Definition of "Land Surveyor"

Kyle McCarthy real estate agent

Written by

Kyle McCarthyelite badge icon

ReMax

When looking for the definition of a land surveyor, most definitions are quite simple and concise: a land surveyor is a person who measures the distance between two points, the angle between lines and the geographical position of a property in a professional manner. The information he/she collects is the base for property maps. One of the most important land surveys conducted is the one that determines the boundaries for ownership, also known as the boundary survey. A land surveyor has different attributions than an assessor or appraiser.  

There are many types of land surveys that can be ordered for different purposes. For example, a mortgage survey is usually requested by a mortgage company or a bank before issuing a loan. Site layout surveys are used by engineers and building companies to know exactly where to place the components of a building project or public constructions and utilities.

Depending on experience, a land surveyor may earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually. Land surveyors are in demand, and there will always be a need for land surveyors as the country will continue to expand its infrastructure. Some companies may hire surveyors only with a high school diploma or GED, but to be better prepared for the job, a 4-year bachelor’s degree in surveying, mapping, or geomatics is a great choice. Some states may also require a degree program approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Preparation for a land surveyor career also opens other opportunities, such as the possibility to work as a GPS technician, a deed and lease researcher or as a civil engineering assistant. Land surveyors may become members of the National Society of Professional Surveyors or the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) as well as The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping.

A land survey refers to the surface of the land, its topography and geographical coordinates (mapping), while a soil survey analyzes the chemical/organic composition of the soil, whether it is suitable for building or not, predicting how the soil will behave -it’s important to distinguish between these two.  

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Codes are all around us, determining the logical flow of various events and processes. In the cycle of actions and consequences, codes are used as guidelines. The most commonly known codes ...

Gradual and steady increase in the general price level which is bearable in the near term but may result in significant long-term price increases, See also galloping inflation. ...

The result of an act or a fact. ...

Factors affecting the useability and value of property. Important land features would include whether the land was flat or hilly, cleared or uncleared, high or low elevation, dry or swampy, ...

In order to define allotment, we have to take into consideration what it refers to. While generally, it refers to a certain amount of something that is allocated to a particular person, the ...

The prepared form used to specify the terms of the listing contract. Usually a listing form consists of blanks the real estate agent fills in to provide the necessary information needed to ...

(1) Paved roadway constructed above lowlands such as a swamp. (2) Roadway in ancient Egypt connecting the valley temple with a pyramid. ...

Authority given by a municipality to perform specified operations in a certain zoning area. Conditions are sometimes attached by the zoning group. An example is permission to have a ...

(1) Licensed broker employed to represent and match both buyers and sellers. Usually employs several real estate agents in an office. (2) Commission or fee charged to sell real estate or ...

Popular Real Estate Questions