What are the different types of land surveys?

• <div><p>A few different types of land surveys can help determine certain features and boundaries of your property. These include:</p><ul><li><p><b>Boundary surveys </b>describe the actual borders of a property. These are generally required when trying to get construction permits issued. </p></li><li><p><b>Location surveys</b> provide much of the same information as a boundary survey but also include in-depth information about any improvements made to your property. </p></li><li><p><b>Mortgage location surveys</b> are usually required by lenders and title companies before financing or offering an insurance policy. </p></li><li><p><b>Site-planning surveys</b> are done before applying for building permits and can be issued before any major home improvements. </p></li><li><p><b>Topographic surveys</b> provide a formal map of land elevations. It can also describe the location and size of natural features and any land improvements. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: What’s the difference between a land survey and a boundary survey?

• <div><p>A boundary survey measures the boundary lines of the property, only the length of each property line and their locations. A land survey includes a more in-depth measurement of the property, including the heights and depths of the terrain measured by a topographic survey. A boundary survey is typically the most cost-effective method for marking and measuring property lines.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a land survey and a plat?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: How do well drillers know where to drill?

• <div><p>Professional well contractors may use electromagnetic mapping to look for places with a high likelihood of water. Water access can vary significantly, even on the same property, so it can be difficult to know where to drill if you don&rsquo;t have specialized tools to look for water.</p></div>

Q: Who do I call before I dig in my yard?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re planning to dig on your property, you&rsquo;ll need to check for underground utility lines. Call the national call-before-you-dig 811 number. Once connected to an operator, you can schedule a site visit to mark underground lines. This way, you won&rsquo;t accidentally dig into pipes and can cause major (read: costly) issues. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Land Surveying pros in Keystone, SD

*The Angi rating for Land Surveying companies in Keystone, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Land Surveying needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Land Surveying companies in Keystone, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Land Surveying needs.

Last update on November 08, 2025

Reviewed in September 2021
Tad was very professional as an electrician and offered excellent customer service. As a result thru his my remodel landed much better than I anticipated. And really enjoyed time with Tad. Huge thanks.
ROC Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2016
We have worked with Shane and Lawn Sculptors for about 15 years at two separate properties. He and his team have always been courteous and professional as well as "getting the job done". We have been extremely pleased with our experience and will continue to call on Lawn Sculptors for our...
Lawn Sculptors
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Reviewed in January 2014
This was a tough job because Chad had to match the existing doors, trim, and wall texture. He extended the walls of the stairwell to make a landing at the bottom and enclosed the entire area. He knew the building codes and installed the proper venting for the new enclosure so the furnace would...
Carroll Construction
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Reviewed in October 2013
Very professional. They need to be reminded that cleanup means more than the floors. The overspray and dust lands on the tops of tables, etc. Thank you.
Climate Doctors
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Reviewed in September 2013
When I called Action's office, they told me they were booked out months in advance, so I told them to send someone over that evening and I'd pay the after hours rate to get the problem fixed promptly (there's not shutoff valve to the fridge, otherwise I would have just shut off the water to the...
Action Mechanical Inc
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Reviewed in September 2013
This past saturday we woke up with no cool air and plans of having a full house/backyard for labor day weekend. Called around, checked here on angies lists and found Land M here in piedmont. I called and they were able to get here pretty quickly actually which was a relief as we had decided to...
L & M SERVICE SPECIALIST
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Reviewed in February 2010
Outstanding service. From the time I first went into their showroom, to the several return visits and calls before we finally decided what we wanted, to the company's survey and build, I couldn;t have asked for more. I've heard this company is a bit more expensive than their competitors (don't...
Murphy Sheds
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Find Land surveyors in Keystone

Stumbling Bison Inc

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Stumbling Bison Inc

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18 years of experience

We provide drafting services for Home owners, Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors. Currently we have two employees and two subcontractors in Architectural design, Engineering and Civil Design.

Land Surveying questions, answered by experts

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.

A boundary survey measures the boundary lines of the property, only the length of each property line and their locations. A land survey includes a more in-depth measurement of the property, including the heights and depths of the terrain measured by a topographic survey. A boundary survey is typically the most cost-effective method for marking and measuring property lines.

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.

Professional well contractors may use electromagnetic mapping to look for places with a high likelihood of water. Water access can vary significantly, even on the same property, so it can be difficult to know where to drill if you don’t have specialized tools to look for water.

If you’re planning to dig on your property, you’ll need to check for underground utility lines. Call the national call-before-you-dig 811 number. Once connected to an operator, you can schedule a site visit to mark underground lines. This way, you won’t accidentally dig into pipes and can cause major (read: costly) issues.

The Keystone, SD homeowners’ guide to land surveying services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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