#gpssurvey

🚀 Precision meets innovation with our Civil Surveying Services using Advanced GPS, Total Station & Drone Technology! 📡📍 Get accurate, reliable data for your projects with Lctss (Land Coordinates Technology).

If you've ever used a navigation app on your phone, you've experienced the utility of GPS. But in the world of property and infrastructure development, the technology achieves a level of precision far beyond consumer-grade location services. A professional GPS survey is now a fundamental component of modern site measurements, transforming everything from boundary mapping to large-scale construction layout. This technology allows surveyors to capture highly accurate data rapidly and efficiently, defining our physical world with centimeter-level precision.

Pinpointing Your Position with Satellites

At its core, a satellite positioning relies on a global network of orbiting satellites. Surveyors use specialized receivers that do two critical things:

Receive Signals: The receiver detects radio signals transmitted by multiple satellites (typically four or more) simultaneously.

Calculate Distance (Trilateration): Each satellite’s distance is measured by how long its signal takes to reach the receiver. By calculating these three-dimensional distances from several known points (the satellites), the receiver can accurately determine its precise location on Earth.

This entire process is instantaneous and continuous, providing surveyors with reliable coordinate data that is tied to global reference systems.

Techniques for Achieving Professional-Grade Accuracy

While your phone's GPS might be accurate to a few meters, professional land surveying requires accuracy down to the millimeter. This increased precision is achieved through specialized techniques and equipment unique to the surveying industry:

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Differential Correction in a GPS Survey

Standard GPS accuracy is subject to atmospheric interference and minor clock errors. To correct these errors in real-time, surveyors use differential correction. This often involves:

Establishing a Base Station: A fixed GPS receiver is placed over a known point (a control monument) to act as a reference.

Calculating Corrections: The base station measures the satellite signals and calculates the errors (the difference between the known position and the measured position).

Transmitting Data: These highly precise error corrections are transmitted instantly to the roving receivers (rovers) being carried by the field crew.

Result: The rovers adjust their positioning data in real-time, yielding true survey-grade accuracy.

Network RTK and Virtual Reference Stations (VRS)

In many areas, surveyors utilize large networks of permanent base stations maintained by public or private entities. These networks eliminate the need for a surveyor to set up their own base station, relying instead on the network's processing capabilities to generate a "Virtual Reference Station" near the rover. This significantly boosts efficiency, allowing the Oklahoma surveyor to work faster and more flexibly.

The Role of GPS in Modern Land Surveying Projects

GPS technology is now integral to almost every type of site mapping project, providing significant benefits over older, optical methods like total stations, especially for large sites:

Boundary Deffinition: GPS is used to locate historical boundary markers and set new property corners based on precise coordinates.

Topographic Mapping: Surveyors efficiently map the contours, elevations, and features of the land, providing essential data for design and drainage analysis.

Construction Layout: GPS is used for construction staking, ensuring roads, buildings, and utilities are placed precisely according to the engineered design.

ALTA/NSPS Surveys: GPS provides the foundation for the rigorous coordinate data required for these complex commercial surveys.

Why Expertise from a Professional is Essential

While the equipment is advanced, the success of these complex measurements hinges on the skill of the professional operating it. A licensed Oklahoma Surveyor brings essential expertise that technology cannot replace.

This includes:

Legal Knowledge: Interpreting deeds, property law, and historical evidence to determine where boundaries should be, as GPS only measures where the receiver is.

Local Regulations: Ensuring the survey is compliant with specific municipal and county codes, which vary widely across Oklahoma.

Site Context: Knowing how local terrain and geological characteristics affect signal reception and overall accuracy.

Leveraging Technology for Precision

At Sisemore & Associates, we understand that precision is the foundation of every successful project. We specialize in providing comprehensive surveying services, utilizing cutting-edge GPS survey equipment and advanced differential correction techniques to ensure every measurement is accurate and legally defensible. Our experienced local professionals are dedicated to delivering the clear, reliable data needed to move your project forward.

While many associate surveyors with the simple (yet essential) act of measuring property, the services offered by a modern land surveyor OKC extend far beyond measurements.

Professional surveyors often provide a range of services that are fundamental to construction projects, informed property transactions, and effective land management. Understanding this variety can help you identify the support that your project needs.

Foundational Land Surveying Services

While there are many types of surveys, these three foundational styles ensure clarity, legality, and proper understanding of a parcel of land:

Boundary Surveys

A boundary survey establishes the legal boundaries of a property. For this, licensed surveyors research historical records, deeds, and previous surveys, then perform field measurements to locate or re-establish property corners and lines. It ensures that you are building within your legal limits, making it a vital aspect of resolving property disputes, making a land purchase, or preparing for construction projects.

Topographic Surveys

Understanding the lay of the land is critical for development. A topographic survey helps with this, as it maps the property’s three-dimensional features, including the:

Elevations and contours.

Locations of natural elements (like trees and water bodies).

Man-made structures (like buildings and roads).

This information is indispensable for architects, engineers, and planners as they design structures, plan drainage, and ensure site suitability. For larger tracts, an aerial topographic survey may be conducted for efficient data collection.

ALTA/NSPS Surveys

Often required for commercial real estate transactions, an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is highly detailed and comprehensive. Conducted according to standards set by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and by the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), these surveys provide lenders and buyers with critical information regarding:

Property boundaries.

Encroachments.

Easements.

Relevant site conditions.

These details help minimize the risks that are associated with property investments.

Advanced Technologies and Services

Modern surveying firms use sophisticated tools to deliver highly accurate and efficient services, including:

3D Laser Scanning

3D laser scanners capture detailed three-dimensional data from complex environments or structures. A scanner emits laser beams to measure millions of points, creating a “point cloud” that can be transformed into accurate 3D models. This technology assists with as-built documentation, architectural restoration, structural deformation monitoring, and precise model creation.

UAV Mapping (Drones)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are powerful land surveying tools. Equipped with advanced sensors and high-resolution cameras, UAVs can quickly survey large tracts, difficult-to-access areas, and spaces with rough terrain. This equipment has a variety of uses; for example, an aerial topographic survey provides rich data for site analysis, volume calculations, and progress monitoring on construction sites.

GPS Surveying

Global Positioning System technology allows for the highly accurate determination of geographic locations. This surveying equipment integrates seamlessly with various methods, ensuring consistent and reliable spatial data across project phases. In particular, GPS surveys have a fundamental role in establishing control networks, mapping extensive areas, and conducting surveys where traditional line-of-sight methods are challenging.

Services Supporting Development Projects

A land surveyor OKC may offer additional services that are integral to project planning, design, and execution, such as:

Construction Layout (Staking)

The construction layout process is critical to translating design plans onto the site. Surveyors stake out the precise locations and elevations for proposed structures, roads, utilities, and other improvements. This ensures that construction proceeds according to plan, preventing

costly errors and delays. The data from a GPS survey is especially helpful for this, as it offers an enhanced level of accuracy.

Land Planning

Effective land planning is essential for the sustainable and functional development of a parcel of land. This service involves the strategic design of land use, with planners considering various aspects, such as:

Zoning regulation.

Environmental factors.

Site suitability.

Community needs.

Surveyors and planners work with clients, architects, and engineers to create subdivision designs, site plans, and master plans that optimize land use while adhering to regulations.

Civil Engineering

To provide even more comprehensive project support, many firms offer integrated civil engineering services. These services may include:

Site design.

Grading and drainage plans.

Utility design.

Erosion control plans.

These are directly informed by detailed land surveys, so having these services under one roof streamlines project coordination and enhances efficiency.

Searching for a Land Surveyor OKC With Comprehensive Solutions?

From establishing property lines through aerial topographic surveys to supporting restorations through 3D laser scanners, the right surveyor will provide data and expertise that is indispensable for anyone involved in land ownership, development, or construction.

Sisemore & Associates is prepared to provide those essential services.

Tired of Clunky GPS Data Workflows? Try QGIS 3 at UDEMY!

Learn how to manage GPS data effortlessly using QGIS 3 with this easy-to-follow course.

Discount 43% ($12.99 From $22.99)

Learn how to manage GPS data effortlessly using QGIS 3 with this easy-to-follow course.

Discount 43% ($12.99 From $22.99)

Learn how to manage GPS data effortlessly using QGIS 3 with this easy-to-follow course.

Discount 43% ($12.99 From $22.99)

An ALTA survey—short for American Land Title Association survey—is a detailed form of land surveying used primarily during property transactions. It outlines property boundaries, improvements, easements, and other features that could impact land ownership or development. For buyers, lenders, and title companies, it's a dependable way to verify the status of a property.

But what makes ALTA surveying different from a standard boundary or topographical survey? The answer lies in the nationally recognized standards it must meet.

What Are ALTA Surveying Standards?

ALTA surveying standards are nationally recognized guidelines established by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). These standards define the minimum requirements for surveys used in commercial real estate transactions, particularly those involving title insurance.

ALTA surveys are designed to deliver consistent, in-depth property data. The standards dictate how the survey should be conducted, what information must be gathered, and how it must be presented. Typical survey components include:

Boundary lines and legal descriptions

Recorded easements and rights-of-way

Existing improvements, such as buildings, fences, and roads

Signs of encroachments or use by others

Access to public roads

Optional zoning, utility, or setback data based on Table A selections

These uniform requirements help ensure that all parties—developers, buyers, lenders, and title companies—receive a complete, reliable understanding of a property's legal and physical conditions.

A licensed land surveyor Tulsa professional who understands the current standards is essential to producing a valid ALTA survey. When done correctly, ALTA surveys help minimize risk and support well-informed real estate transactions.

When Is an ALTA Survey Required?

An ALTA survey is often required for commercial financing or title insurance transactions. These surveys verify that the physical site matches its legal description and identify any issues that could affect property use or ownership. They are also recommended for properties with outdated documentation, undeveloped land, or sites where boundary and easement clarity is needed.

How Is an ALTA Survey Completed?

The process begins with thoroughly reviewing title commitments and relevant public records to understand legal descriptions, easements, and other recorded details. From there, a licensed Oklahoma land surveying team conducts a field visit to collect accurate on-site data using advanced tools such as GPS and total stations.

The final deliverable is a signed survey drawing that includes boundary lines, existing improvements, access points, easements, and any additional Table A items requested. This level of documentation supports due diligence and helps stakeholders make informed decisions during property transactions and development planning.

What Happens If Standards Aren't Met?

Failing to meet ALTA standards can result in denied financing, rejected title insurance, or legal disputes after the transaction. Missing or inaccurate information can increase the likelihood of problems down the line. Meeting the ALTA requirements helps support a reliable, legally sound transaction process.

Why Experience With ALTA Surveys Matters

An ALTA survey goes beyond basic property mapping. It must follow strict national standards that affect legal, financial, and development outcomes. Surveyors with experience in ALTA surveys know how to interpret title documents, identify encroachments, and deliver clear, detailed reports that meet lender and title company expectations.

A team knowledgeable about Oklahoma land surveying understands the complexities of Table A items, easement documentation, and zoning details. They know how to meet compliance requirements and help avoid issues that could delay closings or require revisions.

Choosing an experienced land surveyor Tulsa team means you'll receive more than accurate data—you'll have a survey that supports a smooth, informed transaction from start to finish.

Partner With Sisemore & Associates for Effective Oklahoma Land Surveying

At Sisemore & Associates, we've spent 30 years supporting developers and property owners with our expertise in land surveying. With a strong focus on meeting ALTA standards for commercial real estate and development, we help our clients by giving them the data and information they need to make informed decisions.

In addition to ALTA surveys, we provide:

Boundary and topographical surveys

GPS surveys

Land planning

Civil engineering

Construction staking