Surveying FAQ | Geospatial Surveying and Layout NJ & NY

Question 1

What is a boundary survey and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A boundary survey establishes the legal corners and lines of a property based on recorded deeds, plats, and field measurements. You typically need one when buying or selling property, resolving a neighbor dispute, building a fence or addition near a property line, or subdividing land. In New Jersey and New York, only a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) can perform and certify a boundary survey.

Question 2

What is the difference between a boundary survey and a mortgage survey?

Accepted Answer

A boundary survey is a full legal survey that locates all property corners, sets monuments, and produces a signed and sealed plat showing exact boundary lines. A mortgage survey (also called a location survey in NJ) is a simpler drawing showing the approximate location of improvements on the lot — it is required by many lenders for residential closings but does not establish legal property lines and cannot be used to resolve boundary disputes.

Question 3

What is an ALTA/NSPS survey?

Accepted Answer

An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is a comprehensive survey meeting national standards set by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors. It is typically required for commercial real estate transactions and includes boundary lines, easements, encroachments, improvements, utilities, and other matters affecting title. It is the most detailed and thorough type of survey available.

Question 4

How long does a land survey take?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround time depends on the size and complexity of the property, the availability of prior survey records, and current workload. A straightforward residential boundary survey in NJ or NY typically takes 1–3 weeks from the date of engagement. ALTA/NSPS surveys and larger commercial projects may take 3–6 weeks. We provide a timeline estimate with every quote.

Question 5

How much does a land survey cost in New Jersey or New York?

Accepted Answer

Survey costs vary based on property size, terrain, complexity, and the type of survey required. Residential boundary surveys in NJ and NY typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The best way to get an accurate price is to contact us directly — we provide free, no-obligation quotes. Call (201) 268-2992 or email info@geo-sl.com.

Question 6

Do I need a survey if I already have a deed?

Accepted Answer

A deed describes your property in words (metes and bounds, lot and block, etc.) but does not show you where those lines are on the ground. A survey translates the deed description into physical markers and a scaled drawing. Without a survey, you cannot know exactly where your property lines are, which can lead to disputes, encroachments, and permit problems.

Question 7

What is a FEMA Elevation Certificate?

Accepted Answer

A FEMA Elevation Certificate (EC) is an official document that records the elevation of a building relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) in a FEMA-designated flood zone. It is prepared by a licensed land surveyor and is used by insurance agents to determine flood insurance premiums, by property owners to apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), and by municipalities for floodplain management compliance.

Question 8

When do I need an Elevation Certificate in New Jersey or New York?

Accepted Answer

You may need an Elevation Certificate if your property is in or near a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), if your lender requires flood insurance, if you want to lower your flood insurance premium, or if you are applying for a LOMA to remove your property from the flood zone. After Superstorm Sandy, many NJ and NY coastal and riverfront properties were remapped into flood zones, making ECs especially common in our service area.

Question 9

Can an Elevation Certificate lower my flood insurance premium?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your building's lowest floor is at or above the Base Flood Elevation, an Elevation Certificate can significantly reduce your National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premium. In some cases, it can also support a LOMA application that removes your property from the flood zone entirely, eliminating the mandatory flood insurance requirement.

Question 10

What is construction staking?

Accepted Answer

Construction staking (also called building staking or layout) is the process of transferring the design plans from paper to the ground. Our crew sets stakes, hubs, and marks at precise locations so contractors know exactly where to build foundations, walls, utilities, roads, and other improvements. Accurate staking prevents costly errors and ensures the finished structure matches the approved plans.

Question 11

Do I need a survey before I can get a building permit in NJ?

Accepted Answer

Most New Jersey municipalities require a current survey as part of the building permit application, particularly for additions, new construction, pools, sheds, and fences near property lines. Requirements vary by municipality — we are familiar with the requirements across Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Hudson, and other NJ counties and can advise on what is needed for your specific project.

Question 12

What is an as-built survey?

Accepted Answer

An as-built survey documents the actual location of improvements as they were constructed, which may differ slightly from the original design plans. As-builts are required by many municipalities at the end of construction to confirm that the work was completed as approved, and are also used by engineers and architects for renovation and addition projects.

Question 13

What is 3D laser scanning and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

3D laser scanning (also called terrestrial LiDAR) uses a high-speed laser to measure millions of points per second, creating a precise three-dimensional point cloud of a building, structure, or site. The scanner rotates and captures data from multiple positions, which are then registered into a single unified model. The result is an extremely accurate digital record of existing conditions.

Question 14

What are the deliverables from a 3D laser scan?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your project needs, we can deliver raw point cloud data (in formats such as .RCP, .E57, .LAS), 2D CAD drawings derived from the point cloud, 3D BIM models (Revit, AutoCAD), floor plans, elevations, sections, and measured drawings. We work with architects, engineers, and contractors to provide the format that best fits their workflow.

Question 15

When is 3D laser scanning better than traditional surveying?

Accepted Answer

Laser scanning is ideal when you need to capture complex geometry quickly and accurately — historic buildings, industrial facilities, tight urban sites, or any project where traditional measurements would be time-consuming or incomplete. It captures far more data in less time and produces a permanent digital record that can be revisited without returning to the field.

Question 16

Is Geospatial Surveying and Layout licensed in both NJ and NY?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Andrew Namyslak holds an active Professional Land Surveyor license in New Jersey (License #24GS04335900) and New York (License No. 051014). We regularly perform surveys on both sides of the state line and are familiar with the requirements of both states.

Question 17

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to call us at (201) 268-2992 or email info@geo-sl.com. You can also use the contact form on our website. To give you an accurate quote, it helps to know the property address, the type of survey needed, and the purpose (closing, permit, dispute, etc.). We typically respond within one business day.

Question 18

Do you serve all of New Jersey and New York?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve all of New Jersey and New York, with particular depth of experience in Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Hudson, Union, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties in NJ, and the greater New York metro area including Westchester, Rockland, and the five boroughs.

Your surveying questions, answered

Land Surveying Basics

FEMA Elevation Certificates

Construction Surveying

3D Laser Scanning

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