What do land surveyors do other than stand behind a tripod and wave their arms at people we cannot see, or walk around with a flashy aluminium pole in hand?

Unfortunately, most people think a land surveyor is either a skilled draughtsman with knowledge of how to use a sophisticated ‘camera’ on a tripod, or a government employee responsible for setting out building and road alignments.

Although in Malta, a land surveyor is yet not warranted, the surveying profession is one of the oldest professions dating circa 5,000 years ago and has always been an essential element in the development of the human environment.

There are various disciplines of land surveying. These include boundary surveys, plots-parcelling plans, topographic surveys, subdivision design and platting, GPS surveys, geodetic control surveys, mitigation plans and land development plans.

When do I need a land surveyor?
• When buying/selling land and you do not clearly know where the periphery of the property is.

• When land is not clearly defined by a legal description, or older land survey.

• When you think you might have an encroachment on your land.

• To settle a boundary dispute of some type.

• When building, land surveying often studies the site and prepares the necessary studies for an architect to be able to plan and design accurately.

• Before land is either sub-divided or purchased, especially when a lending institution is involved to supply a mortgage.

• Before requesting searches for a land registry title on a property.

• Before clearing/excavating a site.

• After construction is completed, but before commissioning an interior designer.

• Before laying internal tiles/finishes.

How much will a survey cost?
The cost of a survey will depend on the size and location of the property, and the actual services to be provided by the land surveyor. Such items as the complexity of the descriptions, terrain and the shape of the property are factors to be considered.

As a result, only a land surveyor (not a bank, lawyer, or contractor) can accurately estimate the cost of a survey. Surveyors are willing to discuss fees and offer an estimate before a survey is authorised.

Larger professional companies base their rates on fixed hourly cost. The cost of a survey is a small percentage of the cost of buying, refinancing, or subdividing property. A land survey provides protection and peace of mind.

How do I choose a land surveyor?
A land surveyor is usually an external part of the professionalteam responsible of the particular development. Some land surveying companies offer comprehensive services.

Choose a reputable land surveyor whose skill and judgement you can trust.

This article was submitted by Mario Attard Trevisan from Matsurv and Associates Ltd.