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Land Surveying in 2020 | Corona, CA

You’ve seen them on the side of the road or in a random dirt field, their tripod in hand and a fluorescent vest. It’s a wonder what they are doing and why they are doing what they are doing. These folks are land surveyors and what they are doing is surveying land in order to determine the terrestrial or three-dimensional positions of points and distances and angles between them. This is done establish maps and boundaries for ownership, locations, etc.

In a lot of cases, land surveyors will be hired to determine where the property lines are located. However, there are other reasons why land may be surveyed. But what? Let’s take a quick look at what a land surveyor in 2020 is doing.

Land surveying is useful when:

  • Purchasing a new home.
  • Settling a dispute.
  • Adding onto your home.

They’ll use the existing historical data and markers to determine the precise measurements of your property and then record those with the county recorder’s office, becoming a matter of public record. These individuals manage the legal and historical implications of their work in addition to spending a lot of time walking your property on foot with markers to help determine the edges of your property.

But not all land surveyors have the same process:

  • Construction or engineering studies the changes in property lines and identify the location of buildings and roads with exactness.
  • Geodetic uses satellite and aerial imaging to measure large portions of the Earth.
  • Boundary or land surveying will determine where the property lines are located.

As you can see, not all surveyors are the same and which you need to hire depends on what type of project you are working on.

To find out more about hiring a land surveyor, please contact us at (800) CALVADA or visit www.calvada.com.

Calvada proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

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What to Know About Hiring a Land Surveyor | Corona, CA

When we decide to purchase some property, there are many times we are going to need a land survey conducted. While some of us may think it’s an easy task they can do themselves, many times it’s better to have a professional do the work for you in order to ensure it’s done accurately. Trust – it is worth the extra cost in order to make the entire purchase run smoothly, especially if you need permits for construction. Below are some tips and ideas:

Recommendations are key. Yelp is there for a reason – it is good to know what kind of experience others have had. Ask people that you know, including your real estate agent or title agency who they would recommend. Rest your mind at ease with a reputable company.

Check qualifications. Because of the skill and complexity involved with land surveying, laws and regulations dictate that this practice can only be done by licensed surveyors.

Find out about their other projects. Asking questions is the best way to make sure this particular surveyor can do what you need them to. Ask about a timeline for your project. You’ll be able to get a detailed cost estimate with detail like location, land size, and survey type.

Consider the value. It is important to choose a surveyor that provides experience, reputation, and reliable service. Keep this in mind as well – the cost of a land survey may be only a fraction of your entire real estate transaction, so it is worth the investment. In fact, getting a proper survey done may save you money, time, and headaches in the long run.

To find out more about hiring a land surveyor, please contact us at (800) CALVADA or visit www.calvada.com.

Calvada proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

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Types of Land Surveying Jobs | Corona, CA

Besides surveying land for property owners and developers, surveyors also may do construction surveying. This is helpful in the planning of roads and buildings since the slope and grade of the land can affect the level of difficulty — or even possibility — of some construction projects. They also take into account any underground portions of the project that might be influenced by the geography of the property, such as the type of soil or presence of bedrock or streams.

Engineer using surveying equipment at a construction site with a backhoe in the background.

Construction surveyors are often needed throughout a project.

Forensic. Forensic surveyors work in tandem with the legal system. Using their particular skills and techniques, they can help reconstruct a crime or accident scene. They can also provide critical information relative to storm damage and evaluate the potential threat of environmental factors. These professionals provide reports to law enforcement, insurance companies, government agencies, or other involved agents.

Hydrographic. A hydrographic surveyor surveys land in and around bodies of water. This includes mapping coastlines, riverbeds, and sea floors. This information is helpful to the Navy and other seamen, but also to developers planning waterfront projects or governmental bodies that are building bridges or other structures near the shore. In the case of bridges especially, the makeup of the land under the water can be critical (i.e., whether it is sand, clay, mud, etc.) These surveyors measure water depth, mark the patterns of erosion and assess navigational risks as well.

Environmental. Environmental surveyors map undeveloped land, often pinpointing areas populated by an endangered species. They may also survey areas contaminated with hazardous materials or those affected by storm, flood or fire damage.

To find out more, click here.

To find out more about a career in land surveying, please contact us at (800) CALVADA or visit www.calvada.com.

Calvada proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

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On-the-Job Hazards for Land Surveyors | Corona, CA

Regardless of the industry, there are on-the-job hazards that everyone needs to be aware of. But there is something that feels a bit more dangerous than other jobs. After all, you are surveying land. Who knows what is out there in that land? These are the common injuries that can happen if you are a land surveyor on the job:

  • Moving equipment
  • Dropped objects
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Hand injuries from stakes
  • Eye injuries from flying debris

We need everyone to stay safe, so we are taking a moment to give you some simple tips to keep in mind while you are on the job. Because it may not be dangerous to survey land, it is the hazardous construction sites that are really the cause for many injuries that occur.

When possible, have equipment stop when it is required to survey close to moving equipment. Plan out work tasks during times that the construction crews aren’t actively working.

Always communicate about the plans for surveying that day. Communication allows for planning, as well as awareness between work groups of other people entering a work area. Make contact with operators when entering a work area.

Objects on higher work levels need to be secured and proper guardrail systems with toe boards need put into place to protect personnel below.

To prevent slip, trip, fall injuries practice good housekeeping.

Eliminate dust by using water to suppress it. Avoid working downwind from moving equipment to avoid eye injuries. Wear proper safety glasses with side shields. Never rub your eye if you get dust in it. Notify a supervisor and rinse the eye with the proper eyewash solution.

To find out more about land surveying job hazards, please contact us at (800) CALVADA or visit www.calvada.com.

Calvada proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

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What Exactly Constitutes Land Surveying? | Corona, CA

Any department or agency of the state or any city, county, or city and county that has an unregistered person in responsible charge of land surveying work on January 1, 1986, shall be exempt from the requirement that the person be licensed as a land surveyor until such time as the person currently in responsible charge is replaced.

The review, approval, or examination by a governmental entity of documents prepared or performed pursuant to this section shall be done by, or under the direct supervision of, a person authorized to practice land surveying.

An excerpt [2] from Section §8771 of the State of California Business & Professions Code (Land Surveyors Act): 8726. Land surveying defined

A person, including any person employed by the state or by a city, county, or city and county within the state, practices land surveying within the meaning of this chapter who, either in a public or private capacity, does or offers to do any one or more of the following:

(a) Locates, relocates, establishes, reestablishes, or retraces the alignment or elevation for any of the fixed works embraced within the practice of civil engineering, as described in Section 6731.

(b) Determines the configuration or contour of the earth’s surface, or the position of fixed objects above, on, or below the surface of the earth by applying the principles of mathematics or photogrammetry.

(c) Locates, relocates, establishes, reestablishes, or retraces any property line or boundary of any parcel of land, right-of-way, easement, or alignment of those lines or boundaries.

(d) Makes any survey for the subdivision or resubdivision of any tract of land. For the purposes of this subdivision, the term “subdivision” or “resubdivision” shall be defined to include, but not limited to, the definition in the Subdivision Map Act (Division 2 (commencing with Section 66410) of Title 7 of the Government Code) or the Subdivided Lands Law (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 11000) of Part 2 of Division 4 of this Code).

(e) By the use of the principles of land surveying determines the position for any monument or reference point which marks a property line, boundary, or corner, or sets, resets, or replaces any such monument or reference point.

(f) Geodetic or cadastral surveying. As used in this chapter, geodetic surveying means performing surveys, in which account is taken of the figure and size of the earth to determine or predetermine the horizontal or vertical positions of fixed objects thereon or related thereto, geodetic control points, monuments, or stations for use in the practice of land surveying or for stating the position of fixed objects, geodetic control points, monuments, or stations by California Coordinate System coordinates.

(g) Determines the information shown or to be shown on any map or document prepared or furnished in connection with any one or more of the functions described in subdivisions (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f).

(h) Indicates, in any capacity or in any manner, by the use of the title “land surveyor” or by any other title or by any other representation that he or she practices or offers to practice land surveying in any of its branches.

(i) Procures or offers to procure land surveying work for himself, herself, or others.

(j) Manages, or conducts as manager, proprietor, or agent, any place of business from which land surveying work is solicited, performed or practiced.

(k) Coordinates the work of professional, technical, or special consultants in connection with the activities authorized by this chapter.

(l) Determines the information shown or to be shown within the description of any deed, trust deed, or other title document prepared for the purpose of describing the limit of real property in connection with any one or more of the functions described in subdivisions (a) to (f), inclusive.

(m) Creates, prepares, or modifies electronic or computerized data in the performance of the activities described in subdivisions (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (k) and (l).

(n) Renders a statement regarding the accuracy of maps or measured survey data.

 [2] This excerpt from California law may have been edited to provide relevant portions in a limited space. Refer to the complete text of the statutes and laws for full meaning and context.

To find out more about land surveying, please contact us at (800) CALVADA or visit www.calvada.com.

Calvada proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.