Significance of ALTA/ACSM Lands Title Survey

Posted by Calvada on March 29th, 2016

Boundary surveys show the easements, property lines, and other important information as required by state standard. ALTA/ACSM land title surveys follow a set of national rules provided by the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM), and adopted by the American Land Title Association ((ALTA). These are crucial national standards that establish a common ground for transactions concerning commercial real estate. Conducting an ALTA/ACSM land title surveys is important when you need to provide more detailed information on your property. 

Land surveys are made for the lender and/or the title company, and they contain information about the location and survey data for the issuing of mortgage insurance or title. To do this, land surveyors draw maps according to the specifications of ALTA. ALTA specifies data that must be gathered on the survey, and it includes the location of the structure and its improvements and ancillary buildings, boundary lines, and easements. Due to the complexity of ALTA/ACSM land title surveys, it is recommended that you hire a specialty land surveying service that uses high-end equipment to accomplish them quickly and accurately. 

An ALTA/ACSM survey will contain a more detailed report than a conventional border survey. It will cover the easements encumbering or benefiting a property, zoning setbacks, the presence or absence of access to public roads, possible encroachments on the easement or boundary, and flood zones that may affect the property. Through a survey, you can find out if other parties have used the land before or if there are water boundaries on it. This is crucial if you want to determine the history of the land, such as if it once had a cemetery, as well as the names of the adjoining property's owners. 

Detailed research must accompany an ALTA/ACSM land title survey. Seasoned surveyors examines the existing title commitment, and country and municipal records are searched for any encumbrances. The Research will provide the surveyor insight on any possible conflict and knowledge on the land before an actual survey is conducted. ALTA/ACSM land title surveys are also known as 'due diligence surveys'. 

ALTA/ACSM land title surveys may cost a bit more than typical land surveys for contouring and mapping, but they provide faster, more accurate, and precise results, as well as highly detailed information. Just be sure to hire an ALTA/ACSM service provider that is familiar with local zoning laws. Reputable companies that offer ALTA/ACSM surveys use advanced equipment to quickly and accurately accomplish the task. 

About the Author:

Armando Dupont, a professional land surveyor started his career in surveying in 1977 and has extensive experience in managing personnel and projects. His experience includes: topographic mapping, boundary surveys and analysis, construction and control surveying, preparation of tract and parcel maps, earth work calculation and quantities, targeting and control for photogrammetric, and land title surveys in accordance with the American Land Title Association and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. Mr. DuPont founded Calvada Surveying, Inc. in 1989 and is a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in the State of California.

Like it? Share it!


Calvada

About the Author

Calvada
Joined: October 6th, 2012
Articles Posted: 118

More by this author