ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys represent the gold standard of commercial land boundary mapping. They are mandatory for major real estate closings and refinancing packages across the United States.
Unlike standard boundary surveys, ALTA surveys must strictly adhere to the national standards set jointly by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors. The drawing serves as an overlay of legal boundary configurations, physical field conditions, and title commitment restrictions.
Critical Elements of an ALTA Survey Plat:
- Title Exceptions Mapping (Schedule B, Part II): The drafting team must read the title package exception items and physically plot all easements, setbacks, and land restrictions onto the survey boundary.
- Table A Options: Table A lists optional requirements (such as parking slot counts, structural dimensions, overhead utility lines, and topographic contours) that the surveyor must map depending on lender requests.
- Encroachments Checklist: Plotting fence lines, building encroachments, shared access ways, and utility pole easements that cross property limits.
The Role of CAD Support:
Drafting an ALTA/NSPS survey requires extensive time because of the volume of title documents that must be translated into CAD lines. Outsourcing the drafting phase to ArcusCAD allows surveying firms to save up to 40% in project cycles, ensuring transaction closings occur on schedule.