FAQ

Q. When is a survey usually needed?
A.
~ Before title in land is transferred.
~ Before land is subdivided.
~ Before land is developed by construction of buildings, roads, fences, etc.
~ Before a boundary dispute arises.
~ Before a building or fence is built near a property line.

Q. What are the types of surveys?
A.
Preliminary Survey-The collection of survey data on which to base studies on a proposed project or a proposed final survey.
Boundary Survey-A survey made to establish or re-establish record title (deed) lines and/or corners on the ground, or to obtain
data for preparing a map or plat showing these lines and/or corners.
Land Title Survey-A survey of real property, including the plat of the survey, acceptable to a title insurance company for the
purposes of insuring title to said real property, free and clear of survey questions, except those questions disclosed by the
survey and indicated on the plat.
Topographic Survey-A survey of an area which has for its major purposes the determination of the configuration of the surface
of the ground and the location of natural and artificial objects.
Site Planning Survey-A combination of boundary and topographic surveys with resulting plans used for designing development
features like roads, subdivisions, industrial construction, etc.
Subdivision Survey-A type of land survey in which the legal boundaries of an area are located, and the area is divided into
parcels of lots, streets, rights-of-way, and other accessories. All neccessary corners or dividing lines are marked or monumented.
Construction Survey-The survey measurements made while construction is in process to control elevation, horizontal postion
and dimensions, and to determine adequancy of completion.

Q. How will I benefit from hiring a surveyor?
A. A surveyor will perform all work according to state laws, local regulations and high standards of ethics.
At your request a surveyor will:
~Study your property description and show you his/her professional opinion, where the records and facts indicate the
boundaries of your land to be.
~Survey your property (and adjacent property, if neccessary) to complete the work.
~Advise you if there is any defect in your land description or evidence of encroachment.
~Set monuments at your property corners and mark them so they can be easily found.
~Mark your boundary by setting stakes in open ground or blazing and painting lines through forest tracts.
~Prepare a plat of survey of your property indicating the measurements made, the fact that the monuments has been placed, and
any other data requested.
~Help you plan and lay out a subdivision into lots and streets.
~File a copy fo the map or plat with the appropriate office as required by law.
~Locate oil and gas wells, buildings, fences, right-of-way, encroachments, and other possession evidence.
~Inform interested parties of progress and results.
~Cooperate with your attorney, realtor, banker, engineer or architect.
~Write a legal description when land is to be divided.
~Sign surveys filed for record in State Land Surveyor' Office.

~He will not decide issues of legal ownership in disputes conserning possession lines.

Q. What information does the surveyor need?
A. The surveyor will need the following:
~Purpose and type of survey
~Your deed or a copy of it
~Any plats you have, including information about the location of corners and lines
~A brief history of ownership
~Name and address of adjacent property owners
~Information about disagreements over location of corners and lines

Q. How much will a survey cost?
A. The cost of a survey will dependent upon the type of the survey, equipment required, weather conditions, the availability of
existing records and monuments, type of terrain, and the surveyor's familiarity and knowledge of the area. Because of these
variables, it is often difficult to determine and exact fee; however, based on general experience, the surveyor can usually furnish
an approximate estimate of cost. Competitive bidding for the lowest cost is not necessarily in the best interest of the client. To
reduce the possibility of a misunderstanding, you and the surveyor should sign an agreement that includes a description of the
work to be done, approximate completion date, a lump sum price or hourly rate, and a payment schedule.

Q. How do I best protect my interest?
A. The land surveyor locates the property on which improvements are planned and constructed. His/her professional services
will cost less in time, worry and expense than the cost of moving a building, relocating improvements, or defending a lawsuit in
court due to a land boundary controversy. Protect your interest by retaining a land surveyor before planning your development
and investing your funds. The land surveyor renders a highly technical and complex service. In cases of controversy, he/she
appears as your expert witness, if necessary. Only surveyors can assume responsibility for the correctness and accuracy of their
work. Before engaging the sevices of a land surveyor, the client should specify that all surveys be in compliance with "Minimum
Standards for Property Boundary Surveys." The client should also examine the suveyor's current registration and membership in
professional organizations before engaging his/her services.

Q. How do I obtain a copy of a previousley filed plat?
A. To obtain a copy of a plat filed prior to June 1, 2007, you may contact the Circuit Clerk of the County in which the survey was
performed with the year that the survey was performed and who it was performed for. It is also very helpful to have Section,
Township, and Range.
You may also obtain a copy of any plat filed in Arkansas from the Land Survey Division located at 11701 I-30, Suite #323 in Little
Rock, AR 72209, Phone 501-683-1671. You will have to know the Section, Township, and Range of the property for their office to
be able help you.