Land Survey Implications of Right-of-Way Surveys

The demands of modern highways has not only tremendously increased the land areas required but has also intensified and introduced additional responsibilities for land surveyors in right-of-way surveys. Most of the work must be accomplished within specific time schedules and must be coordinated with others in the highway program. To meet these schedules and to decrease the work load and expense, the survey of entire properties may not be required. Instead, accurate ties to property corners, at least one of which must be outside the taking area, and strict adherence to techniques designed to produce the desired accuracy are used. The surveyor must be conscious of the effect his actions and products have on public relations. His errors, omissions, and lack of consideration to affected property owners reflect on the highway department and may prove to be insurmountable barriers to amicable negotiations for the required right of way.