What must a professional land surveyor do with the land records before conducting a survey?

A professional land surveyor must access the relevant deeds of adjoining landowners before conducting a survey to ensure an accurate understanding of property boundaries and any potential encroachments. This review is essential because adjoining land records can contain valuable information that affects the survey, such as easements, rights-of-way, or previous boundary agreements that may not be immediately apparent. By examining these deeds, the surveyor can confirm that they are working with the most accurate and comprehensive data, which helps to avoid disputes and inaccuracies during the surveying process.

The act of accessing these records is a critical step in the preparation phase of a survey, providing a solid foundation that supports the surveyor's findings and conclusions. This process not only helps in defining the property limits accurately but also demonstrates a standard of due diligence expected from professionals in the field.