What is a Land Surveyor?

​A Professional Land Surveyor is a person who has qualified by education and experience, and who has passed an examination for registration required by the State of Illinois to practice Land Surveying in Illinois.  

Land Surveying is crucial to responsible land development. Land Surveyors work with engineers, architects, and builders to produce precise descriptions (surveys and maps) of surface features of the Earth. They also perform a variety of vital tasks such as boundary surveys, topographic mapping, and construction staking.
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​​Many people think that surveyors only conduct fieldwork. Surveyors can choose from many specialties and get involved at many stages of a project. A surveyor may work in the field and then deliver the data to a surveyor who works in the office, or they may be office-based and analyze the data to create maps and other important documents.

​​Professional Land Surveyors are highly trained individuals who scientifically measure land. To become a professionally licensed surveyor in Illinois, candidates must:

• Graduate from an approved land surveying curriculum of at least 4 years who has passed an examination in the fundamentals of surveying; or a baccalaureate curriculum of at least 4 years, including at least 24 semester hours of land surveying courses from an approved land surveying curriculum and the related science courses.
• Pass Fundamentals of Surveying examination to work as a licensed Survey Intern.
• Obtain at least 4 years qualified experience under the supervision of a licensed surveyor.
• Pass Principles and Practice Exam. 
• Be of good ethical character.

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Three of the Four Presidents on Mount Rushmore Started As Surveyors: ​
​George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.

When Do You Need a Land Surveyor?

• When buying or selling land, the location of which is not clearly defined on the ground.
• Before land is divided.
• If a lending institution requires a survey.
• If a line or corner is not defined.
• Before building close to a line.
• Before a lot is conveyed from a larger tract.
• Before developing the property.
• When you believe someone has built on your property.​

​Professional Land Surveyors use their skills to:

• Determine boundary lines
• Subdivide land
• Properly site buildings, facilities, utilities, etc. on construction sites
• Locate impediments to construction
• And much more!

Types of Surveying

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There are many, many types of surveys that can be conducted. Different types of surveys may be called different things by different people. Common survey types and a brief explanation are listed below

​ALTA Survey or Extended Title Insurance Coverage Survey
A survey made for the purpose of supplying a title company and lender with survey and location data necessary for the issuing of title and/or mortgage insurance. A detailed map is required to be done to “ALTA” specifications. Specifications of this type of Survey include (but are not limited to) determining property lines, location of improvements, identifying all easements, utilities and other conditions affecting the property. The Alta Survey is most often performed on commercial properties.

​Mining and other Subsurface Surveys
A survey that determines the location and dimensions of underground parts of a mine.

​Subdivision Survey
A survey done in order to split a tract of land into smaller parcels.

​Boundary Survey
A boundary survey is used to establish the property lines of particular piece of land. Boundary surveys are typically performed to obtain building permits, to resolve property disputes, or for erecting fences. Easement lines may also be located with this type of survey.

​Elevation or Floodplain Survey
Typically these are used to determine if a property is in a flood zone.

​Lot Split Survey
Are needed when you may need to divide an existing parcel of land into two or more parcels.

Topographic Survey
​A survey that measures the elevation of points on a particular piece of land, and presents them as contour lines on a plot.

​Cadastral Survey
Original survey, resurvey, or retracement of public lands within the Public Land Survey System of the United States for restoration of property lines.

​Construction Survey
Survey measurements made prior to or while construction is in progress.

​Geodetic Survey
A Land Survey with correction made to account for curvature of the earth and astronomic observations.

​Site Plan Survey (Lot Survey or Plot Plan Survey)
A combination of boundary and topographic surveys for preparation of a site plan to be used for designing improvements or developments, and obtaining government building permits.

For more information on surveying, visit the link below.

Surveying Careers