BOWLES SURVEYING, INC.
804-385-2306 bowlessurvey@embarqmail.com
Montpelier, Virginia 23192
Boundary Surveys
A boundary survey is the measurement and subsequent plat of the perimeter of a parcel of land. We begin with a visit to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office to research the legal documents of the subject parcel and the adjoining parcels. No boundary actions happen in a vacuum. We then measure the subject parcel and recover corner monuments and other evidence to prove the location of the boundary lines. We can mark the lines at this time if you wish. We usually prepare plats of survey to be recorded in the Clerk's Office by the client.
Boundary Line Marking
Physical (Mortgage) Surveys
Marking the boundary lines of a parcel is often done in conjunction with a boundary survey. We do, however, mark individual lines of a parcel. We prefer to visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office first, but we can use plats or deeds provided by the client. The lines are usually staked at roughly 100 foot intervals and trees in close proximity to the line are marked with flagging, chops of an axe, or both. We can also attempt recovery of just the corner monumentation if desired. Marking is helpful to identify the lines to new owners, neighbors, or for fences.
A physical survey is much like a boundary survey described above. In addition to the boundary measurements, the plat will also show the location of physical features such as buildings, structures, and other improvements. For properties of two acres or more, Virginia law requires that the same standard of care be given to physical surveys as is given to boundary surveys. The surveyor should measure the whole perimeter and not merely reproduce the information from a previous plat. Lenders often require a physical survey prior to closing.
Topographic Surveys
A topographic survey is the measurement of an area of land to determine the relief of the area and the location of various natural and man-made features. It is often one of the first steps in an architectural or civil engineering project. We can collaborate with your professionals in a digital or paper format. We can also draw from our own architectural and engineering contacts to complete your project.
Flood Hazard Investigations & Elevation Certificates
Properties in proximity to water courses are often identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as being located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. These are large scale activities and an individual property or structure may be included when not applicable, costing the property owner for Flood Hazard Insurance. The government provides a mechanism for removing these properties from SFHA through the preparation of Elevation Certificates by licensed professionals and the application for Letters of Map Amendment.
Construction Layout
We can work with your contractor or civil engineer to place stakes on the ground per the plans, to guide construction activities for homes, utility installation, road construction, and other purposes. Hiring a surveyor to stake the location of a proposed home or building, can often identify potential costly encroachments into building setbacks or across property lines.
Subdivision Planning, Design, and Layout
We have experience designing subdivisions from the conceptual layout for development potential to putting the roads and lots on the ground. We consult topographic maps, flood maps, and soil surveys to produce potential subdivisions that will be a testament to the quality intended by the developer. In rural areas, we work closely with soil scientists to identify the best home sites. In urban areas, we work closely with engineers to ensure that drainage and stormwater structures do not adversely affect the developer's vision of the site.
Cemetery Mapping and Layout
We have experience in assisting churches, municipalities, and others to accurately map and record the data from existing and historic cemeteries. This data may be tabulated for use by the client. We may also apply an orderly system to maximize existing sites and provide for orderly expansion in the years to come. Monumentation may be placed on the ground that will allow the caretakers to properly identify and locate the intended site.
Interior and Exterior Building Surveys
Reutilization of large and older structures often requires a detailed plan. As a basis for the architectural plan, we may work with the architect to measure the interior or external spaces of a building to identify opportunities or constraints that may affect construction. We may also calculate occupied areas for computations in lease agreements.
GIS Data Collection
A surveyor's training and work habits are naturally suited for the collection of large amounts of spatial data in an efficient and orderly fashion. We can assist your GIS mapping projects by bringing these attributes to your projects with the annotation of features or by providing locations to keep your project at the accuracy you desire.
Open to New and Different Projects
If you do not see a category of project listed here that matches your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us. We welcome new challenges and the opportunity to have another satisfied customer.
