As defined by LAC 46:LXI.2907: a survey which, after careful study, investigation, and evaluation of major factors influencing the location of boundaries, results in the deliberate location or relocation on the ground of, and the recovery or installation of monuments that define the location and extent of, one or more boundaries.

The cost of a boundary is determined by several factors which include the size of property, the use of the property, the difficulty of the terrain, the availability of record documents and the amount of research required to locate record documents. Consideration is given to each of these factors when creating a cost estimate for a boundary survey.

Larger properties will generally require more field work to search for corner monuments, to locate fences, and to collect other types of evidence which helps locate the boundaries of the property. The additional time required for a larger survey will increase the cost of the survey in general, but the overall cost per acre may decrease.

How the property is used determines the level of accuracy with which the survey must be performed. For instance, the survey of a lot located in an urban business district requires more accuracy, than the survey of a tract of land used to plant sugarcane.

The physical features of a tract of land can create obstacles for the surveyor. Terrain can limit mobility and access to certain properties. Conducting a survey in challenging terrain is time consuming and often requires the use of additional equipment. The use of ATVs, boats and other types of transportation may be required to reach the property or areas within the property. Field crews may have to carry survey equipment through woodlands, flooded fields and even swamplands. Hilly terrain and wooded areas block the signals received by GPS survey equipment and can require the use of time consuming, conventional survey methods.

Yes, conducting research of record documents when performing a boundary survey is a necessity. A professional land surveyor will need to study various documents such as original government land office surveys, grants, recorded deeds, plats, and right-of-way agreements affecting the property as well as that of the properties which border the land being surveyed. The complexity of the property’s history and the availability of documentation will determine the amount of research and study the surveyor will need to conduct in order to properly perform the survey.