Stay on top of your property’s details with these surveys
A boundary survey measures and plots a property’s legal boundary lines.
A topographic survey maps out a property’s terrain and elevation changes.
Boundary surveys and topographic surveys are often performed together for complete property information.
Knowing the details of your property’s boundaries and layout is important, and a land survey is the best way to obtain and record that information. There are many types of land surveys, so it can be confusing knowing which one you need. We’ll explore the differences between boundary surveys and topographic surveys so you can get all the information you need.
Boundary surveys and topographic surveys provide important information about your property, but the two have some key differences. A boundary survey defines the limits of your property, while a topographic survey records its terrain, elevations, and natural features. Put another way, a boundary survey plots the edges of your property, and a topographic survey provides you with a map of its surface.
A boundary survey is a type of land survey that locates and marks the property’s perimeter and any easements or encroachments. Boundary surveys are performed with a combination of fieldwork—measuring the property—and researching property records for historical data about the property.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick to complete | Limited to property boundaries |
| Affordable | Need to re-survey for additional information |
| Meets most requirements for property sales | May not satisfy insurance requirements |
Best for: Real estate purchases, settling boundary disputes, fence construction
Boundary surveys have the lowest land survey costs, and they’re often the fastest kind of survey to complete. The process is straightforward, and the results can be used for various legal purposes, including recording a land survey to buy or sell property, settling boundary disputes, or ensuring new construction is fully within the property’s limits.
While a boundary survey provides valuable information, that information is limited to the property’s outer limits. If you ever need additional information about what’s on your property within those boundaries, you’ll need another survey. In some cases, a boundary survey isn’t enough to meet insurance or mortgage requirements, so you may need to choose a more comprehensive kind of survey.
A topographic survey measures and records your property’s terrain, natural and built features, elevation changes, and more. This type of land survey can be used for a plot plan, although it provides more detail than the standard plot plan. It provides a complete record of the shape and features of the property’s surface and can be used before developing land to ensure construction is environmentally responsible.
Topographic surveys are carried out using multiple surveying methods, including GPS mapping, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems, photogrammetry, and traditional surveying methods.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gives a complete picture of property | More expensive |
| Can identify potential problems before construction | Takes longer to complete |
| Helps with environmentally responsible development | May require multiple survey methods |
Best for: Land development, determining flood risk
A topographic survey provides a comprehensive map of your entire property and its terrain, so it provides much more information than a simple boundary survey. It can also identify potential issues like flood risk or drainage problems before construction begins so you can make any necessary adjustments. Topographic surveys also help encourage environmental responsibility during the construction process.
If the terrain of your property is complex, getting a topographic survey done can be helpful. Topographic surveys help your pros identify all the natural features and elevations of your property to ensure they complete construction safely.
Because topographic surveys are more complex, they take longer and cost more than boundary surveys. If a local land surveyor needs to use multiple surveying methods to complete the topographic survey, it can add to the time and cost as well. In addition, this kind of land survey lasts only as long as the topography remains the same—once construction begins, the survey will no longer be accurate.
Still not sure what kind of survey you need? The following factors can help you decide which one you should hire a land surveyor for.
Boundary surveys are a more affordable option due to their limited scope. If you only need to establish your property’s outer limits, a lower-cost boundary survey will provide you with the necessary information. Topographic surveys require more time and more complex methods, so their price tag is higher.
A topographic survey will provide you with a complete record of your property’s terrain, while a boundary survey will only show you your property lines. If you’re looking for a comprehensive picture of your property, choose a topographic survey.
Compared to topographic surveys, boundary surveys are relatively quick. Because they’re only mapping out the limits of the property and not documenting everything within them, boundary surveys are significantly faster to complete.
While boundary surveys will satisfy many requirements for real estate sales, fence construction, and property disputes, topographic surveys meet all of those and more. Topographic surveys provide ample information for a variety of uses and minimize the possibility of needing to re-survey for more information.
