Resources
Helpful information about land surveying in Texas, including official resources, survey types, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Official Texas Resources
These government agencies and professional organizations are authoritative sources for land surveying information in Texas.
TBPELS
Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
The state licensing board that regulates professional land surveyors in Texas. Verify surveyor credentials, file complaints, and access licensing information.
Phone: (512) 440-7723
Address: 1917 S. Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78741
GLO
Texas General Land Office
Home to over 35 million land grant records dating back to 1720. Search historical surveys, maps, field notes, and land patents for Texas properties.
Phone: (512) 463-5001
Address: 1700 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
TSPS
Texas Society of Professional Surveyors
Professional organization for Texas surveyors. Find a surveyor, access education resources, and learn about surveying standards and practices.
Phone: (512) 327-7871
Address: 2525 Wallingwood Dr., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746
Types of Land Surveys
Different survey types serve different purposes. Understanding which survey you need helps ensure you get the right information for your project.
Boundary Survey
Residential & CommercialEstablishes or reestablishes property lines and corners based on legal descriptions, recorded deeds, and physical evidence. The most common type of survey for residential and smaller commercial properties.
- Property purchases
- Fence installations
- Building additions
- Neighbor disputes
- Property subdivisions
ALTA/NSPS Survey
Commercial OnlyThe gold standard for commercial real estate. Follows strict national standards set by the American Land Title Association and National Society of Professional Surveyors. Includes comprehensive property analysis.
- Commercial transactions
- Title insurance
- Lender requirements
- Large developments
- Due diligence
Category 1A Survey (Texas)
Texas CommercialTexas-specific commercial survey standard published by TSPS. Similar to ALTA but follows Texas standards and specifications. Commonly requested for commercial and industrial real estate transactions.
- Commercial closings
- Industrial properties
- Title companies
- Texas-specific requirements
Topographic Survey
Any Property TypeMaps the terrain features, elevations, contours, and physical characteristics of a property. Essential for construction planning, drainage design, and site development.
- Construction planning
- Drainage design
- Site development
- Grading plans
- Engineering projects
Elevation Certificate
Flood Zone PropertiesDocuments the elevation of structures relative to flood zones. Required by FEMA for flood insurance purposes and often needed when buying or building in flood-prone areas.
- Flood insurance
- FEMA compliance
- Building permits
- Property sales in flood zones
Construction Staking
Construction SitesProvides precise layout stakes and control points for construction projects. Ensures buildings, roads, and utilities are constructed in the correct locations per the site plans.
- New construction
- Building foundations
- Road construction
- Utility installation
Not sure which survey type you need? Contact us for a free consultation. We'll help you determine the right survey for your specific situation.
Finding Property Records
Looking for an existing survey or property records? Here's where to start your search.
Check Your Closing Documents
If you recently purchased property, your survey may be in your closing documents from the title company. Check with your real estate agent or title company first.
Contact Your County Clerk
County clerks maintain property records including deeds, plats, and sometimes surveys. Visit your local county clerk office or search their online records.
Texas Land Records Search →Texas General Land Office Archives
The GLO maintains historical survey records, land grants, and maps dating back to the 1700s. Particularly useful for rural properties and historical research.
Search GLO Archives →County Appraisal District
Your county appraisal district has property maps and can provide general boundary information, though these are not official surveys.
Contact the Original Surveyor
If you know who surveyed the property previously, contact them directly. Surveyors maintain records and may have copies of previous surveys.
Commission a New Survey
If existing records are unavailable, outdated, or insufficient, the best option is to hire a licensed professional land surveyor to conduct a new survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about land surveying in Texas.
Quick Glossary
Boundary
The external limiting lines of a property.
Monument
A physical marker (iron pin, cap, or stake) set at a property corner.
Easement
A right to use another's land for a specific purpose.
Encroachment
A structure that extends beyond property lines.
Setback
Required distance from property lines where no building may be placed.
Plat
A recorded map showing the division of land into lots.
Metes & Bounds
A legal description using distances and directions.
Right-of-Way
Land reserved for roads, utilities, or public access.
⚠️ Always Verify Your Surveyor
In Texas, only a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) can legally prepare and certify surveys. Before hiring any surveyor, verify their license is active and in good standing with TBPELS.
Have More Questions?
We're here to help. Contact us for a free consultation about your surveying needs.