ENEWS
SurveyorJeffery Ludwig
N.M.L.S. 13054 The Santa Fe County Surveyor provides expertise to the public as well as county leadership and staff relating to land surveying issues, questions, or clarifications they may encounter. History of County Surveyors in New Mexico1891 - Office created by territorial legislature
Responsibilities to the PublicLicensed Land Surveyors are the only persons in New Mexico, recognized by law, to provide an expert opinion on the location of property boundaries and the position of improvements in relation to those boundaries. The land surveyor plays a quasi-judicial role when formulating his opinion. This opinion is usually based on locating survey evidence in the field with measurements and researching documentary evidence in the form of survey plats, certificates of title/deeds and other documents that may or may not be of record. The County Surveyor assists the general public with locating recorded and un-recorded property surveys, performs historical research, answering general survey questions, and interpreting and understanding legal descriptions. Responsibilities to Santa Fe County
Collaborate with GIS DepartmentThe County’s original GIS parcel database was created for planning purposes and did not have the means to control the positional accuracy. Our goal in working together is to improve both the accuracy and accessibility of the parcel database. The County Surveyor and GIS Division is using Global Positioning System (GPS), Coordinate Geometry (COGO), and digital plat submissions with ties to New Mexico State plane coordinates to create a more accurate representation of the actual parcel boundaries and will continue to work on improving the accuracy of the parcel database. We are here to try and answer any question the public may have regarding land surveying. So feel free to give us a call if you should have a surveying concern or question. Surveying has been an essential element in the development of the human environment since the beginning of recorded history (ca. 5000 years ago) and it is a requirement in the planning and execution of nearly every form of construction. It’s most familiar modern uses are in the definition of legal boundaries for land ownership, mapping, communications, fields of transport and a variety of construction projects. Continually called on by the public concerning: land surveying in general; drainage in general; property-deed description interpretation, survey requirements, right-of-ways. In addition, the office reviews subdivision plats prior to recording and provides assistance to the public relating to land surveying issues. The County’s original GIS parcel database was created for planning purposes and did not have the means to control the positional accuracy. Our goal in working together is to improve both the accuracy and accessibility of the parcel database. The County Surveyor and GIS Division is using Global Positioning System (GPS), Coordinate Geometry (COGO), and digital plat submissions with ties to New Mexico State plane coordinates to create a more accurate representation of the actual parcel boundaries and will continue to work on improving the accuracy of the parcel database. What is Surveying?Per Webster's Dictionary, the definition of "surveying" is the measurement of dimensional relationships, as horizontal distances, elevations, directions, and angles, on the earth's surface esp. for use in locating property boundaries, construction layout and mapping. Why would I need a Survey?There are many reasons for having a survey performed, however the most common reasons relate to the sale or purchase of land, either for residential, agricultural or commercial use. A survey can alert you to encroachments, locate existing or set property corners and assist in the resolution of boundary disputes. Other reasons for having a survey might include:
How do I find a Qualified Surveyor?Surveying is a highly technical profession requiring a special knowledge of the principals of mathematics, the related physical and applied sciences and the relevant requirements of law. As with most professions, the qualifications and experience level of surveyors vary considerably, and cost should not be the only deciding factor for selection of a surveyor. We would suggest that if involved with an Attorney or Realtor you may ask them for a recommendation. What is a "Boundary Survey"This is an accurate survey made to establish or reestablish boundary lines on the ground or obtain data for preparation of a map or plan. Plans will generally show the boundary lines and evidence of the same, buildings, monuments found or set, encroachments and other items affecting the property being surveyed. The surveyor will normally research records at the county courthouse as they relate to the property surveyed and adjoining properties. If deed descriptions or evidence on the ground are vague or conflicting, research and field investigation can be more extensive. The survey plan is relied upon for the preparation of a legal description of the property. How much does a Survey cost?The cost of a survey will vary due to many factors, including, but not limited to, the size of the lot, parcel, or tract of land, the topography of the land, the quality of deed descriptions and the existence of prior surveys for the property and any adjoining properties. It is not uncommon to run into problems or discrepancies while performing the deed research or at a site which can also affect the final cost. Info & ResourcesDownload the Conversion Table [288kb PDF] » BLM/GLO NGS OPUS/OPUS RS |
