Topographical maps have been essential for building projects for many years. The maps show the various boundaries of administrative areas and roadways along with changes in elevations and where certain features are such as water. ALTA surveys take topographic maps a step further to take into account items impacting land ownership.
Reading the Map
At first glance, a topographical map may be difficult to read. The contour lines and colors are meaningless to the uninformed. Each item has a specific meaning and representation. Since 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey is the responsible agency for map creation with a variety of scales available. The first thing you need to know before you can read a map is the scale. The colors are far simpler with blue representing water, aerial photography updated information is purple, vegetation is green and red or gray represent densely built-up areas. Additional features use a combination of lines and colors to portray certain features such as campgrounds or trails.
Use of Lines
Use of Lines
Contour lines are a part of any topographical map and ALTA surveys are no different. Elevation is represented by brown lines. Shorter vertical distances between lines mean less object separation. The steepness of the landscape shows in the horizontal distance. The contour levels may vary from 10 to 100 feet depending on the topography of the location. Mountains and hills show up as concentric circles.
Purpose of Surveys
Surveys and maps are necessary for building projects such as roads and highways. They also are necessary for completing title surveys necessary for home ownership. The minimum standards of the ALTA/ACSM surveys are necessary to meet the requirements to insure the title of the property. A commercial project must have a title commitment before the survey can be conducted.
Many commercial loans require completion of ALTA surveys for the title insurance. Each survey is specific to the title company, buyer, lender and seller with their information right on the survey. The survey shows encumbrances, ownership areas and improvements along with any encroachments.
