If you’ve ever asked, “What are the different types of land surveys in Utah?”, you’re not alone. Land surveys serve a variety of purposes, from determining property boundaries to preparing sites for construction or development. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or real estate investor in Salt Lake City or rural Utah, knowing which survey you need can save time, money, and legal trouble.
Why Land Surveys Matter in Utah
Utah’s mix of urban growth, mountainous terrain, and rural land makes surveying a critical first step for:
- Property purchases and sales
- Construction and land development
- Legal documentation
- Environmental and zoning compliance
Each project may require a different type of land survey depending on its complexity and scope.
1. Boundary Survey
Purpose:
Defines the legal boundaries of a parcel of land.
Common Uses:
- Property purchases or sales
- Building fences or additions
- Resolving neighbor disputes
What It Includes:
- Marking property corners
- Confirming lot dimensions
- Identifying encroachments
📌 This is the most common land survey requested by homeowners.
2. Topographic Survey
Purpose:
Maps the natural and man-made features of the land.
Common Uses:
- Construction and grading plans
- Drainage and elevation design
- Landscape architecture
What It Includes:
- Elevation contours
- Trees, slopes, ditches, and roads
- Buildings, fences, and utilities
📌 Essential for architects, engineers, and builders working with uneven terrain.
3. ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey
Purpose:
Used primarily in commercial real estate to meet American Land Title Association and National Society of Professional Surveyors standards.
Common Uses:
- Commercial transactions
- Title insurance and lender requirements
What It Includes:
- Boundary lines
- Easements and encroachments
- Zoning info and legal access
📌 The most comprehensive and legally rigorous type of land survey.
Learn more about ALTA standards at the NSPS website.
4. Construction Staking Survey
Purpose:
Marks where structures or features will be built on a site.
Common Uses:
- New buildings, roads, or utilities
- Ensuring accurate placement per design
What It Includes:
- Stake positions based on construction plans
- Reference points for depth, angles, and layout
📌 Essential for contractors and builders to avoid placement errors.
5. Subdivision Survey (Plat Survey)
Purpose:
Divides a parcel of land into multiple lots for development.
Common Uses:
- Residential or commercial development
- Legal land platting for county records
What It Includes:
- Lot dimensions and layout
- Roadways, easements, and zoning compliance
📌 Required for anyone subdividing property in Utah.
6. Geodetic or GPS Survey
Purpose:
Uses satellite data to survey large-scale areas with high precision.
Common Uses:
- Infrastructure and road projects
- Mapping and government work
What It Includes:
- Latitude, longitude, and elevation data
- Integration with geographic information systems (GIS)
📌 Offers exceptional accuracy over long distances.
For a deeper dive into geodetic surveys, check the USGS guide.
How to Choose the Right Type of Survey
Here are a few questions to ask:
- What is the purpose of your project?
Buying a home? Start with a boundary survey. Developing land? You may need a topographic and subdivision survey. - Is legal documentation involved?
If so, ALTA or plat surveys may be required. - Is your land large or complex?
GPS and geodetic methods may be necessary.
Still not sure? Cook Surveying can help you choose the right service for your project.
Conclusion: What Are the Different Types of Land Surveys in Utah?
To answer the original question: “What are the different types of land surveys in Utah?”—they include boundary, topographic, ALTA, construction staking, subdivision, and GPS/geodetic surveys. Each one serves a distinct purpose, from defining property lines to enabling large-scale development. Choosing the right type of survey ensures your project is accurate, compliant, and successful.
Call to Action
Need help determining which survey is right for you? Contact Cook Surveying for expert advice and professional service. We’ve helped hundreds of clients across Utah get clarity and confidence in their land.
