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  • Writer's pictureDanny Rodic

Understanding Land Survey Plats and Improvement Survey Plats

Updated: Jun 24



When it comes to property management and development, understanding the details and distinctions of various survey plats is crucial. Our team at Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC want to explore the differences between Land Survey Plats and Improvement Survey Plats, helping you determine which type of survey best suits your needs for your property.


Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate developer, or involved in construction, this information will be invaluable for all of your projects!


What is a Land Survey Plat?

A Land Survey Plat (LSP) is essentially a map that provides a detailed depiction of a boundary survey. This plat shows all property corners that have been found or set during the survey. Additionally, it highlights any improvements that are located on or near the property line. The primary purpose of a Land Survey Plat is to establish and confirm the boundaries of a property, ensuring there are no disputes or misunderstandings about property lines.


Other key features of a Land Survey Plat include:


Property Corner Identification: During an LSP, we help you by indicating all corners of the property, whether found or set.


Noting Improvement: The deliverables we give you will display any improvements that are on or near the property boundary.


Establishing Accurate Boundaries: An LSP provides precise and legal documentation of property lines.


What is an Improvement Survey Plat?

Conversely, an Improvement Survey Plat (ISP) is similar to a Land Survey Plat but offers a more detailed view of the property. In addition to showing the boundary survey results and property corners, an Improvement Survey Plat includes all permanent improvements within the property. This means that the surveyor will locate and depict all buildings, driveways, patios, fences, visible utilities, and other permanent structures on the property.


Other key features of an Improvement Survey Plat include:


Comprehensive Deliverables: The deliverables of your ISP include all permanent improvements within the property boundaries.


An All-Encompassing Survey: An ISP will depict buildings, drives, patios, fences, visible utilities, and more that are on your property.


Help with Future Planning: With an ISP, you will find that the deliverables are ideal for planning future land improvements, as it shows current permanent structures on the parcel.


The Differences Between Land Survey Plats and Improvement Survey Plats

While both types of plats are essential for property management, their applications differ.


A Land Survey Plat focuses on establishing property boundaries and is typically used to resolve disputes or for legal documentation.


On the other hand, an Improvement Survey Plat provides a more detailed view of the property, making it ideal for planning future developments or improvements. The additional detail in an Improvement Survey Plat ensures that any new construction or modifications take existing structures and utilities into account.


Choosing the Right Plat for Your Needs

Here is a very brief set of identifiers that can help you determine whether to order an LSP or an ISP from Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC:


For Boundary Confirmation: Opt for a Land Survey Plat if you need to simply establish or confirm property boundaries.


For Comprehensive Property Detail: Choose an Improvement Survey Plat if you are looking for a detailed depiction of all permanent improvements within the property boundaries.


Contact Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC Today

Understanding the differences between a Land Survey Plat and an Improvement Survey Plat is essential for effective property management and development. If you need a professional and accurate survey for your property, Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC is here to help! Our experienced team provides detailed and reliable land surveying and mapping services for clients in the Colorado Springs area.


Ready to get started on your land survey project? Contact Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC today for expert assistance with your Land Survey Plats and Improvement Survey Plats. You can use our convenient online order form or give us a call at (719) 318-0377 to begin the process.

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