Boundary surveys, explained

What it is

In the field the surveyor searches for corner monuments and other evidence such as roads and lines of occupation (Missouri 20 CSR 2030-16.030).

Oklahoma's standards say every boundary survey is made in accordance with the boundary description given to or created by the surveyor.

Arkansas's standards define land surveying to include setting or resetting monuments that mark corners and boundaries.

Oklahoma's rules say writing a legal description without monumenting the land is not the practice of surveying.

Sources: Research before fieldwork; Follows the deed description; Setting corner monuments is surveying

Hiring a licensed surveyor

TBPELS says only licensed and registered persons may perform or offer surveying services to the public in Texas.

The Texas board publishes searchable rosters of surveyors and surveying firms.

Oklahoma requires firms offering surveying to hold a Certificate of Authorization, so check both the surveyor and the firm.

In Oklahoma, only licensees and authorized firms may call themselves Surveyor.

Tennessee notes that an NCEES record does not guarantee a Tennessee license; the state license is what counts.

The Arkansas board says only a court can resolve a boundary dispute, so a board complaint is about conduct, not the line.

Sources: Hire a licensed surveyor; Check the board roster; Check the firm too; Title Surveyor is protected; National certification is not a state license; Boards do not settle boundary disputes