Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors

Types of Surveys

Surveys

Surveys in this category are dependent on the contract between owner and surveyor. Signed waivers may be used to modify the requirements of these types of surveys.
1. Plat of Survey
  
  Purpose - To show information developed by a survey. A property survey means any land survey which includes as one of its principal purposes describing, monumenting, locating the boundary lines of or mapping one or more parcels of land.
  
  Requirements - As defined by Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter A-E7. "Minimum Standards for Property Surveys" To be filed with County Surveyor - Copy
  
  Basis -
  1. Legal description of record - deed
  2. Owner requirements
  Other - Example (Certification)
  1. Property transfer should require it.
2. ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey
  
  Purpose - To show a property on a map which depicts boundaries, easements, and exception to title, and utilities and improvements. It incorporates many elements which alleviate the concerns of multiple parties in a real estate transaction.
  
  Requirements - As defined by the standard 2005 ALTA/ASCM Land Survey Requirements, along with Optional Table A requirements and any lender or buyer requirements.
  
  Basis - Title report with Schedule B-II exceptions to title - - Certification required and to whom
  
  Other - Example
3. Topographic Survey
  
  Purpose - To show the physical features both above and below ground of the existing earth surface.
  
  Requirements - As defined by the contract between the requester and the surveyor. May include boundary information based on the Plat of Survey requirements
  
  Basis - Published bench marks, Digger’s Hotline markings and Utility Company maps.
  
  Other - Example
Land Divisions

Purpose - To create new parcels or buildable sites by combining or dividing one or more tracts of land.

Requirements - As defined by Wisconsin Statutes (Chapter 236 ) and both local zoning and subdivision ordinances. Approved certificates from approving agencies as required. Documents are recorded with Register of Deeds

Basis - The plat of survey previously created.

Types -
1. Certified Survey Map/Minor Land Division, up to four parcels can be created per map.
2. Requires approval of local governing agency.
3. Subdivision / Town or County Plat - 5 parcels or more less than 1.5 acres each. Requires the approval of the State and the local governing agency
Other survey plats and mapping
1. Condominium Plats - Undivided Interest - Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 703
2. Assessor's Plat - Resolve boundary dispute - Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 70
3. Cemetery Plats - Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 157
4. Right-of-way Plats - Filed with Relocation Order - Chapter 80 and F.D.M.