How much will a survey cost? The cost for most land survey work is determined, based on the following variables.

Record search

This varies by (a) the number of parcels involved and (b) the number of past transactions. The second variable arises because of the casual manner in which land transactions have been conducted in the past. Many deed transactions have been done without an attached survey plan and this has resulted in many vague, incomplete, and often contradictory descriptions and land records.

Size and shape of property

An irregular shaped parcel has more corners to demark and a longer boundary than a larger rectangular parcel containing the same area.

Terrain and vegetation

A level parcel of land is easier to survey than a mountainous parcel. Thick vegetation interferes with lines of sight and accessibility and this complicates field work.

Amount of existing evidence on the property

The existence of evidence such as irons, bottles, stone or concrete monuments, old fences and occupation lines, witness trees (rayos, mortell) etc, assist the surveyor. The absence of these compounds difficulties involved in retracing boundaries

Local knowledge of property

Having someone point out accepted occupation lines and monumentation is of considerable help to a surveyor.

Abutter difficulties

When neighbours are cooperative, an otherwise difficult or impossible boundary line location may be established by boundary line agreement.

Time of year

In the rainy season, foliage may present problems making survey measurements difficult. In the dry season, field evidence is sometimes easier to spot than in the rainy season.

Public agency requirements

Subdivision surveys of parcels held under the Real Property Ordinance (RPO) must have approvals from the Town & Country Planning Division, Local Health or Regional Health Authority and the Director of Surveys. All old law subdivisions however should also have the permission of Town & Country Planning.