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A Topographical Survey is a detailed survey that maps the natural and man-made features of a parcel of land, including elevations, contours, and physical characteristics, to provide accurate data for engineering and architectural design. Often includes Contours and Elevations, Inverts, (bottom elevations of pipes, culverts, and drainage structures), Curb Cuts and Ramps, Spot Elevations, (building corners, driveways, etc.), Utilities, (visible and/or marked underground utilities), Drainage Features, (ditches, swales, catch basins), Manholes and Valve Boxes, Roadways and Pavement Edges, Structures and Improvements, (buildings, fences, retaining walls), and Natural Features , (trees, streams, slopes). These details matter for design. Engineers need Inverts for stormwater and sewer design, Curb Cuts and Ramps affect ADA compliance and traffic flow, Spot Elevations and Contours drive grading and drainage plans, Utility Locations prevent conflicts during construction. Topographical Surveys are most often combined with an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey or a Boundary Survey. Benefits: Accurate site data for design; better planning for utilities and drainage; compliance and permitting; cost savings supports future development.

An As-Built Survey is conducted after construction is completed, (or during key phases), to document the exact location, dimensions, and elevations of all improvements and features as they were actually built, compared to the original design plans. Additionally, it will show final positions of Buildings and Structures, Utilities, (water, sewer, electrical), Pavement, Curbs, Sidewalks, Parking, Drainage Features and Inverts. Can include Elevations and Grades, and used to verify construction accuracy and meet regulatory or lender requirements. An As-Built Survey will also confirm that the project was built according to approved plans, provides a record for future maintenance, renovations, or expansions, and is required for municipal approvals, certificates of occupancy, and lender closeout. Benefits: Confirms construction accuracy; supports regulatory compliance; provides a permanent record; reduces risk and facilitates future design.

These are surveys or assessments that evaluate a property’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other accessibility standards, identifying barriers that may prevent access for individuals with disabilities and recommending corrective actions. These include Accessible Routes, Parking Compliance, Entrances and Doors, Restrooms, Signage and Wayfinding, Elevators and Lifts. Primarily used for ensuring compliance with ADA and local building codes, reduces risk of legal liability and improves accessibility for all users, and is often required for commercial property transactions, renovations, or new developments. Unlike an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey or a Boundary Survey, ADA Surveys focus on usability and accessibility, not title issues and property lines. Benefits: Legal compliance; risk mitigation; cost savings (identifying barriers, discrimination claims, etc.); improved marketability; supports financing and transactions.

Surveys that determine the horizontal and/or vertical position of existing improvements (such as buildings, roads, utilities, and other structures) on a parcel of land relative to its property boundaries. Focuses on where improvements are located in relation to: Property lines, Easements, and Setback requirements. Often used to verify zoning compliance or prepare for renovations. Primarily used for confirming an existing structures meet legal requirements, (setbacks), provides accurate data for site planning, additions, or redevelopment, and municipal permitting and architectural design phases. Benefits: Confirms compliance with zoning setbacks; supports renovation or expansion planning; reduces risk in property transactions; facilitates permitting.

An official document prepared by a licensed land surveyor, engineer, or architect that provides critical elevation information about a building relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as determined by FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). A Flood Elevation Certificate (FEC) determines flood risk for a property, is used by insurance companies to set flood insurance premiums and is required for FEMA compliance, building permits, and real estate transactions. It includes property location and legal description, lowest floor elevation, Base Flood Elevation (BFE) from FEMA maps, building diagrams and photographs, and certification by a licensed professional. Benefit: Ensure accurate flood insurance rating, possibly reducing insurance premiums.