Demystifying Survey Plans, Everything You Need to Know

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Survey plans are vital documents that play a crucial role in property ownership and development. They provide an accurate representation of a parcel of land, helping to determine boundaries, physical features, and other spatial information. In this article, we'll delve into the world of survey plans, explaining their significance, who can create them, and how property boundaries are determined.

What is a Survey Plan?
A survey plan is a specialized map of a property, meticulously created by professional land surveyors. It serves as a visual representation of a piece of land and is more than just a diagram; it's a legal document that defines the exact legal boundaries of a property. Survey plans also include essential information about the property, such as building locations, rights of way, easements, and more.

Who Can Create a Survey Plan?
In the Province of Ontario, Canada, only licensed Ontario Land Surveyors (OLS) have the authority to create survey plans. While advanced technologies like LiDAR mapping and drone-supplied aerial orthophotography can produce highly accurate topographical maps, the interpretation and illustration of these features in relation to legal boundaries require the expertise of a licensed surveyor. Surveyors possess the legal authority to create survey plans, making them the sole professionals qualified for this task.

Determining Property Boundaries
Land surveyors follow a rigorous process to determine property boundaries and create accurate survey plans. Here's how they do it:

1. Research and Analysis
Surveyors begin by conducting extensive research. They review evidence from prior surveys, authoritative plans, legal descriptions of adjacent parcels of land, and historical records. This research forms the foundation for their work.

2. On-Site Inspection
On-site inspections are crucial for gathering physical evidence of property boundaries. Surveyors examine existing markers or set new ones to confirm boundary locations. These markers can include square iron bars, cut crosses, or rustproof nails known as concrete pins set into asphalt. In the past, markers included concrete monuments, iron pipes, and even repurposed mining drill bits.

3. Computation and Analysis
After gathering data, surveyors use it to formulate an opinion on the location of property boundaries. This involves complex computations and analysis to ensure accuracy.

4. Creating the Survey Plan
Survey plans are not hand-drawn sketches; they are computer-generated documents created in accordance with professional standards. These plans are reviewed and approved by licensed OLS professionals and are subject to peer review by the industry's governing body.

What Does a Survey Plan Include?
A comprehensive survey plan contains a wealth of information, including:

Property size and shape.
Legal lot patterns.
The location of rights of way and easements.
Designation of pertinent ownership documents.
Identification of hidden issues like building encroachments and discrepancies in property dimensions compared to deed descriptions.
In essence, a survey plan is a comprehensive representation of a property's spatial and legal characteristics.

Conclusion
Survey plans are indispensable tools in property ownership, development, and land management. Only licensed Ontario Land Surveyors have the expertise and authority to create these critical documents, ensuring that property boundaries are accurately defined and legal. Understanding survey plans and their significance is essential for property owners and anyone involved in real estate transactions.

Incorporate the insights provided in this article to appreciate the importance of survey plans and the meticulous work that goes into creating them. With a clear understanding of survey plans, you can navigate property-related matters with confidence and accuracy.