Frequent Q&A

  • How do I request a survey from North Surveying & Mapping?

    You can contact us by phone or email to request a survey. We will schedule a time to come out to your property and assess your needs.

  • How long does a survey from North Surveying & Mapping typically take?

    The length of time for a survey depends on the size and complexity of the property. We will provide an estimated timeline after we assess your needs. However, we pride ourselves on timelines, without sacrificing quality and accuracy. 

  • When do you need a land survey?

    You may need a land survey for a variety of reasons, including:

    • Buying or selling property: A land survey is typically required by lenders when you are buying or selling property. This is to ensure that the property boundaries are clearly defined and that there are no encroachments.
    • Building or renovating: A land survey is often required before you can obtain a building permit. This is to ensure that your new construction or renovation does not violate any zoning or building codes.
    • Resolving a property dispute: If you have a dispute with a neighbor about the property line, a land survey can help to resolve the dispute.
    • Subdividing land: If you are planning to subdivide your land, you will need to have a land survey completed. This is to ensure that the new lots meet all applicable zoning and building codes.
    • Obtaining a loan: Many lenders require a land survey to be completed before they will approve a loan. This is to ensure that the property is worth the amount of the loan and that there are no liens or other encumbrances on the property.
    • Determining the boundaries of your property: If you are unsure of the boundaries of your property, a land survey can help to define them. This can be important for a variety of reasons, such as building a fence, planting a tree, or selling your property.
    • Identifying any encroachments: An encroachment is when a structure or object extends onto your property from a neighboring property. A land survey can help you to identify any encroachments so that you can take steps to address them.
    • Complying with local regulations: Some local governments require a land survey to be completed before certain types of construction can begin.

    If you are unsure whether or not you need a land survey, it is always best to consult with a qualified land surveyor. They can help you to determine if a land survey is necessary for your specific needs and can provide you with an estimate of the cost.

  • What are the benefits of working with a professional land surveyor?

    There are many benefits to working with a professional land surveyor, including:

    • Expertise: Land surveyors are trained and experienced in the art of measuring and mapping land. They have the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately determine the boundaries of your property, identify any encroachments, and comply with all applicable regulations.
    • Accuracy: Land surveyors use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure that their surveys are as accurate as possible. This is important for a variety of reasons, such as building a fence, planting a tree, or selling your property.
    • Peace of mind: Knowing that you have an accurate and up-to-date land survey can give you peace of mind. You can be confident that your property boundaries are clearly defined and that you are not encroaching on your neighbors' property.
    • Reduced risk: A land survey can help to reduce the risk of future problems. For example, if you are planning to build a new structure on your property, a land survey can help you to avoid building on an easement or encroachment.

    Here are some additional benefits of working with a professional land surveyor:

    • Save time and money: A land surveyor can help you to save time and money in the long run. By having a land survey completed early in the planning process, you can avoid costly delays and problems down the road.
    • Protect your investment: A land survey is an investment that can help to protect your property rights and value. When you are ready to sell your property, you can provide the buyer with a land survey to show them that the property is well-maintained and that the boundaries are clearly defined.
    • Resolve disputes: A land survey can help to resolve property disputes with neighbors. If you have a disagreement about the property line, a land survey can help to settle the dispute.
    • Overall, working with a professional land surveyor is a wise investment for anyone who owns property. Land surveyors can help you to avoid problems, protect your investment, and resolve disputes.

    If you are considering working with a land surveyor, be sure to do your research and choose a qualified professional. A qualified land surveyor will have the experience and expertise to ensure that your land survey is accurate and meets all of your needs.

  • Why hire a Professional Land Surveyor?

    There are many reasons why you should hire a land surveyor, including:

    • Expertise: Land surveyors are trained and experienced in the art of measuring and mapping land. They have the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately determine the boundaries of your property, identify any encroachments, and comply with all applicable regulations.
    • Accuracy: Land surveyors use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure that their surveys are as accurate as possible. This is important for a variety of reasons, such as building a fence, planting a tree, or selling your property.
    • Peace of mind: Knowing that you have an accurate and up-to-date land survey can give you peace of mind. You can be confident that your property boundaries are clearly defined and that you are not encroaching on your neighbors' property.
    • Reduced risk: A land survey can help to reduce the risk of future problems. For example, if you are planning to build a new structure on your property, a land survey can help you to avoid building on an easement or encroachment.

    Here are some additional benefits of hiring a land surveyor:

    • Save time and money: A land surveyor can help you to save time and money in the long run. By having a land survey completed early in the planning process, you can avoid costly delays and problems down the road.
    • Protect your investment: A land survey is an investment that can help to protect your property rights and value. When you are ready to sell your property, you can provide the buyer with a land survey to show them that the property is well-maintained and that the boundaries are clearly defined.
    • Resolve disputes: A land survey can help to resolve property disputes with neighbors. If you have a disagreement about the property line, a land survey can help to settle the dispute.
    • Overall, hiring a land surveyor is a wise investment for anyone who owns property. Land surveyors can help you to avoid problems, protect your investment, and resolve disputes.

    If you are considering hiring a land surveyor, be sure to do your research and choose a qualified professional. A qualified land surveyor will have the experience and expertise to ensure that your land survey is accurate and meets all of your needs

  • What are the deliverables provided by a land surveyor?

    The deliverables provided by a land surveyor will vary depending on the specific project, but some common deliverables include:

    • Survey plans: Survey plans are detailed drawings that show the property boundaries, easements, and other features of a piece of land. Survey plans are often required for real estate transactions, construction projects, and other land development activities.
    • 3D models: 3D models of survey sites can be used to visualize the terrain and features of a property. 3D models can be used for a variety of purposes, such as planning construction projects, identifying potential hazards, and creating marketing materials.
    • Boundary stakes: Boundary stakes are physical markers that are placed in the ground to indicate the property boundaries. Boundary stakes are often used to mark the property boundaries for construction projects and other land development activities.
    • Elevation certificates: Elevation certificates are documents that certify the elevation of a property relative to a sea level datum. Elevation certificates are often required for insurance purposes and for compliance with flood plain regulations.
    • Property reports: Property reports provide detailed information about a piece of land, including its legal description, ownership history, and any known easements or encumbrances. Property reports are often used for real estate transactions and other land development activities.

    In addition to these common deliverables, land surveyors may also provide a variety of other services, such as:


    • Construction staking: Construction staking involves placing stakes in the ground to mark the location of proposed structures and other features. Construction staking is essential for ensuring that construction projects are completed accurately and according to plan.
    • Topographic surveys: Topographic surveys map the elevation and contours of a piece of land. Topographic surveys are often used for planning construction projects, designing drainage systems, and assessing environmental impacts.
    • AS-built surveys: As-built surveys are surveys of a completed construction project. As-built surveys are used to document the actual location of structures and other features, and to ensure that the project was completed in accordance with the plans.
    • GPS surveys: GPS surveys use satellite technology to accurately measure the location of points on the ground. GPS surveys are often used for large-scale projects, such as mapping roads and highways.

    Land surveyors can play a vital role in a variety of projects, and the deliverables they provide can be essential for success. By hiring a qualified land surveyor, clients can be assured that they are getting the accurate and reliable data they need to make informed decisions about their land.

  • What is FAA Part 107A certification and how does the Part 107A certification benefit a land surveyor?

    FAA Part 107A certification is a new rule for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, that was issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in April 2021. Part 107A is designed to create a more streamlined and efficient process for operators of small drones to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and at night.


    Part 107A certification can benefit land surveyors in a number of ways, including:

    • Increased efficiency and productivity: Part 107A certification allows land surveyors to fly drones BVLOS and at night, which can significantly increase their efficiency and productivity. For example, land surveyors can use drones to fly over large areas of land to collect data, even if the land is inaccessible or dangerous to reach on foot. They can also use drones to collect data at night, which can save time and money.
    • Improved accuracy and quality of surveys: Part 107A certification allows land surveyors to use drones to collect data from a variety of angles and perspectives, which can improve the accuracy and quality of their surveys. For example, land surveyors can use drones to create 3D models of survey sites, which can be used to identify potential problems and to plan construction projects.
    • Expanded range of services: Part 107A certification allows land surveyors to offer a wider range of services to their clients. For example, land surveyors can use drones to perform inspections of bridges, buildings, and other structures. They can also use drones to monitor construction projects and to create maps of land parcels.

    Here are some specific examples of how land surveyors can use Part 107A certification to improve their business:


    • Perform BVLOS surveys: Land surveyors can use Part 107A certification to fly drones BVLOS to collect data over large areas of land, such as farms, forests, and construction sites. This can save time and money, and can also improve the accuracy of surveys.
    • Collect data at night: Land surveyors can use Part 107A certification to fly drones at night to collect data. This can be useful for surveying areas that are dangerous or inaccessible during the day, such as busy highways or industrial areas.
    • Create 3D models of survey sites: Land surveyors can use Part 107A certification to fly drones to create 3D models of survey sites. These models can be used to identify potential problems, such as easements and encroachments, and can also be used to plan construction projects.
    • Inspect bridges and buildings: Land surveyors can use Part 107A certification to fly drones to inspect bridges and buildings. This can help to identify potential problems early on, and can also save time and money on maintenance and repairs.
    • Monitor construction projects: Land surveyors can use Part 107A certification to fly drones to monitor construction projects. This can help to ensure that projects are on schedule and on budget, and can also help to identify potential problems early on.
    • Create maps of land parcels: Land surveyors can use Part 107A certification to fly drones to create maps of land parcels. These maps can be used for a variety of purposes, such as real estate transactions, land use planning, and environmental impact studies.
    • Overall, Part 107A certification is a valuable asset for land surveyors. It can help them to improve their efficiency and productivity, to improve the accuracy and quality of their surveys, and to expand the range of services they offer to their clients.
    • FAA Part 107A certification is a new rule for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, that was issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in April 2021. Part 107A is designed to create a more streamlined and efficient process for operators of small drones to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and at night.

    To obtain Part 107A certification, operators must:

    • Pass a knowledge test
    • Complete a safety training course
    • Have a remote pilot certificate
    • Obtain an airspace authorization (if applicable)
    • Part 107A certification is not required for all small drone operations. However, it is required for operations that involve flying BVLOS or at night.

    Here are some of the benefits of Part 107A certification:


    • Increased access to airspace: Part 107A certification allows operators to fly BVLOS and at night, which opens up new possibilities for commercial drone applications.
    • Reduced costs: Part 107A certification can help to reduce costs for operators by eliminating the need to obtain waivers for BVLOS and nighttime operations.
    • Increased safety: Part 107A certification requires operators to complete a safety training course, which helps to ensure that they are flying their drones safely and responsibly.
    • Increased business opportunities: Part 107A certification can help operators to expand their business opportunities by allowing them to offer new services to their clients.

    Overall, Part 107A certification is a valuable asset for commercial drone operators. It provides them with the flexibility to fly BVLOS and at night, which can lead to increased business opportunities and reduced costs.

  • What is a Leed Green Associate and how can a Professional Land Surveyor with a Leed Green Associate certification benefit a client of a land surveyor?

    A LEED Green Associate is a professional who has demonstrated a foundational knowledge of green building principles and practices. The LEED Green Associate credential is the first of two tiers of professional green building accreditation offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).


    A professional land surveyor with a LEED Green Associate certification can benefit a client of a land surveyor in a number of ways, including:


    Sustainable site development: A LEED Green Associate land surveyor can help clients to select and develop sustainable sites for their projects. This can involve considering factors such as access to public transportation, energy efficiency, and water conservation.

    Construction materials and methods: A LEED Green Associate land surveyor can advise clients on sustainable construction materials and methods. This can help clients to reduce the environmental impact of their projects.

    Compliance with LEED standards: If a client is pursuing LEED certification for their project, a LEED Green Associate land surveyor can help them to ensure that their project meets all of the necessary requirements.


    Here are some specific examples of how a LEED Green Associate land surveyor can benefit a client:

    • Help a client to select a sustainable site for a new development. A LEED Green Associate land surveyor can assess potential sites for a new development, considering factors such as access to public transportation, solar potential, and water resources. This can help the client to select a site that will minimize the environmental impact of their development.
    • Help a client to choose sustainable construction materials. A LEED Green Associate land surveyor can advise a client on the selection of sustainable construction materials, such as recycled materials and locally sourced materials. This can help the client to reduce the environmental impact of their project and save money on transportation costs.
    • Help a client to design and implement sustainable stormwater management practices. A LEED Green Associate land surveyor can help a client to design and implement sustainable stormwater management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and green roofs. This can help the client to reduce their reliance on municipal water supplies and reduce the risk of flooding.
    • Help a client to obtain LEED certification for their project. If a client is pursuing LEED certification for their project, a LEED Green Associate land surveyor can help them to ensure that their project meets all of the necessary requirements. This can include helping the client to select sustainable materials and methods, design sustainable features into their project, and track their progress towards LEED certification.

    Overall, a professional land surveyor with a LEED Green Associate certification can be a valuable asset to any client who is committed to sustainable development. By hiring a LEED Green Associate land surveyor, clients can be assured that they are getting the expertise and guidance they need to build or renovate a sustainable and environmentally friendly project.

  • What is Lean Six Sigma and how can Lean Six Sigma benefit a land surveying practice and its clients?

    Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a process improvement methodology that combines the principles of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma. Lean focuses on eliminating waste, while Six Sigma focuses on reducing variation and defects.


    LSS can benefit a land surveying practice and its clients in a number of ways, including:


    For the land surveying practice:

    • Reduced costs: LSS can help land surveying practices to reduce costs by eliminating waste and inefficiencies from their processes. This can lead to savings in areas such as labor, materials, and equipment.
    • Improved efficiency: LSS can help land surveying practices to improve their efficiency by streamlining their processes and eliminating bottlenecks. This can lead to faster turnaround times for surveys and improved customer satisfaction.
    • Increased accuracy: LSS can help land surveying practices to improve the accuracy of their surveys by reducing errors and defects. This is important for a variety of reasons, such as ensuring that property boundaries are correctly defined and that construction projects comply with all applicable regulations.
    • Enhanced customer satisfaction: LSS can help land surveying practices to enhance customer satisfaction by delivering surveys faster, more accurately, and at a lower cost. This can lead to repeat business and referrals.
    • Increased employee engagement: LSS can help land surveying practices to increase employee engagement by empowering employees to identify and improve their own processes. This can lead to a more motivated and productive workforce.

    For the clients:

    • Lower costs: LSS can help land surveying practices to reduce costs, which can lead to lower costs for clients.
    • Faster turnaround times: LSS can help land surveying practices to improve their efficiency, which can lead to faster turnaround times for surveys.
    • More accurate surveys: LSS can help land surveying practices to improve the accuracy of their surveys, which is important for a variety of reasons, such as ensuring that property boundaries are correctly defined and that construction projects comply with all applicable regulations.
    • Improved communication and customer service: LSS can help land surveying practices to improve communication and customer service. This can lead to a better overall customer experience for clients.

    Here are some specific examples of how LSS can be used to improve a land surveying practice and benefit its clients:


    • Use LSS to identify and eliminate bottlenecks in the survey process. This can lead to faster turnaround times for surveys and improved customer satisfaction.
    • Use LSS to identify and eliminate the root causes of errors in the survey process. This can lead to more accurate surveys and reduce the risk of disputes with clients.
    • Use LSS to develop clear and concise communication plans and templates for survey reports. This can improve communication with clients and make it easier for them to understand the results of their surveys.
    • Use LSS to develop a client portal where clients can access their survey results and communicate with the land surveying practice. This can improve customer service and make it easier for clients to do business with the land surveying practice.

    Overall, LSS can be a valuable tool for land surveying practices of all sizes and their clients. By implementing LSS principles and practices, land surveying practices can improve their efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability, and their clients can benefit from lower costs, faster turnaround times, more accurate surveys, and improved communication and customer service.

  • What is a Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) and why should I hire a Certified Federal Surveyor?

     A Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) is a land surveyor who has met the education and experience requirements established by the CFedS Program. The CFedS Program is a voluntary certification program that is sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).


    To become a CFedS, a land surveyor must:

    • Be licensed in at least one state
    • Have at least three years of experience surveying federal lands
    • Complete a CFedS training course
    • Pass a CFedS exam
    • CFedS surveyors are qualified to survey all types of federal lands, including public lands managed by the BLM, the US Forest Service, and the National Park Service. CFedS surveyors are also qualified to survey federal lands located on Indian reservations.

    There are many reasons why you should hire a certified federal surveyor, including:

    • Expertise: CFedS surveyors have the knowledge and experience necessary to survey federal lands. They are familiar with the unique challenges of surveying federal lands, such as the presence of easements, mineral rights, and cultural resources.
    • Accuracy: CFedS surveyors use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure that their surveys are as accurate as possible. This is important for a variety of reasons, such as ensuring that property lines are correctly defined and that construction projects comply with all applicable regulations.
    • Compliance: CFedS surveyors are familiar with all applicable federal and state regulations governing land surveys. This helps to ensure that your survey will be accepted by the government and other entities.
    • Peace of mind: Knowing that you have an accurate and up-to-date survey of your federal lands can give you peace of mind. You can be confident that your property boundaries are clearly defined and that you are not encroaching on federal lands.
    • Overall, hiring a certified federal surveyor is a wise investment for anyone who owns or leases federal lands. CFedS surveyors can help you to ensure that your survey is accurate, compliant, and accepted by the government.

    Here are some additional benefits of hiring a certified federal surveyor:


    • Reduced risk: CFedS surveyors can help you to reduce the risk of future problems. For example, if you are planning to build a new structure on your federal lands, a CFedS surveyor can help you to avoid building on an easement or encroachment.
    • Protect your investment: CFedS surveyors can help you to protect your investment in your federal lands. By having a CFedS survey completed, you can ensure that your property boundaries are clearly defined and that you are not encroaching on federal lands. This can help to increase the value of your property and make it easier to sell or lease in the future.
    • Resolve disputes: CFedS surveyors can help to resolve property disputes with the government or other landowners. If you have a disagreement about the property line, a CFedS survey can help to settle the dispute.

    If you are considering hiring a certified federal surveyor, be sure to do your research and choose a qualified professional. CFedS surveyors are listed on the CFedS website.

  • What new technology is used in the land surveying industry?

    The land surveying industry is constantly evolving, and new technologies are emerging all the time. Some of the most exciting new technologies in the land surveying industry include:

    • Drones: Drones are becoming increasingly popular in the land surveying industry. They can be used to quickly and efficiently collect data over large areas, and they can also be used to access areas that are difficult or dangerous to reach on foot.
    • Laser scanners: Laser scanners are another new technology that is being used in the land surveying industry. They can be used to create highly detailed 3D models of the landscape, which can be used for a variety of purposes, such as planning and construction.
    • GNSS receivers: Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers are becoming more accurate and affordable, and they are now being used by land surveyors to collect precise location data.
    • Software: New software is also being developed to help land surveyors with their work. For example, there is now software that can automatically generate surveys from drone data.
    • These new technologies are making land surveying more efficient, accurate, and affordable. They are also helping land surveyors to expand their services and offer new solutions to their clients.

    Here are some of the benefits of using new technology in the land surveying industry:


    • Increased accuracy: New technologies, such as drones and laser scanners, can help land surveyors to collect more accurate data. This is important for a variety of purposes, such as planning and construction.
    • Reduced costs: New technologies can also help land surveyors to reduce their costs. For example, drones can be used to collect data over large areas more quickly and efficiently than traditional methods.
    • Improved safety: New technologies can also help to improve the safety of land surveyors. For example, drones can be used to access areas that are difficult or dangerous to reach on foot.
    • Expanded services: New technologies are helping land surveyors to expand their services and offer new solutions to their clients. For example, land surveyors can now use drone data to create 3D models of the landscape, which can be used for a variety of purposes, such as planning and construction.

    Overall, new technology is having a positive impact on the land surveying industry. It is making land surveying more efficient, accurate, affordable, and safe. It is also helping land surveyors to expand their services and offer new solutions to their clients.

  • Tips for choosing a land surveyor

    Here are some tips for choosing a land surveyor:

    • Get recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues. Word-of-mouth referrals are a great way to find a qualified land surveyor.
    • Check online reviews. There are many websites where you can read reviews of local land surveyors.
    • Make sure the land surveyor is licensed and insured. All land surveyors should be licensed by the state in which they practice. You can verify the land surveyor's license on the website of your state's licensing board. Land surveyors should also have liability insurance.
    • Ask about the land surveyor's experience. When you interview potential land surveyors, be sure to ask about their experience with the type of survey you need. For example, if you need a boundary survey, you will want to choose a land surveyor who has experience with boundary surveys.
    • Get a written estimate. Before you hire a land surveyor, be sure to get a written estimate of the cost of the survey. This will help you to avoid any surprises down the road.

    Here are some additional tips:

    • Ask about the land surveyor's use of technology. Land surveyors use a variety of technologies to complete their surveys, including GPS, drones, and laser scanners. Ask the land surveyor about the technologies they will use to complete your survey and how these technologies will affect the accuracy and cost of the survey.
    • Ask about the land surveyor's turnaround time. How long will it take the land surveyor to complete your survey? This is an important question to ask, especially if you are on a tight deadline.
    • Ask about the land surveyor's communication style. How will the land surveyor communicate with you throughout the survey process? Will they provide you with regular updates on the progress of the survey? Will they be available to answer your questions?

    By following these tips, you can choose a qualified land surveyor who will meet your needs and expectations.

MEET THE OWNER

Scott North, a licensed professional surveyor with over 20 years of experience, owns and operates North Surveying & Mapping. He is a Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) and is licensed to practice in 12 states. He has worked on a variety of projects for the private and public sectors, including commercial and residential development, along with transportation and utilities projects. Scott is accomplished and well-known in the industry for his expertise and professionalism. 


Education: 

Bachelor of Engineering in Surveying & Spatial Information Systems:

University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia


Masters of Business Administration (Executive Program):

Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 


Professional Licenses/Registrations: Professional Land Surveyor:

Georgia (3176), 

Alabama (31340), 

Arkansas (1778), 

Florida (7046), 

Kentucky (4143), 

Louisiana (5098), 

Mississippi (3208), 

North Carolina (5038), 

South Carolina (33461), 

Tennessee (2948), 

Texas (6556), 

Virginia (3102). 


Certifications: 

Certified Federal Surveyor (CFEDS: 1509), 

Leed Green Associate (10600910), 

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, 

Part 107A Small Unmanned Aircraft Operator, 

GSWCC Level II Design Professional


Contact

Email: [email protected] 

Cell: 404-203-1147


North Surveying & Mapping was founded on the mission to provide professional and responsive services that exceed the expectations of all of its clients.

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