A comprehensive boundary survey adhering to standards developed by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) provides a detailed depiction of property boundaries, improvements, easements, and other conditions impacting land ownership. For instance, such a survey would meticulously illustrate the location of buildings, fences, utilities, and any recorded encumbrances affecting a specific parcel.
The significance of this type of survey lies in its ability to mitigate risks associated with real estate transactions. Its rigorous standards offer assurance to title insurance companies, lenders, and buyers by uncovering potential issues that might not be apparent through a standard title search. Historically, these surveys emerged to provide a higher level of due diligence in complex commercial property deals, fostering confidence and reducing the likelihood of future disputes regarding land ownership and usage.