HOW TO COMPLETE AN ALTA SURVEY DRAWING?

Contents

What is an ALTA Survey?

An ALTA Survey is used to determine and depict existing features of a property, including title boundaries, easements, encroachments, water features, and other significant features.

how to complete an alta survey drawing 01 — Example for an ALTA Survey

Why is an ALTA Survey Needed?

Many parties to a real estate transaction based on the ALTA Survey to determine the following:

Legal description of the subject property: Provide detailed information regarding the ownership rights and legal boundaries of the property, including any regulations related to its use and management as required by local laws.
Boundary line conflicts with adjoining properties: Assess and identify any issues regarding the property boundary, particularly when disputes or ambiguities exist between neighboring properties.
Encroachments onto and from adjoining properties: Examine any instances of encroachment, where structures or uses extend from one property to another, including illegal overhangs or unauthorized use beyond the established boundaries.
Rights of third parties, typically in the form of easements, leases, or other encumbrances: Review the rights, obligations, and interests of third parties, such as easements, lease agreements, or other encumbrances that affect the use and development of the property.
Contiguity, or lack thereof, of multiple parcels combining to form the property: Evaluate the connectivity and coherence of multiple parcels that combine to form the property, considering whether these parcels are contiguous or fragmented, and how this impacts the development process.
Access to public highways: Ensure that the property has legal and practical access to public roadways, which is crucial for the development and operation of the property.
Matters on the property that may affect zoning issues or compliance: Analyze factors on the property that may influence land use classification (zoning) or affect compliance with urban planning regulations, ensuring that the project adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements.

What requirements do the ALTA Survey Standards have?

There are several key pieces of information that an ALTA Survey must include to be considered complete, such as:

Boundary lines.
Rights of way and access.
Building setback line.
Line of possession along boundaries.
Improvements along boundaries.
Water features.
Building present on the property.
And more.

Specifically, there are 19 optional survey responsibilities and specifications listed on Table A, as well as space for additional items as negotiated with the client. If selected by the client, these items are to be included in the ALTA Survey.

Steps to complete an ALTA Survey drawing:

Phase 1: Review all the information provided by the client and identify any information that the client needs to supplement.
Phase 2: Record property boundary.
Phase 3: Draw all easements and setbacks based on schedule B in the title commitment.
Phase 4: Complete the linework using the field data.

Review all the information provided by the client and identify any information that the client needs to supplement

The client needs to provide the necessary information such as the address of the property; any Parcel ID Number of the property; current title commitment or title search; prior title commitment or policy; copies of any supporting documents that are listed on Schedule A and B; any prior survey or copies of supporting documents, such as legal description references and survey related documents noted as exception, from previous surveyors of the property; list all the options of table A that are required; the names of all transaction parties that are to be included.

how to complete an alta survey drawing 02 — Some information provided by the client

Record property boundary

These steps consist of the following: setting the drawing to the correct coordinate system, drawing the record boundary according to the plat or metes and bounds, drawing the easements and setbacks that are plottable according to the plat, drawing and labeling the adjoiners.

On paper space: drawing the vicinity map, copying and pasting the Title commitment legal description, copying and pasting Schedule B exactly as shown on the Title commitment into the paper space Schedule B section, filling in any notations pertaining to the Title commitment.

Draw all easements and setbacks based on schedule B in the title commitment.

We will carefully review each file No., volume & page available in Schedule B of the title commitment to delineate all easement lines and setback lines related to the Subject property.

how to complete an alta survey drawing 04 — An example of completed easement lines and setback lines from Schedule B

Complete the linework using the field data.

In this phase, after receiving the field data (point file, field notes) from field crew, we will complete linework, block, annotation, update legend to items used for linework. In paper space needs to be filled in for parking count, building height, building area, land area in acreage and square feet, and making sure that the adjoining information is updated to current owners. And the labeling of the nearest intersecting street information.

how to complete an alta survey drawing 03 — Example of a Checklist for phase IV

Get Expert Assistance for Your ALTA Survey Needs

Completing an ALTA Survey drawing requires precision, adherence to ALTA/NSPS standards, and a deep understanding of land title issues. From boundary identification to easement plotting and final linework, every step plays a crucial role in ensuring a comprehensive and compliant survey.

If you need accurate and high-quality ALTA survey drafting services, our team of experts is here to help. We provide fast turnaround times, cost-effective solutions, and unmatched accuracy to support your real estate transactions and land development projects.

Book a FREE 1:1 consultation today!
Email us at contact@aidedo.com or fill out the form below to discuss your ALTA survey needs with our specialists. Let’s ensure your property data is accurate and reliable!