Property line surveys

What a property line survey does

When a Texas surveyor retraces a boundary, the rules say to follow the footsteps of the original land surveyor and the intent shown in the record.

A Texas boundary survey relies on the deeds and other records for the property and for the adjoining parcels.

In Texas, every surveyed boundary must be connected to identifiable physical monuments tied to corners of record.

In Missouri, the surveyor evaluates how reliable the evidence and monuments found are, applies surveying precedent, and then reaches a conclusion and sets monuments.

County GIS parcel maps may show boundaries, but they are not surveys and should not be used to locate property lines or corners.

One Minnesota county reports finding parcel map boundaries that were off by more than 100 feet.

Phone map apps are not a tool for land surveying or for finding property lines.

Sources: What a boundary survey does; Surveyors follow the original surveyor's footsteps; County parcel maps are not surveys

When neighbors disagree

A county parcel map cannot be used to prove the size, shape, location, ownership or boundary of land.

If a neighbor rejects the survey, the next step is an attorney, and if the parties still cannot agree the line may be decided in civil court.

Source: A county map is not proof in a line dispute