How To Join Two Tracks Of Land For Survey

How to Join Two Tracks of Land for Survey Purposes

Joining two tracks of land for survey purposes requires careful planning and execution to ensure accuracy and legal compliance. This process often involves several steps and considerations, depending on the specific circumstances and local regulations. This guide will walk you through the essential steps.

Understanding the Prerequisites

Before embarking on the joining process, several crucial prerequisites must be met. These include:

1. Legal Ownership Verification:

• Confirm clear title: Ensure you possess legal ownership or have the necessary authorization from the landowners of both tracks. This often involves reviewing property deeds, titles, and other relevant legal documents.
• Boundary identification: Clearly identify the boundaries of both tracks of land. Existing survey markers, fences, or other boundary indicators should be thoroughly examined. Any discrepancies should be addressed beforehand.

2. Gathering Necessary Information:

• Existing surveys: Obtain copies of any previous surveys conducted on both land parcels. This provides a valuable starting point and helps identify potential issues or discrepancies.
• Topographic data: Gathering information about the terrain, including elevation changes, is crucial, especially if the tracks are uneven or have significant slope variations. This data might be obtained from existing maps or through field surveys.

3. Choosing the Right Surveying Method:

The appropriate method for joining the tracks depends on various factors, including the terrain, accessibility, and the level of accuracy required. Common methods include:

• Traversing: A method that involves measuring angles and distances between points to create a network of interconnected lines defining the boundary. This is often suitable for joining tracks with relatively straightforward boundaries.
• Triangulation: This method uses triangles to determine the position of points. It’s beneficial when direct measurement is difficult due to obstacles.
• GPS Surveying: Using GPS technology for precise positioning and measurement, particularly useful for large areas or complex terrain. This often requires specialized equipment and expertise.

The Joining Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once the prerequisites are fulfilled, the joining process can begin. This usually involves the following steps:

1. Field Reconnaissance:

A thorough on-site inspection is critical. This involves walking the boundaries of both tracks, identifying existing markers, and noting any potential challenges or obstacles. Photographs and detailed sketches are recommended.

2. Establishing Control Points:

Strategically place control points at key locations within and around the tracks. These points serve as a reference for accurate measurements and calculations during the surveying process.

3. Conducting Measurements:

Using the chosen surveying method, meticulously measure angles, distances, and elevations between the control points and along the boundaries. Maintain precise records of all measurements.

4. Data Processing and Analysis:

The collected data is then processed using surveying software or by hand calculations (depending on the complexity). This involves checking for errors, adjusting measurements, and calculating the coordinates of the joined boundary.

5. Creating a New Survey Plan:

Based on the processed data, a new survey plan is created, clearly showing the joined boundary and the coordinates of key points. This plan should adhere to local surveying standards and regulations.

6. Legal Documentation and Registration:

The final step involves legally documenting the joined boundary. This usually includes filing the new survey plan with the relevant land registry or authority.

Important Considerations

• Professional Expertise: While this guide provides an overview, it is strongly recommended to engage a licensed and experienced surveyor. They possess the necessary expertise and equipment to ensure accuracy and legal compliance.
• Local Regulations: Always comply with all local regulations, zoning laws, and surveying standards. These requirements vary depending on the location.
• Potential Disputes: Be prepared for potential boundary disputes. Clear documentation and professional surveying are essential for resolving any disagreements.

By following these steps and exercising due diligence, you can effectively join two tracks of land for survey purposes while ensuring accuracy and legal compliance. Remember that professional assistance is invaluable throughout the entire process.