US Survey Standards Reference
Based on US Fish & Wildlife Service Land Survey Handbook (May 2015) · BLM Manual of Surveying Instructions
Types of Legal Descriptions
Metes-and-Bounds
Series of lines around perimeter with bearings and distances
Use: Irregular shaped parcels, narrative descriptions
Adjoiners
Boundary references only to adjoining owners deeds
Use: Along existing boundaries with metes-and-bounds
Government Lot
Lot within a township and range section
Use: Public land system parcels
Fractional Section
Portion of section described by aliquot parts
Use: Public land system with natural boundaries
Strip Description
Linear parcel with width and centerline
Use: Rights-of-way, easements, corridors
Land Status Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fee Simple | Complete ownership of land and minerals |
| Easement | Right to use land for specific purpose |
| Permit | Permission to use land for specific activities |
| Right-of-Way | Access corridor across property |
| Lease | Temporary possession for defined period |
Cadastral Survey Steps (FWS Handbook)
ADetermine if Survey is Needed
BRequest for Survey
CRequest Received - Review and Estimate
DProject Instructions (Scope of Work)
EAssignment Instructions
FAdditional Research
GControl Survey
HField Survey
IMonumentation
JPrepare Survey Returns
KSurvey Review and Plat Signing
LFiling
Monumentation Standards
Regulation Post
Standard federal monument per Service Manual
Plastic-Encased Magnet
Memorial marker at base of each monument
Reference Monument
Additional monument set for future recovery
Witness Point
Point referenced from inaccessible corner
Witness Corner
Corner monument offset from original position
Accepted Local Corner
Existing monument accepted as controlling
Title Exceptions & Encumbrances
General Exceptions
- • Rights of parties in possession
- • Easements revealed by survey
- • Recorded instruments (easements, mortgages)
Special Exceptions
- • Specific to tract under review
- • Lien of taxes
- • Recorded agreements
Riparian Issues
- • Public roads and rights-of-way
- • Tax liens
- • Riparian claims (water boundaries)
DOJ Title Standards (2001) - When Surveys Required
Required Before Acquisition
- ✓Current legal description unacceptable
- ✓Occupational conflict on/near boundary
- ✓Area determination needed
- ✓Borders non-Service land without active project
- ✓State/local law requirement
Required For Acquisition
- !Improvements to land are contemplated
- !Acquisition involves part of larger property
- !New boundaries being created
Field Survey Standards
Control Survey
- Method: GPS (Global Positioning System)
- Accuracy: Survey grade receivers
- Datum: National Geodetic Reference System (NGRS)
Field Notes Requirements
- • All measurements recorded on paper or digitally
- • Digital data collector files must be submitted
- • No erasures - rule out errors
- • Original notes only - no copies
Tract Numbering System
Purpose: Alphanumeric symbols for Service land ownership database
Roman Numerals: Used for segregated portions or unique title situations
Example: Tract (10) bisected by road → Tract (10) and Tract (10-I)
Note: Only land surveyors can create Roman numeral tracts
Quick Reference
Survey Requirements
- • BLM Manual (chapters 5-8) for public lands
- • State laws for acquired lands
- • Federal boundary evidence standards
- • 3 photos per controlling corner
Research Sources
- • County recorder offices
- • BLM GLO records
- • Local surveyors
- • Utility/transportation records