements and other important distinctions. Often, title and mortgage surveys can be combined into one process.
- Flood elevation certification: In order to receive a flood elevation certification, a piece of property or building needs to meet certain flood safety requirements. Because they are experts in measuring and studying land, land surveyors are often the ones to perform this important work.
If you need any of the above surveying services, you can count on D.G. Smyth & Company, your premier locally owned and operated boundary surveyor in Texas. With nearly 40 years of experience and a strong commitment to our valued customers, we are proud to be considered one of the best surveyors in the state. Call us today to learn more about how we can serve you.