/r/landsurveying

Photograph via snooOG

This subreddit is for anything and everything to do with land surveying: articles, study materials for licensure, reference materials, software, equipment, latest technologies, etc.

Other subreddits you may be interested in: r/CivilEngineers

r/civilengineering

r/geospatial

r/engineering

r/transit

r/Transportation

r/urbanplanning

r/surveying is significantly more active than this subreddit, so you may want to post over there as well.

One of our users has made a cute webcomic about land surveying. It can be found here: https://www.landsurveycomics.com/

It won't help you solve any surveying issues, but I like it enough to put it in the sidebar.

/r/landsurveying

6,856 Subscribers

1

What brand DC has the "best" raw data out there?

I come from the old SDR days, and transitioned to Carlson. Now we have one DC running Topcon Magnet, and I'll be honest I've never gone through the mxl file to see if it's actually legible, it just looks like a bunch of pseudo code.

I've never played around with trimble, microsurvey, or other DC software.

What do you folks think is the best?

3 Comments
2024/10/31
17:07 UTC

8

Looking for a drafter

Hi! I currently work for a licensed land surveyor in NY who is looking for a drafter. Does not have to be located in NY, able to work remotely. Must be familiar with autocad. Please message or comment if interested!

12 Comments
2024/10/25
17:40 UTC

4

Moving a Civil3d Surface

I have a C3d topo with a Surface that needs to be moved horizontally. Any tips on how to move the Surface while preserving all the edits done to the Surface?

17 Comments
2024/10/23
14:09 UTC

1

what kind of gnss rtk equipment is economic choice for land surveyor? There are lots of brand surveying equipment on sales, how to choose a rtk equipment? What cost is reasonable?

1 Comment
2024/10/22
05:17 UTC

4

~400 acre topographical survey

My family owns some land in the low country of South Carolina and we want a more detailed topographical map than we have been able to find. I did some research but the more I dig into it the more I have absolutely no idea of the price range we will be looking at. I understand there are millions of variables that play into this but am really just asking to see if it’s even worth it. If so then what is a very rough estimate of what we might expect our costs to be?

8 Comments
2024/10/20
22:13 UTC

6

Zoning Administrator trying to re-orient my property 90 degrees

I own a landlocked piece of property that is accessed by a deeded easement across my neighbors property. I have built a small house on my property, that was approved by my town, with the orientation of the lot with the front yard facing the nearest public street (North to South). All was approved and construction was completed.

Recently, I submitted preliminary plans for an addition to my house in what was left of the buildable area on the site according to my town zoning ordinance (40' front, 25' rear, 10' sides). The Zoning Administrator, who is new and didn't originally approve my plans, says that my access easement along the side of the property, is actually my Front yard, thus making my house non-conforming and leaving no room to add on. He re-orienting my property East to West.

The Zoning Administrator claims the original zoning approval was issued "by mistake" and I will have to appeal his decision and apply for a variance.

I can't find a single case of a landlocked parcel that it's front yard is determined by its access easement. Any thoughts on my situation?

Thanks for any information

14 Comments
2024/10/18
15:43 UTC

2

Need Advice on Fence / Boundary Survey and Staking

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get some advice on a communication situation I've been having with a local surveyor. I think my questions are fairly straightforward, but I might not be communicating them well, so I wanted to run it by the pros here.

I have a privacy fence, about 70 feet long, along one side of my property. Recently, I had that side staked because the neighboring house was sold, and while the new owner hasn’t moved in yet, they’ve been making updates. The staking shows that the fence encroaches onto my side by as much as 10-12 inches in some places, less so in others.

I want to document exactly where these deviations happen on either side of the fence. I initially asked the surveyor to place stakes every 20 feet along the fence area property line, but he said he couldn’t do that with confidence and that such close spacing wouldn’t be accurate. I then asked if he could at least drop stakes near the points where the fence deviates, but I didn’t get a clear answer.

Additionally, I’d like to know if these deviations would be marked or noted on the drawn survey. That is, what is the best way to more permanently be able to document the deviations other than just pointing to stakes in the ground?

For context, the previous owner of my house and the previous neighbor co-built the fence, which straddles the line partly due to an older structure on the neighbor’s side that predates modern setbacks. There’s no record of an encroachment agreement in my closing documents.

I mainly want to make the new neighbor aware of the encroachment since the fence needs maintenance, and some stakes are already in place that make the encroachment obvious. I’m just trying to get this officially documented on the survey. After that I will approach the owner to see what's up.

Any advice on how to better communicate my needs to the surveyor or handle this situation would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

10 Comments
2024/10/16
20:09 UTC

0

Can you do a one sided boundary survey?

I am closing on a property in December, and I'm only curious about one side of the property. The left is bordered by/easement of a private drive (there's a little tiny corner of land that is ours over there but it is city utility and marked by a post, the top is against a county road and has a treeline cut back from the city property so it's obvious, and the right side also has a tree line with the neighbors and I mean a DENSE treeline. The back part however is the main issue.... When this plot went up for sale before family bought from family. Before they were sharing land, and then they fenced it off after a survey on the front and right neighbors side... But the back part looks odd. I mean odd as in the bank showed us what they could of our property lines and they're nothing like what we walked. The sellers told us a small 10ft wide strip behind the neighbors house on the right goes with the land, but it doesn't. Not to mention it looks like they mainly did a treeline fence cut when the survey showed about a 20ft gap between the tree line and the property marker... Is it possible to get a one sided survey? I really just need to know the property line for that side and that side only? My question may be stupid, i don't know.. First time home buyer here and I can't find the answer... I just don't want to pay $2500 for only needing knowledge about the current family shared property line...

Can anyone give me any insight?

Sorry for format, on mobile.

12 Comments
2024/10/16
17:29 UTC

1

No luck finding apprenticeship in Northern California

I applied for the apprenticeship with Technical Engineers Apprenticeship and also applied for entry level Land Survey Technician roles whenever I find them on a job board like LinkedIn or Indeed, but haven't heard back from any of them. Currently working a low-paying full-time job to make ends meet so school is not an option right now. I'm wondering if there's any other way I can break in to Land Surveying that maybe I haven't tried yet. Anyone from Northern California - specifically the Bay Area that can advise?

9 Comments
2024/10/15
17:59 UTC

19

Buying a Home with Road on Neighbor’s Property: What Are the Implications?

I’m considering buying a home, but I’ve noticed that the road leading to it seems to be on the neighbor’s property based on the online data. What could the potential issues be in this situation? Also, how would this affect me if I wanted to install a fence?

I already ordered a survey and waiting to confirm.

40 Comments
2024/10/15
17:28 UTC

0

Land survey

I own a lot in South Carolina. The survey on file does not seem accurate. What does a land survey tell you? Will it show if the lot is buildable or not? I have been told there is a creek on the property would a survey give any type of information concerning the creek?

10 Comments
2024/10/15
14:35 UTC

2

How's the job market in Melbourne right now?

I’ve noticed there are very few job openings on Seek or LinkedIn. Has the construction industry been slow lately?

2 Comments
2024/10/08
00:52 UTC

4

Would building homes on this land be feasible?

With the creek flowing right through the middle of the property, is it feasible to build on this land or would I need to divert the creek first? If divert, what costs are we looking at?

23 Comments
2024/10/07
20:04 UTC

1

Can someone help me understand my cadastral please!Could someone please help me read my Boundary Survey Plan? We are buying a house and I really don’t understand this map at all. I would really like to know how much of the side yard we own on the left hand side....

9 Comments
2024/10/04
22:49 UTC

4

[Aerotas Webinar] Drone GPS: PPK vs RTK

Aerotas is hosting a live webinar on Drone GPS and PPK vs RTK for Land Surveying this Thursday. Details and sign-up information are below!

Live Webinar: October 10, 2024 | 1:00 PM EDT

There are many ways to set up your GPS for surveying, and working with RTK or PPK-capable drones increases this complexity. What is the right setup and workflow for you, your company, your hardware, and your projects?

In this in-depth, technical webinar, CEO Logan Campbell will discuss different GPS workflows, their implications and trade-offs, and which ones might be right for you, the surveyor.

In this webinar, we will cover things like:

  • What is the difference between GPS, RTK, and PPK?
  • Which is better, real-time or post-processed GNSS data?
  • Are local base stations better than network processing?
  • What are the different ways to post-process GPS data?
  • And much more.

You can sign up here: https://www.aerotas.com/blog/webinar-drone-gps-ppk-vs-rtk

0 Comments
2024/10/04
17:25 UTC

0

got my land surveyed but it looks wrong

I recently got a boundary survey done but it doesn't look correct.....what do I dp?

22 Comments
2024/10/04
14:18 UTC

5

Tree tags

Hey land surveyors of Reddit, I woke up to find these tags dotted all along the trees on my property line. I can only assume they’re survey tags but is anyone able to tell me exactly what they mean? Are they marking protected trees?

8 Comments
2024/10/03
20:15 UTC

4

Help me read my Boundary Survey Plan

Hi! Could someone please help me read my Boundary Survey Plan? We are buying a house and I really don’t understand this map at all. I would really like to know how much of the side yard we own on the left hand side but I would also like to have this entire map simplified if possible. Thank you in advance everyone!

10 Comments
2024/10/03
19:01 UTC

0

GPS rovers. Is there an affordable model for a side gig?

Hi all, Is there an affordable GPS rover that is under $10,000 you would suggest. I am in the industry for 2 years and want to start a side gig. I know there are a lot of Chinese company's selling for less but are they reliable with their data? Has anyone used them before? Your input would be very helpful.

13 Comments
2024/10/03
16:15 UTC

3

Survey Manager opportunity in Denver, CO

We’re Hiring! Survey Project Manager in Denver, CO (DTC) 

Join our Colorado survey team as a Survey Project Manager! Ideal candidates will have their PLS or be on the path to obtaining it.

Requirements:

  • 5+ years of survey experience

  • Team management and scheduling skills

  • Proficiency in Civil 3D and CAD work to be able to look over work

  • Strong communication skills

Role:

  • Office-based with occasional fieldwork

  • Oversee and coordinate survey projects

Salary: $95k - 125k

Interested? PM your resume and let’s chat! If this isn’t for you, please share with your network.

4 Comments
2024/09/30
17:29 UTC

6

Southern NJ opportunity

My coworker and I are an expierenced 2-man field crew for a small, yet successful Land Surveying business in southern New Jersey. The business grosses 500k +/- per year. The owner/licensed Surveyor is retiring in the near future, and ceasing business operations.

We are exploring our options as a field crew:

A) Looking for a Land Surveyor licensed in New Jersey to go into business with, and make a 3 way offer to our current owner to purchase his business/accounts.

B) Looking for a Land Surveyor licensed in New Jersey to provide services to us as a field crew, on a per diem basis.

We are open to discussing details further.

0 Comments
2024/09/27
18:41 UTC

1

Do I need boundary survey before Topo survey?

I live in Arizona and shopping around for quotes. One company said a boundary survey goes hand in hand with a topography survey. I have houses (with fences) to my left, right, and behind my lot. Do I still need a boundary survey?

Thanks for the help and insight!

16 Comments
2024/09/24
16:05 UTC

1

A affordable solution for land surveyor.

https://www.amazon.com/SMAJAYU-Surveying-Receiver-Measurement-Equipment/dp/B0BYCR3VQQ?ref_=ast_sto_dp

A Survey Point is a meticulously determined location used as a reference for surveying and mapping, guaranteeing accuracy and consistency in data collection. Elevating this precision, the RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) Radio Station and #R26 Surveying Base from #SMAJAYU deliver real-time GPS corrections, which are vital for accurate surveying. Renowned for their reliability and exceptional accuracy, SMAJAYU, a frontrunner in surveying technology, provides these cutting-edge tools. This empowers professionals to achieve unparalleled precision and efficiency in their projects, ultimately enhancing overall project outcomes and productivity.
SMA26 rtk, #NOAA certificated, includes dual gnss receiver as rover and base, and professional data collector with surveying software.
A complete surveying equipment ready for surveyor to start surveying job directly. #Tripod,#pole,#tribrach are optional for bundle.
#landsurveying #landsurveyor #surveyinggps #topographicsurvey #geographicsurvey #construction #civilengineering #rtk #rtkgps

0 Comments
2024/09/24
10:05 UTC

1

Allen wrench size

Does anybody know what size allen wrench is used to adjust the optical plummet on a trimble S6?

2 Comments
2024/09/22
00:07 UTC

4

Cost and how to proceed

In L.A., a person bought a small strip of vacant land next to my house. He hired a friend to do a land survey and it seems he cut my property almost in half. While I was away, this neighbor came in and put up fences on what he thinks is his property. I contacted a survey company and was quoted $10,000 minimum to do a survey. Is this a normal amount? My total property is approx 8,000 sq.ft. So not huge.

Thanks.

6 Comments
2024/09/18
23:01 UTC

0

Fair quote for A2 and topo?

Hi all! Just got a quote for $1,950 to survey an acre in southwestern Connecticut. (A2 and topo). Seems very high compared to google search, but curious what you pros you think.

Is that a fair price?

12 Comments
2024/09/18
15:38 UTC

8

Wisdom Wednesdays (9/18)

*Join us next coming Wednesday! - CHAPTER 1 Trent Williams will lead the discussions on our next book. We are going to have some GREAT conversations about this book!

A BIG thank you to Mr. Jeffery N. Lucas, JD, PLS, Esq. for allowing us to discuss “The Pincushion Effect The Multiple Monument Dilemma in American Land Surveying”

We are also happy to announce that Mr. Lucas has provided us with a 25% off Discount Code that can be applied at checkout on his website to order your copy of the book. The code will expire on October 31st, so be sure to order today! Use the code: WISE to receive the discount.

Click here to order your book. (Scroll to the bottom of the page) https://lucasandcompany.com/product/alabama-boundary-law/*

We started this one last week, and while we didn’t get too far, the discussion was well worth it. If you’re not registered:

https://wisdomwednesdays.xyz/

0 Comments
2024/09/18
02:23 UTC

0

Find pin coordinates

Is it possible to get the decimal coordinates to the pin circled in green from the numbers circled in yellow?

23 Comments
2024/09/16
21:23 UTC

6

Mentoring Mondays (9/16)

Mentoring Mondays (9/16)

“After taking the summer off, we are back with Mentoring Mondays this coming week!

I see this post on the Facebook forums daily and weekly: "I am getting ready to take the FS/PS, CST, CFedS, etc. exam. What resources are available?" This post happens all the time!

Soooooooo, let's talk about it....

  1. Have you recently taken the FS/PS or CST exam?
  2. What worked best for you? (join us and discuss!)
  3. What resources are available?
  4. How do I prepare to take an exam?
  5. Are there study groups out there that can help me?
  6. Is there one-on-one mentoring available for me?

Join Dane Corville and I this Monday as we discuss all the options available (that I know of) to help you prepare to take the FS/PS/CST, CFedS, exams.

Sign up with the link below! https://mentoringmondays.xyz/

Also, did you miss Week 1 of Wisdom Wednesdays? You missed a GREAT session if you did! Make sure you catch up on the recorded session on the WW website!!! https://wisdomwednesdays.xyz/ Register for week 2 now!! You will not be disappointed!!!

Have a great weekend!”

Should be a good one for anybody who’s in the process of testing, or looking to begin it. As somebody who took the CST2/3, FS, PS, AZ exams in a 13-month span, I can definitely say that there’s a LOT of information out there on how to best prepare, and not everything is going to work for everybody.

I’ll probably be on too, hopefully see some of you guys there - even if it’s just to share some tips or gather info to take back to your young guys!

0 Comments
2024/09/16
16:44 UTC

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