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A land survey includes the layout of a single property, including precise measurements and to-scale drawings of boundary lines, land improvements, and sometimes other features, like topography and drainage information. A plat map includes the layouts and boundary lines of several adjacent plots and basic structure measurements. Surveys are normally more valuable for homeowners and buyers, and plat maps are for governmental use.

Measure from zero on a measuring tape by placing the metal hook right up against the edge of what you need to measure. You can also latch the hook onto an open edge—of, say, a table—to accurately measure as well. If you begin at the 1-inch mark, you'll need to subtract an inch from your total.

A few different types of land surveys can help determine certain features and boundaries of your property. These include:

• Boundary surveys describe the actual borders of a property. These are generally required when trying to get construction permits issued. 

• Location surveys provide much of the same information as a boundary survey but also include in-depth information about any improvements made to your property. 

• Mortgage location surveys are usually required by lenders and title companies before financing or offering an insurance policy. 

• Site-planning surveys are done before applying for building permits and can be issued before any major home improvements. 

• Topographic surveys provide a formal map of land elevations. It can also describe the location and size of natural features and any land improvements.

Land surveys don’t technically expire. They do serve as a point of reference and a snapshot of your property, though, so as soon as you make changes to your property (and even if your neighbor makes certain changes to theirs), your existing land survey becomes inaccurate, and a new one must be done. Even if you don’t make any changes to your property, many states only guarantee the accuracy of a land survey for five to ten years.