Geodesy Journal

Buying a home is exciting. You picture the moving boxes, the new neighborhood, and maybe even that first backyard cookout. But in the middle of all the paperwork, one detail often slips through the cracks: the FEMA Elevation Certificate . It may not sound important, but this single document can decide how much you pay for flood insurance. Without it, you could be charged far more than necessary. Over the years, that mistake can drain thousands from your wallet. Let’s break down what an elevation certificate is, why it matters, and how you can use it to protect both your home and your budget. What Is a FEMA Elevation Certificate? At its core, a FEMA Elevation Certificate is a report created by a licensed land surveyor. It shows the height of your home compared to the base flood elevation set by FEMA. Think of it as proof of where your house stands in relation to the risk of rising water. Insurance companies use this document to calculate your premium. Lenders rely on it when deciding wh...

If you own property or are thinking about buying one, you’ve probably heard about a boundary survey . This type of survey shows the exact edges of your land. But what happens when neighbors don’t agree on those lines? That’s exactly what’s causing trouble in La Grange, Georgia, where a recent boundary survey dispute has sparked a serious legal debate. What’s a Boundary Survey, and Why Does It Matter? A boundary survey is a detailed check done by a licensed surveyor to mark the exact limits of a property. It involves measuring the land, checking old records, and placing markers at the corners and edges. Knowing your property lines is important. It protects your investment, helps avoid disputes, and keeps you within legal boundaries when building or making changes to your land. In La Grange, a neighbor hired a surveyor who entered the other’s property without permission. This act has caused tension, raising questions about property rights, legal procedures, and respect between neighbors....

If you're planning to build a new home, there's a new rule you need to know about. As of this month, an elevation certificate is now required for all new residential permits—not just those in flood zones. This change affects everyone involved in the building process—from homeowners and real estate buyers to builders and land surveyors. And while it may sound like just another piece of paperwork, it has a real impact on how projects move forward. What Is an Elevation Certificate, Anyway? Think of an elevation certificate as a detailed report that shows how high your house or building sits compared to the expected flood level in your area. It’s usually prepared by a licensed land surveyor or engineer. FEMA uses it, cities use it, and now—Montgomery County wants it for every new home permit, whether you’re near a creek or on a hill. Why? Because storms, rainfall, and unpredictable flooding aren’t just happening near rivers anymore. With this change, the county is trying to stay a...

If you’re planning construction, landscaping, or property development, a topo survey is one of the first steps you should consider. A topographic survey provides detailed information about your land, including elevations, slopes, and natural features. Understanding your property before starting a project can save you time, money, and headaches. However, without proper preparation, a topo survey can face delays or extra costs. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to keep your survey smooth and efficient. Why a Topo Survey Is Important for Properties A topo survey does more than just map your land. In Panama City, it plays a crucial role in planning safe and legal construction projects. Local conditions, such as heavy rainfall, flooding risks, and uneven terrain, can make construction tricky. By having a detailed survey, you’ll know exactly where slopes, drainage areas, and low spots are. This information helps contractors design foundations, driveways, and drainage syste...

On September 7, a light quake shook Pleasanton and rippled across the South Bay. At just over magnitude 3, it wasn’t strong enough to cause major damage, but it was enough to get homeowners talking. In hillside neighborhoods of San Jose—like Almaden, Willow Glen, and Los Gatos—even small shifts can reveal big problems. A boundary line survey is often the only way to confirm whether fences, walls, or markers have stayed true to your legal property lines after the ground moves. Quakes Don’t Move Title Lines—But They Do Move Markers Earthquakes, no matter how small, remind us that California sits on restless ground. The deed to your property, the plat maps, and the official descriptions recorded at the county office don’t change after a quake. Those “title lines” stay fixed in law. What does change are the things we see every day. Fences lean. Retaining walls tilt. Concrete curbs crack. Corner stakes can get pushed out of alignment. Many homeowners assume these visible features match the...