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Knowing the Various Land Survey Symbols and Abbreviations

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Having a land survey done is like having a precise map of your property. A surveyor will take measurements of the property’s size, shape, and boundaries, and record the area’s features and topography. A two-dimensional map is drawn up with all of this data. But before making this map, the surveyor would place stakes, flags, and steel rods all around the site for several reasons. A wide range of symbols and abbreviations will be used to label these items. That said, the language of the land surveyor is rife with symbols and jargon that this article will help you decipher.

The Typical Symbols Used by Surveyors

By necessity, a surveyor must make several physical markers on a site during the surveying process. Flags, tape, and stakes are all examples of such identifying markers; they may be color-coded or marked with acronyms. The Fractracker Alliance has compiled a short list of some of these identifiers.

The Flags and Tape for a Survey

Often called “streamers,” survey flags are taped to nearby trees, fences, or a stake driven into the ground. These flags and tape may also be marked with colors and symbols to further clarify the surveyor’s findings. Sometimes there is no obvious symbolism, suggesting that the markers are just part of a path or a planned construction area.

The Control Points

A control point is a site on the land where the surveyor does not want the work to be disrupted, much as the surveyor flags. Typically, pegs and tape are used to mark out a perimeter around the location. Metal tacks will be substituted for wooden stakes in some situations.

The Limit of Disturbance

The surveyor will indicate the boundary of the disturbed area with special stakes and markers. This is either the boundary of the property or an uninterruptible area. A boundary survey monument or steel rod is typically used to indicate the edge of the property, especially the corners.

The Common Abbreviations

A surveyor’s job necessitates using abbreviations and acronyms, particularly when labeling maps, flags, and tags. Three letters or a short phrase can be used to represent a concept in these abbreviations.

  • BRL – Building Restriction Line

  • BS – Back Sight

  • BSL – Building Setback Line

  • CIP – Capped Iron Pin

  • CL – Center Line

  • Con Mon F – Concrete Monument Found

  • EBL – East Boundary Line or Eastbound Lane

  • EIP – Existing Iron Pipe

  • FD – Found

  • IPF – Iron Pipe/Pin found 

  • IPS – Iron Pipe/Pin Found

  • IRF – Iron Rod Found

  • IRS – Iron Rod Set

  • L.O.D. – Limit of Disturbance

  • LS – Licensed/Land Surveyor

  • MBS – Minimum Building Setback

  • N/F – Now or Formerly

  • NBL – North Boundary Line or Northbound Lane

  • NIP – New Iron Pin

  • NMS – No Monument Set

  • NPP – Nail in Power Pole

  • PI – Point of Intersection

  • PK Nail – A concrete nail stamped PK (Parker Kaelon)

  • PK – Point Known

  • POB – Point of Beginning

  • PRC – Point of Reserve Curve

  • PSDE – Private Storm Drain Easement 

  • PT – Point of Tangency

  • R/C – Rod and Cap or Rebar and Cap

  • SBL – South Boundary Line or Southbound Lane

  • SC – Standard Corner

  • SCM – Steel Rebar

  • SRS – Steel Rod Set

  • STE – Sight Triangle Easement 

  • UE – Utility Easement 

  • WBL – West Boundary Line or Westbound Lane

  • WC – Witness Corner

Conclusion

Overall, it is important to know the various land survey symbols and abbreviations in order to correctly interpret a map. The most common symbols and abbreviations used in surveying are listed above. However, there are many other less common symbols and abbreviations that may be used. Therefore, it is always best to consult a professional surveyor or mapmaker if you are unsure of their meanings.

If you are looking for a company that provides residential surveys in Florida, look no further than our expertise here at Will’s Service Group. We have been in the business for over ten years as land surveyors with more than five years of experience in the USA. Call us today and let us survey your property in no time!

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