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# Author Archives: animitevabg@gmail.com
 Articles Posted by animitevabg@gmail.com ! ! Written by June 7, 2023
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Surveying, also known as land surveying, is the science of determining the terrestrial two-dimensional or three-dimensional positions of points, as well as the angles and distances between them. These points are typically on the surface of the Earth, and they allow people to understand the boundaries of a property or a piece of land.
    2")! 2") ! Written by May 19, 2023
ALTA surveys play a major role when it comes to title insurance, real estate transactions, and the acquisition of mortgages.
   ! ! Written by November 30, 2022
What is a flood elevation certificate, when do you need one, and what are some of the main flood certification requirements that you will need to have in mind before ordering one? Continue reading to learn more! If you live in an area with high flood risk,
Can you get flood insurance without an elevation certificate? Learn more about elevation certificates in this article. If you live in an area at high risk for floods, one of the most important steps for establishing a base is getting a flood elevation certificate.  Floods can wreak
   ! ! Written by October 13, 2022
What are some of the most important steps that you will need to take if you want to obtain a flood elevation certificate for your property? Continue reading to learn more! A flood elevation certificate should be your priority if you live in a high-risk flood zone,
   ! ! Written by July 24, 2022
A land boundary survey plays an important role in real estate transactions, providing valuable information for the purchase of a property or before major home improvements.  It is an essential component of any due diligence because it helps people avoid future disputes, the frustration (and costs) of
What is a boundary survey, how does it work, and what are the biggest advantages of boundary surveys? Find out in this article! When it comes to land surveying, boundary surveys play a very important role in every real estate transaction. They provide an official description of
   ! ! Written by June 29, 2022
What are the main ALTA survey requirements in 2022, and what were the biggest changes since 2022? Continue reading to learn more! ALTA surveys represent the highest standard in the land surveying industry, and they play an important role in commercial real estate transactions.
   ! ! Written by June 15, 2022
Who performs ALTA surveys, and what factors should you take into account when selecting an ALTA survey company? Continue reading to learn more! As we explained in our previous article, ALTA surveys are a type of boundary surveys that adhere to a set of minimum standards established
    10")! 10") ! Written by June 9, 2022
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Tucker Engineering is a professional land surveyor in Alabama that has completed 300 projects across the State. We are passionate about civil engineering and land surveying, and our team or highly trained specialists is capable of executing every project with detail.
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# The Latest News in the Land Surveying Industry
 The Real Reasons Why Land Surveying Costs So Much in 2024! !!
# The Real Reasons Why Land Surveying Costs So Much in 2024!
 ! Written by September 15, 2024
1. **Advanced Technology and Equipment Costs**
2. **Licensing, Training, and Certifications**
3. **Labor and Time-Intensive Work**
4. **Regulatory Compliance and Permits**
5. **Supply and Demand Imbalance**
6. **The Complexity of the Land**
7. **Liability and Risk**
#
If you’re considering purchasing land, building a home, or developing property, chances are you’ll need a land survey. For many, the price of a land survey can come as a shock, especially in 2024, as costs seem to have increased significantly over the years. But why exactly are land surveying fees so high? What goes into these costs, and are they justified? In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the factors behind the rising cost of land surveying and why it’s worth the investment.
## 1. **Advanced Technology and Equipment Costs**
One of the primary reasons land surveying fees have increased in recent years is the growing reliance on advanced technology. While traditional methods like using measuring tapes and compasses were once standard, modern land surveyors now rely on high-tech tools such as **GPS**, **drones**, and **LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)** to ensure accuracy.
### a) **GPS Technology**
GPS (Global Positioning System) has revolutionized land surveying by allowing surveyors to determine precise points on the earth’s surface. However, the equipment required for GPS surveys is expensive and needs regular maintenance and updates. Professional-grade GPS systems can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, and these costs are passed on to the client.
### b) **Drones and UAVs**
Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are increasingly being used to survey large or difficult-to-reach areas. These aerial surveys can provide a detailed view of the land, but drones also come with high upfront costs, software licensing fees, and the need for specialized training for operators.
### c) **LiDAR Systems**
LiDAR is a cutting-edge technology used to measure distances by illuminating the target with laser light and measuring the reflection. This technology is invaluable for creating detailed, 3D maps of a landscape. However, the equipment and processing software are costly, which adds to the overall cost of the survey.
### d) **Software and Data Processing**
Once the data is collected, advanced software is required to process and interpret the information. Land surveying firms invest in expensive software like AutoCAD, GIS (Geographic Information System), and specialized surveying software to produce accurate maps and reports. The high cost of this software further drives up the price of land surveys.
## 2. **Licensing, Training, and Certifications**
Becoming a licensed land surveyor isn’t easy. Surveyors are highly skilled professionals who must undergo rigorous education and training to meet state licensure requirements. In most states, including Alabama, the process involves:
* Earning a degree in **surveying, civil engineering, or a related field**.
* Passing the **Fundamentals of Surveying (FS)** exam.
* Gaining several years of **hands-on experience** under the supervision of a licensed surveyor.
* Passing the **Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS)** exam.
On top of that, land surveyors are required to take continuing education courses to stay updated on the latest techniques, technologies, and legal requirements. This ongoing education comes at a cost, which is reflected in their fees.
Moreover, surveyors need to carry **liability insurance** to protect themselves and their clients from any potential legal issues, such as disputes over property boundaries or errors in the survey. Insurance premiums can be steep, especially in today’s litigious environment, and these costs contribute to the overall price of land surveying services.
## 3. **Labor and Time-Intensive Work**
Land surveying is not just about showing up with a GPS and a drone. It is a **labor-intensive process** that requires both time and expertise. Each survey involves multiple steps, including research, fieldwork, and data processing, all of which can take days or even weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the project.
### a) **Research and Pre-Planning**
Before even stepping foot on the property, surveyors spend a significant amount of time conducting background research. They must review **deeds**, **plats**, **title reports**, and any existing surveys to determine the property’s legal boundaries and any potential discrepancies. This research phase can take several hours or days, especially if the land has a complicated history or multiple owners.
### b) **Fieldwork**
The fieldwork portion of a land survey involves physically visiting the site to take measurements and collect data. Depending on the size and terrain of the property, this can be a time-consuming process. Surveyors may need to traverse difficult landscapes, deal with inclement weather, or navigate through dense vegetation. Moreover, fieldwork often requires more than one person to ensure accuracy and safety, further adding to labor costs.
### c) **Post-Processing**
Once the fieldwork is complete, surveyors must process the collected data and produce a detailed map or report. This stage involves using specialized software to analyze the data, create accurate boundary lines, and identify any encroachments or legal issues. The post-processing phase requires a high level of precision and attention to detail, as even minor errors can have significant legal implications.
## 4. **Regulatory Compliance and Permits**
In 2024, land surveyors are required to comply with various local, state, and federal regulations. For example, if the property is located near wetlands, flood zones, or protected habitats, surveyors may need to follow additional guidelines set by environmental agencies. In some cases, they may need to obtain special permits to access certain areas or use specific technologies, such as drones.
These regulatory requirements often involve extra paperwork, permits, and time, which inevitably adds to the cost of the survey. Furthermore, as land development regulations become stricter, surveyors must invest more time ensuring their work meets all legal requirements to avoid costly disputes or fines for their clients.
## 5. **Supply and Demand Imbalance**
The cost of land surveying is also driven by **supply and demand**. In recent years, the demand for land surveys has surged due to increased real estate development, infrastructure projects, and land transactions. However, the supply of licensed surveyors has not kept pace with this demand.
### a) **Surveyor Shortage**
The land surveying profession is facing a labor shortage, as many licensed surveyors are approaching retirement age without enough younger professionals entering the field to replace them. This shortage means surveyors are in higher demand than ever before, which naturally drives up prices.
### b) **Rising Land Development**
As urban areas expand and rural land is increasingly developed, the demand for accurate land surveys has skyrocketed. This trend is particularly evident in states like Alabama, where new residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects are on the rise. The increased workload for surveyors means higher prices for consumers.
## 6. **The Complexity of the Land**
Not all land surveys are created equal. The complexity of the land being surveyed plays a significant role in determining the cost. For example, surveying a small, flat suburban lot is relatively straightforward and inexpensive compared to surveying a large, hilly, or forested property.
### a) **Difficult Terrain**
Surveying land with difficult terrain, such as steep hills, dense forests, or wetlands, requires more time and specialized equipment. Surveyors must carefully navigate these challenges to ensure accurate measurements, and the extra labor involved is reflected in the price.
### b) **Property Size**
The larger the property, the more time it takes to survey. A small residential lot may only take a few hours to survey, while a large commercial property could take days or weeks. Additionally, larger properties often involve more complex boundary issues, which require additional research and analysis.
### c) **Boundary Discrepancies**
If the property has unresolved boundary disputes or conflicting records, the survey will take longer and cost more. Surveyors may need to conduct extensive research to determine the correct boundary lines and resolve any discrepancies, adding to the overall cost.
## 7. **Liability and Risk**
Finally, the cost of land surveying includes a certain amount of liability and risk. Land surveyors are responsible for providing accurate information about property boundaries, and mistakes can lead to legal disputes, costly repairs, or even lost property rights. As a result, surveyors must carry professional liability insurance to protect themselves and their clients from potential lawsuits. The cost of this insurance is factored into the price of the survey.
### Conclusion: Why Land Surveying Is Worth the Investment
While the cost of land surveying may seem high, it is a critical investment that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. By ensuring accurate property boundaries, identifying potential legal issues, and providing essential data for construction and development, land surveys protect both buyers and sellers from costly disputes and mistakes. In 2024, as technology continues to advance and land development accelerates, land surveying fees are likely to remain high—but the value they provide makes them worth every penny.
 is a civil engineering and land surveying company with more than 25 years of experience in Alabama. We have a team of highly experienced and skilled surveyors and engineers that will assess you and give you a personalized quote for your property. Ready to get started?  or call 256-320-4202
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