Techniques: How to Make Survey Measurements

Five Essential Tips for Accurate Survey Measurements

Making survey measurements is an exercise in precision. As you closely consider the legal description of a property, you need to ensure that you’ve marked the right boundaries according to its specifications. Land can have an array of variables, though, that make this task far more complex than it initially seems. Luckily, the right survey instruments can make the job easier and provide accurate measurements. Find out how to make accurate survey measurements and avoid mistakes that may compromise your results.

1. Use the Right Tools

The survey instruments that you use will play a major role in the results you get — and how accurate they can be. It’s vital to invest in survey equipment that’s high-quality and from a trusted supplier. If you’re using amateur tools like a standard tape measure, you won’t be able to record accurate survey measurements.

2. Always Calibrate Your Equipment

Choosing the right equipment is a good start, but it’s not enough to guarantee that you’ll have accurate measurements. You also need to calibrate your survey instruments to ensure that they consistently capture accurate data. Experts recommend that equipment be calibrated every two weeks — or more often, if you use the equipment more frequently.

3. Record for Accuracy

The unit of measurements that you choose for your data has a significant impact on how accurate it is. If you’re measuring in inches, for example, your data won’t be nearly as precise as information that’s recorded in a smaller unit of measurement. For this reason, most surveyors recommend using millimeters for all surveying data. This can help you achieve a higher level of precision.

4. Plan Survey Measurements in Advance

If never a good idea to approach a piece of land unprepared. This is a recipe for inaccuracy. Instead, you should plan the measurements that you will need to take in advance and prepare by ensuring that you have the right survey equipment with you. You can formulate your plan by studying the legal description contained in a property’s deed or reviewing prior surveys that have been conducted.

5. Enlist Help From a Professional

If you’re a private land owner looking to survey your property, doing so can quell your curiosity and help you better understand the boundaries of your land. If you need a survey for legal purposes or as part of a real estate transaction, though, it’s best to hire a professional surveyor who has the right tools for surveying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What survey equipment do I need to complete a land survey?

There are several essential pieces of equipment that land surveyors use, including magnetic locators, gammon reels, marking paint, and GPS tools. This equipment helps surveyors identify distances and landmarks.

What units of measurement do land surveyors use?

Techniques: How to Make Survey Measurements

The best unit of measurement for surveying is the aforementioned millimeter, but many survey results are recorded in other units, too. Larger pieces of land may be surveyed by the mile, for example, while others might be measured by the foot.

How can I convert measurements from a survey?

If you have survey data that’s in the wrong unit measurement for your purposes, you can look up a conversion tool that will easily convert it. Some important conversions to know for surveying include the following:

One engineer's chain is equal to 100 ft
One pole is equal to 16½ ft

Most equipment will have a conversion guide that you can keep handy, too.

What types of survey measurements are there?

There are five common kinds of measurements used in surveying:

Horizontal angles
Horizontal distances
Horizontal angles
Vertical distances

This data can be captured in any of the aforementioned units of measurement.

Can a map provide accurate measurements for a survey?

Surveying can produce a special type of map called a plat. A plat should contain details of a piece of land and its boundaries, and it should be generated from data collected during a survey. A plat that is from a previous survey is not a substitute for a new survey, though.

Getting Measurements Right for Your Land Survey

Conducting a land survey is a great way to learn more about your property. The usefulness of a survey relies entirely on its accuracy, though. You can get the most out of a land survey by using the right tools and following the right steps — or simply hiring a professional. Engineer Supply carries every piece of surveying equipment you could need. Call (800) 591-8907 or browse the selection of top-quality survey tools available online.

Please Wait...