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How Weather Can Affect Your Land Survey | Corona, CA

When it comes to land surveying, there are plenty of obstacles that can come into play during a typical day at work. One of these obstacles is the weather, especially during the winter season. It may seem like living in Southern California, an area that is 95% sunny day, wouldn’t be an issue, but you would be surprised – we have our own set of weather issues.

In the spring season, rain can always be an issue, and even though it isn’t a common occurrence, the sporadic nature of our rain season can make things tricky. Dressing appropriately will not only keep you dry, but also safe. And the same goes for your equipment. Because surveying is an outdoor job, everything and everyone needs to be protected. After the rain comes mud, so additional caution needs to be paid in work zones.

If you work in the winter season, there is a chance you may be working in snowy conditions. The problem is that it is likely covering up what you need to be surveying, like dangerous obstacles and essential sights such as property corners, flagging, and downed fences that you need to see to be able to complete your work.

Some may think the job is easier in this sunny climate, but the sun can often play tricks by creating shadows where you don’t want them. And let’s face it – the Santa Ana winds are a strong force to reckon with. Not only is it tough to stand in one place, but a workstation can easily become unlevel. Surveying is all about working around Mother Nature’s plans.

Remember: We may live in Southern California, the land of sunny days, but it can become quite extreme. You and your equipment have their limits.

To find out more about how weather can affect land surveys, please contact us at (800) CALVADA or visit www.calvada.com.

Calvada proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

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Topographic Surveys: Is It Worth Developing the Land? | Corona, CA

When buying a parcel of land to develop, it is important to know what kind of land you are buying and whether or not it is able to be developed. The solution is a topographic survey, showing the exact location of both human-made and natural features, both vertical and horizontal, in order to determine changes in elevation on a parcel of land.

Most people want to have as much information as possible before beginning a project, and topography is no exception because elevation has a considerable impact on land usability. Finding issues before it’s too late will not only save money but gives an opportunity to plan alternative options when developing the land.

A topographic survey will show the results of a 3D world on a 2D sheet of paper. The more data the surveyor collects, the more detailed the topographic survey drawing will be. However, since there aren’t any national standards regarding topographic surveys, you’ll need to consider exactly what it is that you want to know. These are the most commonly requested:

Contour levels. The focus is on the vertical changes on the property and they are shown in a series of contours on the drawing.

Vegetation location. You can specify the location of a certain size of tree trunk or a particular type of tree (carnivorous or deciduous), vegetation lines, etc.

Streams or creeks. You can specify if you want the thread (center line), the thalweg (deepest part) or just the banks to be located and shown on the drawing.

Natural occurring structures. Peaks, valleys, hills, cliffs, etc.

Manmade structures. Items such as buildings, utility lines, streets, fences and retaining walls.

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

Calvada proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

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Boundary vs. Topographic Surveys | Corona, CA

When you are preparing to purchase, sell or develop land, it is important to get a survey done in order to know exactly what you’re getting into. But which survey is the one that you need? Here is what you need to know about boundary and topographic surveys:

Boundary surveys. A boundary survey plots out the boundary lines of a parcel of land in order to provide specific information about where the property ends and where it begins. In addition to pinning down the precise boundary lines, many types of boundary surveys provide extra information, such as:

  • The locations of any easements (permissions to enter or cross the property, such as for utilities)
  • Encroachments, or improvements on other properties that intrude into the plot
  • Limitations, including zoning regulations

Certain boundary surveys, such as ALTA/NSPS surveys, will include even more information in accordance with ALTA and NSPS standards.

Topographic surveys. One bit of information that many boundary surveys do not provide is topographical data, or the elevations and contours of the land described in the deed, both man-made and natural. This is especially useful for those who intend to develop the land since it gives detailed information on where different features are located, including:

  • Trees
  • Slopes, hills, valleys, and other changes in elevation
  • Streams and rivers
  • Buildings
  • Streets and walkways
  • Utility poles
  • Manholes
  • Fences and walls

The elevations on the land are shown on a map as contour lines. Construction contractors, engineers, and architects use this type of map to design and plan improvements to the land.

To find out more about boundary and topographic surveys, please contact us at (800) CALVADA or visit www.calvada.com.

Calvada proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.