How to Read a Land Survey

A land surveyor takes measurements of a property

Land surveys are most frequently taken and used to establish property lines prior to or following the building or sale of a house or other property. Land surveys are also needed when you are constructing new buildings, building extensions, fences and other major alterations to your property. Land surveys must be taken by licensed surveyors, who will supply you with a land survey of your property when they are finished.

Things You'll Need

• Title or deed to the land

Instructions

1. Read the description of the property in the title or deed. This will provide you with some basic measurements and a general description of the property.

2. 

   Open the land survey out on a table so you can see the entire document. Identify the legend for the survey, which includes the symbols for major roads and natural and artificial landmarks. The grid on the survey represents square miles. One square on the grid equals 1 square mile.

3. Locate your property on the survey using cross streets and landmarks as a reference. Compare the survey of the property with the deed or title and note any discrepancies between the two, such as square footage, the location of roads and driveways, or uncharted buildings.

4. Walk the property with the land survey in hand to make sure you understand where the boundaries of the property are.