📍 1. The Purpose of Land Surveying

Land surveying defines where property boundaries begin and end. It ensures structures, utilities, and improvements are placed accurately and legally on the ground.

Surveying data also forms the foundation for mapping, engineering, and infrastructure development across Arizona.

🧭 2. Common Types of Surveys

Each survey type serves a different purpose:

• Boundary Surveys – Define property lines and corners.
• Topographic Surveys – Map elevation, contours, and site features.
• ALTA/NSPS Surveys – Meet national standards for real estate and title insurance (NSPS Standards).
• Construction Staking – Mark design locations for builders and contractors.
• Subdivision & Platting – Create or modify property parcels per Arizona Administrative Code R4-30.
• FEMA Elevation Certificates – Document elevation data for flood insurance or Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) requests.

⚙️ 3. Modern Technology in Surveying

Today’s Arizona surveyors use GNSS Network RTK, aerial drones, LiDAR, and 3D modeling software to achieve centimeter-level accuracy.

Learn more about GNSS technology from the National Geodetic Survey (NOAA NGS).

⚖️ 4. Legal and Professional Standards

Surveying work must comply with Arizona’s Administrative Code R4-30-301 through R4-30-312, which define standards of practice, accuracy, and documentation for Registered Land Surveyors.

Survey maps are legal records that may be filed with your County Recorder’s Office.

🏠 1. Buying or Selling Property

A Boundary or ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey verifies property lines, easements, and encroachments before closing.
It helps prevent costly disputes and gives buyers, sellers, and lenders confidence in the transaction.

🏗️ 2. Building a New Home or Structure

Local building departments and contractors often need a Site Plan or Topographic Survey to confirm setbacks, drainage, and grading prior to permitting or construction. Check with your city’s building department—such as City of Phoenix Planning & Development—for permit survey requirements.

🚧 3. Installing Fences, Walls, or Driveways

A Boundary Survey ensures new improvements stay within your property limits — avoiding conflicts with neighbors and zoning violations. Arizona’s Title 33 – Property Law governs property boundaries and encroachments.

📐 4. Subdividing or Combining Parcels

When splitting or merging lots, a Record of Survey or Subdivision Plat is required.
These must be prepared by an RLS in compliance with Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R4-30-301 through R4-30-312.

📏 5. Resolving Boundary Disputes

If monuments, fences, or legal descriptions don’t match, a Boundary Retracement Survey re-establishes the true property corners using public records and field evidence. Arizona’s Board of Technical Registration sets professional standards for survey accuracy and ethics.

🌎 6. Engineering, Development, or Drainage Projects

Civil engineers, architects, and planners rely on Topographic and Control Surveys to design grading, drainage, utilities, and structures with precise elevation data. These surveys are often tied to Arizona’s State Land Department GIS mapping for control points and benchmarks.

🌊 7. FEMA Floodplain & Elevation Certificates

If your property is near a flood zone, a surveyor can provide an Elevation Certificate to adjust insurance rates or support a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) through FEMA.

🛣️ 8. Easements & Right-of-Way

When creating or recording utility, access, or drainage easements, a Survey Plat or Exhibit defines the exact location and dimensions for legal documentation. These are typically recorded with your County Recorder’s Office.

🔩 9. Construction Layout or Staking

For contractors, surveyors provide Construction Staking to precisely mark where roads, foundations, and utilities are built according to engineering plans. This step is critical for municipal or ADOT-inspected projects (Arizona Department of Transportation).