An American Land Title Association (ALTA) survey is a detailed examination and map of a specific parcel of land. It combines aspects of boundary surveys, location surveys, and topographic surveys, and is prepared according to a specific set of standards developed jointly by ALTA and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). The resultant document illustrates the property’s boundaries, easements, rights-of-way, improvements, and other pertinent features impacting title or land use. For example, this type of survey would identify the location of buildings, fences, utility lines, and any encroachments across property lines.
The primary importance of this type of surveying rests in its risk mitigation capabilities for stakeholders in real estate transactions. It provides a comprehensive picture of the property, which informs decisions regarding purchase, financing, and development. Benefits include the identification of potential title defects, boundary disputes, and zoning violations before they become costly problems. Historically, these surveys were developed to provide a standardized and reliable method for title companies to assess risk when insuring real property.
