About Us
H. "John" Jahanpour-Burke is a professional land surveyor, serving properties in Southern California. His goal is to provide accurate field work as well as superior drawings which meet or surpass government agency and client expectations. He began surveying in 1972 and has survey experience in three countries and in four U.S. states.
How Do I Choose A Land Surveyor?
Taken from: "How the Profession Serves the Public" published by the California Land Surveyors Association, Inc. © 2002
Only a professional Land Surveyor (or Civil Engineer licensed prior to 1982) licensed by the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is legally authorized to practice Land Surveying.
Most active Land Surveyors are listed in the yellow pages and online, or you can obtain a listing from your local Land Surveyors Association.
A Land Surveyor is an integral part of a professional team composed of attorneys, engineers, architects, planners and landscape architects. Some land surveying firms offer comprehensive services.
Professional expertise can have a signifcant impact upon the planned use of your property. Select a reputable Land Surveyor in who's skill and judgement you can put your trust. Your selection should be made when you are sure that the professional you have chosen has all of the facts and is completely aware of your requirements and the requirements of the governmental agency having jurisdiction over the property.
RECORD SEARCH
This varies by (a) the number of parcels involved; and (b) the number of past transactions. (This necessary step is complicated by the casual manner in which land transactions have been handled in the past, resulting in many vague, incomplete, and often contradictory legal descriptions and land records).
SIZE AND SHAPE OF PROPERTY
An irregularly shaped parcel has more corners to monument and a longer boundary than a rectangular parcel containing the same area.
SECTIONALIZED SURVEY WORK
This could require the survey of the entire section (640 acres +) in which the land being surveyed lies, regardless of the area of the parcel. In some cases, a survey of more than one section is required, depending on the location of the parcel in question in relation to the sections shown on the government plat.
TERRAIN & VEGETATION
A level, open parcel of land is easier and faster to survey than a sloped, mountainous, vegetated or complex parcel. Interference with lines of sight and accessibility complicate field work.
AMOUNT OF EXISTING EVIDENCE ON THE PROPERTY
Existing evidence such as iron, wood, or stone monuments, old fences, and occupation lines, witness trees, etc., while not being the technical basis for establishing a parcel boundary, aid the Surveyor. Their absence or degradation may compound difficulties involved in retracing boundaries.
TIME OF YEAR
In the summer, foliage may present problems making survey measurements difficult. In winter, weather may slow travel to and onsite, and someties conceal field evidence.
TITLE COMPANY, LENDER & PUBLIC AGENCY REQUIREMENTS
These institutions may require a wider, more detailed scope and more documentation than is requested by the average land owner.
RECORD OF SURVEY OR CORNER RECORD
This map or record may be required depending on locality or jurisdiction. This will cause the mapping costs to increase, and may require the payment of checking and recording fees.
How Much Will a Survey Cost?
The pricing for most land surveying work is determined based on the following variables:
