Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 16
Survey Plans
A
Survey Plan
shows the results of a boundary survey. Survey plans are also
called
Plats
and
Maps
. Survey plans are drawn in two dimensions, on a horizontal
plane similar to an aerial photograph taken from directly overhead.
Not all boundary surveys result in the creation of a plan. If the purpose of the
survey is to simply set the corners of an existing residential lot (a retracement sur-
vey) and there is already a plan on record, there would probably be no reason to
draw another plan, unless the jurisdiction requires one. If the retracement survey
discovered issues with the original survey or original plan, then it might make
sense to draw a plan showing the survey results. Keep in mind that a retracement
survey cannot change the original boundaries, but if mistakes were made in the
original plan or the survey discovered ambiguities in the original survey, a new
plan can be used to memorialize these facts.
Keep in mind that a retracement survey cannot change the original bounda-
ries, but if mistakes were made in the original plan or the survey discovered
ambiguities in the original survey, a new plan can be used to memorialize
these facts.
If the purpose of the survey is to create new boundaries, then a plan will need to be
drawn showing the new lines. The plan will be used as a basis for creating a deed
for the new parcel or parcels if the survey created a multi-lot subdivision. In this
case, depending on the jurisdiction, the plan may have to go before a municipal
planning agency before the plan will be accepted for recording.
Sometimes plans are required by permitting departments to show the pro-
posed locations of buildings and other improvements. A plan may be required
