MSP VISIONS

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF SURVEYING	March/April 2009

What is surveying? Surveying is the art and science of measuring and mapping land. It’s a profession that dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used it to establish farm boundaries and build the pyramids. A vital part of the design and construction process, today surveying affects most everything in our daily lives.

The profession of surveying is complex, encompassing various aspects that include issues relating to mathematics, technology, history, law, geology, forestry and hydrology. Surveyors validate and process data that other professionals, such as engineers, lawyers and architects, rely upon. A surveyor is like a detective, using a combination of field work, research, and knowledge of law and history to solve a complicated puzzle.

Although there are many different types of surveys, most fall into the following general categories:

Boundary Surveys
A boundary survey identifies the location of property corners and boundary lines. They are often performed to obtain building permits, resolve property disputes, and facilitate real property conveyances. Research of public records and field reconnaissance are performed, and once all issues are resolved, a plat of survey (a map drawn to scale, showing the divisions of a piece of land) and property description are created.

Topographic Surveys
A topographic survey is used to document the horizontal and vertical locations of both the natural and man-made features on a parcel of land. They are used by engineers or architects when designing new developments or improvements on a site. Through research, field reconnaissance and measurements, and/or aerial mapping and GPS (Global Positioning System) equipment, a 3-D plat is created that shows the contours of the land and its various features. Contact with the United Utilities Protection Service is also necessary to obtain records for underground utilities.

ALTA Surveys
Most often performed on commercial properties, an ALTA survey is a detailed map prepared to ALTA (American Land Title Association) specifications. ALTA surveys are performed in conjunction with a title report (prepared by a land title attorney) meant to uncover issues with the land which could affect value and title.

Construction Surveys
Surveying is a requirement in the planning and execution of nearly every form of construction. A construction survey (or layout) involves the process of establishing and marking the position and elevation of new structures.

While one might assume that working with property and numbers might be a purely logical undertaking, the truth is that surveying is, to a great extent, an art form. A professional surveyor will utilize research, technology, experience and interpretation in order to fit the puzzle pieces together, serving his client in the best possible way.

Case Study: Xavier University

Xavier University is an example of an institution that has utilized a variety of surveying techniques over the years to meet various needs. MSP’s relationship with Xavier University dates back over a century, and has included all the major types or surveys. For example, a boundary survey was recently performed when the University planned to purchase the Norwood Plaza shopping center property in order to expand their event parking. An ALTA survey was then prepared for the property to identify and locate any easements or encumbrances which could affect the sale. MSP has also performed construction surveys for major new buildings on the Xavier Campus such as the Cintas Athletic and Conference Center and Buenger Residence Hall.

Since 1999, MSP has prepared and maintained a variety of topographic surveys for the 110-acre campus. Recently, a total campus topographic and utility mapping project was completed. This will be used for the design and construction of new buildings and associated facilities, as well as serving as the base map for Xavier’s campus-wide Facility Information Management system. Such information can be extremely valuable to university personnel.

“As I was beginning a new position here at Xavier, the information you provided helped to quickly bring me up to speed with campus changes dating all the way back to the 1800’s,“ explains Joe Frecker, Construction Manager at Xavier. “Your services were a huge benefit to me, personally.“

For more information, visit the following links:

National Society of Professional Surveyors
http://www.nspsmo.org

American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
http://www.acsm.net

The American Surveyor Magazine
http://www.amerisurv.com

Virtual Museum of Surveying
http://www.surveyhistory.org

Questions about surveying? Call Rick Nichols, Professional Surveyor and MSP's Manager of Surveying Services, at 513.759.0004.