Marking a Survey Site
Both residential and commercial projects may require a survey to identify specific points along the job site or to denote the property boundaries. Land surveyors will use a variety of tools to complete the survey, and survey markers will be used to indicate the findings or guide the process. Markers can represent the project measurements, boundaries, utilities and other elements. The entire project will require several field marking supplies, and the markers need to be durable enough to withstand wear and tear from the elements.
A Range of Survey Tools
Land surveyors use equipment that can deliver precise measurement results. Drones, theodolites, measuring wheels and total stations are a few of the options for collecting data. Depending on the information needing to be collected, less technical equipment, like a survey prism or prism pole, may be used. Some surveys look at the surface of the property while others include subsurface assessments. Ground-penetrating radar is used to investigate materials below the surface. Software and scanners can interpret and present the information.
A Range of Survey Options
The type of survey being done impacts which features need to be identified. This leads to the rights choice in equipment, tools and supplies. The following are the more common land survey options:
- American Land Title Association or Extended Coverage Title Insurance survey
- Construction survey
- Boundary survey
- Site planning survey
- Location survey
- Topographic survey
- Subdivision survey
A Range of Survey Supplies
Site planning requires looking at both natural and man-made features. In addition to surveying tools to measure things like angles, elevation or boundaries, specific survey supplies can mark a variety of features identified on the property. Markings for a survey or a property will often include flags, pins or stakes. These identifiers help guarantee the proper placement of things or help contractors or other crews avoid unwanted contact with buried lines, pipes or other concerns. If markings aren’t easy to read, it can complicate a project, cause confusion or create unnecessary damage.
Engineer Supply carries the following marker supplies to ensure your project site has clear identifications or warnings for development.
This warning tape can prevent the catastrophic results that come from inaccurate digging near gas or electrical lines and communication cables. When properly installed, the aluminum backing on these markers can be easily found with a non-ferrous locator.
With over 16 colors to choose from, these flags have bright ink and long-lasting materials for high visibility and durability. There is a large print area on the back of these flags, and the flags are wind and tear-resistant.
For use with the Flagshooter tool because of the 25 flags on each collated clip, these Flagshooter flags are long-lasting and printed using UV cured ink. Bright steel wire and a glueless stem attachment add to the durability of these flags.
For use when long-term perimeter marking is needed, this highly visible perimeter marker is a woven barricade tape that can withstand tough weather conditions. Nine-inch strips of Orange Glo nylon-coated PVC are set every 20 inches to ensure equipment operators and ground workers clearly identify the project boundaries.
For a handy, immediate marking option, this dry marker is a grip-friendly pen that has a built-in sharpener. Carried with a holster that keeps the pen in place and leads away moisture and dirt, use this pen for on-the-job notations.
Purchase Your Markers
In addition to a quality selection of surveying tools and equipment, Engineer Supply carries a full range of marking supplies. Browse the selection today and get the best deals on all your supply and equipment needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove or relocate existing survey markers?
In cases where it’s not your property, it could be illegal to move a permanent survey marker or the temporary boundary markers placed by a surveyor. If it’s your property, only remove markers once the project is complete and it’s safe to do so. Legal boundary lines should not be moved.
Are there specific colors needed for survey markers?
The American Public Works Administration provides a uniform color code for marking underground facilities to prevent accidental damage to subsurface lines or pipes.
Am I required to contact a Call-Before-You-Dig number?
Depending on your state, the law could mandate having all utility lines marked before beginning any excavation or digging work, regardless of residential or commercial projects.
How tall do survey markers need to be?
Depending on the survey done, any markers need to be clearly seen by equipment operators and foot traffic. Each state has surveying regulations that can dictate how tall a marker, control monument or reference point must be.
Can I make my own survey markers?
It’s possible to create your own property markers, but all utility identification needs to be professional-grade materials to avoid confusion, erosion or damage.
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