Trespassers

[BnRidge]

but after looking at my survey

I discussed this with two in our family who work as county GIS analysts, one in SC, the other in the Chicago metro area. Both mentioned that the only way to accurately know is to have an on the ground survey done. In South Carolina, it isn't uncommon to have GIS survey lines cut across buildings, houses, across roads, etc. Existing fences matter, but I couldn't get a straight answer regarding a solution. Mitigation was mentioned.

 

[Jstpssng]

I discussed this with two in our family who work as county GIS analysts, one in SC, the other in the Chicago metro area. Both mentioned that the only way to accurately know is to have an on the ground survey done. In South Carolina, it isn't uncommon to have GIS survey lines cut across buildings, houses, across roads, etc. Existing fences matter, but I couldn't get a straight answer regarding a solution. Mitigation was mentioned.

All that a "GIS plat" does is interpret deeds and lines of occupation. A surveyor's job can be part science but also part artist, depending on the deed description. Old deeds can be interesting... one of the most unique which I've read said in part; "Thence westerly to the spot where the old cow lies down in the afternoon."

Mine says "By the land of Smith, thence by the land of Jones, then by the land of Doe, thence down the town road to the POB.

Of course Smith, Jones, and Doe have all been dead for a hundred years. I have pins to the east though, and another partway up my south (back) line; then stone walls and wire fence the rest of the way.

 

[IndyJay]

This
My property is described as "NE 1/4 of the NW quarter of Section..." with no "starting at a stake..." anywhere in the description.

I had retracement survey done and spent a bit of time with surveyor, pointing out very old markers to ensure that they were called out on the new drawings.

He explained exactly what you said... as being as much art as science. There is the as described and marked, but also "as inhabited/occupied" over many years.

There can be discrepancies between Platts due to where someone started measuring from and any deviations from past surveys.

Some of my markers include large witness stones stood vertically, a long stone wall along one side. One Platt from 40 years ago references a "found iron pipe". I reckon he found it in his truck because it was about 30 feet from a stone marker that lined up perfectly with the stone wall.

 

[Molalla1]

To my north is a road, to the east is a county maintained drainage ditch. To the south is woods. In that woods there is an old fence line that I suspect approximates the property line. To my west it is an open field to the neighbor. There is a line of poles on that line. Line is ~1200 feet. There are 3 or 4 poles on that line that I suspect approximates the property line. Other than that I do not know EXACTLY where the lines are. However the neighbor to the west and I have agreed to just mow about to the post line. If he comes a bit over on my side to mow or me a bit on his side we don't really care. We both just want the area to look neat and tidy.

You never know who a neighbor may be . . . I have always had things surveyed, but that's just me.

 

[RjCorazza]

You never know who a neighbor may be . . . I have always had things surveyed, but that's just me.

Plus neighbors change over the years. I have a stream running through my property that is 40-50' inside the surveyed boundary line, and it's a constant issue with neighbors thinking the stream is the property line. No serious issues though... I mark the boundary when one of the houses goes up for sale to avoid future problems.

 

[dodge man]

I am a retired land surveyor and I have also worked on GIS systems. GIS in almost all cases is a pretty picture. It’s mostly used for assessment purposes and planning.

A couple years ago I had a lady call from a nearby county and said she was going to start having to pay taxes for her neighbors house. It turns out the assessor was going by the GIS that was drawn wrong. The assessor said she was going to have to get it surveyed to “fix” it and he said there was other people in the same boat. Keep in mind none of the land owners had any problems. I finally told the assessor he was overstepping his authority. I think I hurt his feelings. I never did hear how it turned out.

The joke among surveyors is GIS stands for Get It Surveyed.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

The GIS for the land I bought is off.

 

[Citydude]

I use a GPS app on my phone called OnX hunt to find property lines. It's really handy and accurate.

 

[newbury]

I spent my entire career at the Army topo center. Geographic Information System (GIS) is just a collection of geographic data and tools to manipulate the data.
Surveys can be accurate, but if it's done by humans mistakes can be made.

 

[MossRoad]

GIGO