- Legal Surveys
A developer must know exactly what land he or she owns. An American Land Title Association survey is conducted by a land surveyor and the title insurance company to record anything that impacts the ownership of the land, such as encroachments. Boundary surveys are used to create maps that delineate exact property corners and borders. Developers should also know if their land falls in a Special Flood Hazard Area and thus requires the purchase of flood insurance.
- Physical Surveys
Topographic maps depict geographic features, including water bodies, man-made structures and vegetation, of the land. This provides important information for those creating building plans. Additionally, developers need As-Built surveys once construction is finished, to compare boundaries of the final product to originally proposed plans.
The process of land development can take over four years. This is because the creation of many detailed documents and collaboration with other land stakeholders is required. Experienced land surveyors are important for making the land development process run smoothly.