CONSTRUCTION SURVEYS

Plan and Profile Surveys

These surveys provide two views of the area being surveyed - a plan (similar to a standard overhead view map) showing the horizontal location of various features, and a profile that provides a vertical “side view” of the same area, noting elevation and subsurface features. These views, when correlated, form what is essentially a three-dimensional survey. A plan & profile is most often used to plot an extended linear feature such as a roadway or pipeline.

Construction Stakeout

Construction stakeout demands accuracy and consistency for a high-quality end result. An expertly conducted stakeout is the first step for any construction project. Construction efficiency is always easier to achieve when key features are clearly and correctly marked through an accurate survey. Marsh and Legge takes pride in its reliable construction stakeout services for jobs large and small.

House Location Surveys

A comprehensive house location survey is an important first step for prospective homebuyers. These surveys indicate building dimensions, lot improvements, easements, setbacks, boundary restriction lines and other information required by lending institutions. Marsh and Legge’s thorough house location services ensure that homebuyers know exactly what they are getting.

As-Built Surveys

Typically performed after construction, these surveys note the improvements made to a property. The locations of structures are checked for correctness and the locations of new utilities are noted for future reference.

TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS

“Topo” surveys record property features in three dimensions. The use of elevation allows for land contours to be determined - a crucial factor for many land uses, especially with regard to drainage. Natural and manmade features are also noted such as embankments, ditches, trees, and bodies of water. Data gathered from a detailed topo survey is an important resource when planning improvements to a given piece of land. Marsh & Legge has had extensive experience with large topo surveys within Virginia’s state parks, and with smaller topo surveys conducted for various commercial and residential properties.

HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS

Hydrographic surveys measure and describe the physical features of bodies of water and the land areas adjacent to those bodies of water. These surveys measure the depth and bottom configuration of water bodies.

BOUNDARY SURVEYS

Boundary Surveys of Acquisition

Using a combination of deed research and on-site data collection, Marsh & Legge produces accurate determination of property lines and easements for legal records and establishes clear monumentation of property corners for convenience of property owners. Boundary surveys are invaluable when buying or selling property, subdividing land into parcels, constructing fences and other improvements near the edge of a property line, or resolving boundary disputes.

Subdivision Plats

Division of land into parcels is a common need for many property owners. A subdivision may consist of a tract divided between two family members, or it may entail a large housing development with lots numbering in the hundreds. Both scenarios require a careful assessment of pre-existing boundaries and proper planning in coordination with government agencies, utility companies, and builders.

ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys

Typically prepared for commercial properties in accordance with standards set forth by the American Land Title Association and the American Congress on surveying and mapping. These surveys are a comprehensive record of improvements to the property necessary to satisfy title insurance standards.

Utility Easements and Right-of-Way Plats

Knowing the location of easements and rights-of-way is vitally important for property owners who intend to add improvements to their property. Utility companies and highway departments maintain access rights to these portions of land, thus only certain types of improvements are permitted. In the case of electric and gas utilities, safety is another factor to consider when planning improvements. Marsh & Legge provides accurate documentation of these important property features to help landowners conform to the appropriate regulations and avoid violations.

GPS SURVEYS

Originally employed by the US Department of Defense as a tool for improving the accuracy of submarine-launched missiles, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is now frequently used by surveyors for a variety of needs. High-accuracy Real Time Kinematic units can greatly improve the efficiency of construction stakeouts, while smaller units offer a practical solution to rough staking and location needs when conditions such as unusually rugged terrain or dense underbrush would significantly hinder field crews using traditional methods of data collection.

SOIL EVALUATIONS

These surveys provide an analysis of a property’s soil characteristics and can determine the suitability of soils for various uses. Marsh & Legge specializes in analyzing drain field feasibility, as well as foundation evaluation for shrink/swell soils, and National Cooperative Soil Survey standard mapping.

PHASE 1 STUDIES

Rather than assessing environmental impact that has already occurred at a given site, a Phase 1 Environmental Impact Study determines the potential for contamination based on hydrologic features, past usage of the site, and potential hazards such as storage tanks, as well as other risk factors. Marsh and Legge Land Surveyors have been performing Phase 1 ESA’s since 1998 and has gained the reputation for generating precise, intuitive and comprehensive Phase 1 ESA reports. We have performed Phase 1 evaluations on over 25,000 acres of land in the State of Virginia.

DRONE SURVEYS

Surveys utilizing remote piloted unmanned aerial vehicles make use of a high resolution camera to capture photographs which are used in photogrametry to produce a geo-referenced orthomosaic image to assist with locating man made ground features as well as topographic features.

OVERVIEW OF SERVICES