Geodesy Journal

Whether you're buying a home in Tower Grove, installing a fence in Central West End, or expanding your business property in Clayton, knowing where your land begins and ends is essential. In a city like St. Louis—where older properties and dense urban lots are common—unclear boundaries can lead to serious disputes. A property line survey in St. Louis, MO offers a clear, legal definition of your land. It helps you avoid arguments with neighbors, legal claims, and project delays. This is especially important in neighborhoods where property lines haven’t been updated in decades. Why Boundary Issues Are Common in St. Louis A mix of old and new construction: St. Louis has many historic neighborhoods like Soulard and Lafayette Square, where older homes often have outdated or missing property documentation. Changing ownership: As properties are inherited or sold, assumptions about boundaries get passed on—sometimes incorrectly. Tight lot lines: In areas like The Hill or Dogtown, homes and ...

If you're thinking of buying land in Bridgeport to build your dream home, one of the first steps you should take is a perc test—short for percolation test. A perc test determines how well the soil can absorb water, which is essential if you plan to install a septic system. In areas like Bridgeport where many properties rely on septic tanks instead of city sewer lines, this test can make or break your land deal. Why It Matters in Bridgeport, WV Septic Systems Are Common in Rural Spots While some areas of Bridgeport are connected to municipal sewer, many lots—especially in neighborhoods near Brushy Fork, Maple Lake, and along Halls Run Road—depend on septic systems. A failed perc test could mean your land is not suitable for building or will require expensive soil modification. Hilly Terrain & Soil Types Impact Results Bridgeport is known for its rolling hills and mixed soil composition. These local factors affect how water drains into the ground. Clay-heavy or compacted soil, w...

If you’re planning to build a new home in Chelsea, AL—or even if you’re buying property in neighborhoods like Polo Crossings or Chelsea Park—it’s important to understand how local flood risks can affect your project. One of the most important documents in this process is the flood elevation certificate. Whether you're building along Highway 280, developing land near the Cahaba River, or adding onto a home in Forest Lakes, this certificate can directly impact your building plans, insurance costs, and long-term property value. What Is a Flood Elevation Certificate? A flood elevation certificate is a document prepared by a licensed land surveyor or engineer. It shows the elevation of your building (or planned structure) in relation to the base flood elevation (BFE)—a number defined by FEMA that estimates how high floodwaters could rise during a major flood event. In Chelsea, this certificate is often required if your property is located in or near a FEMA-designated flood zone. Why Yo...

If you're buying property or planning a development in Riverside, Jacksonville, FL, you may have heard of an ALTA survey. But what exactly is it and when is it truly necessary? Riverside is one of Jacksonville’s most unique and sought-after neighborhoods. With historic homes, riverfront lots, mixed-use properties, and a variety of zoning overlays, it's a beautiful but complex place to navigate real estate. That's why understanding what an ALTA survey offers and when you need one can save you serious time, money, and legal headaches. What Is an ALTA Survey? An ALTA survey (short for American Land Title Association survey) is a detailed, standardized land survey that’s typically required during high-value or commercial real estate transactions. Unlike a basic boundary survey, an ALTA survey includes: Precise boundary lines Easements, encroachments, and access points Location of improvements (buildings, fences, utilities) Zoning classification and setback data Flood zone iden...