SECTION 9 - OTHER LAND SURVEYS

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9.1 Other Land Surveys

The Registration Law defines land surveying as a branch of engineering and permits land surveyors to perform, albeit not exclusively, certain surveys the purpose of which is other than establishing property boundaries. These surveys are collectively called engineering land surveys, but can be differentiated into surveys for the purpose of mapping and surveying for the purpose of engineering. The apparent reason for including both under one heading is that the Registration Law did not envision mapping independent of engineering, such as the compilation of geographic information or the preparation of plans used for forensic purposes.

General rule: The rules articulated in the preceding sections with regard to boundary surveys shall apply in appropriately modified form to all surveys mentioned in this section.

Mapping-related Surveys
Topographic Surveys
Topographic surveys determine the horizontal and vertical location of the physical features on the surface of the earth, chiefly to provide information on the basis of which improvements can be designed. Topographic surveys can also be underground (mining) surveys, underwater (hydrographic) surveys and aerial surveys. The primary intent of topographic surveys is to present existing conditions.

Land surveyors performing or employing the results of topographic surveys that require specialized knowledge and skills should be competent in them.
Topographic information should be obtained by the most efficient means, without sacrificing
the principle of responsible charge, and
the accuracy of the information.
Geodetic Surveys
Geodetic surveys are surveys of land masses, with or without regard for ownership or jurisdiction, and take into consideration the curvature of the earth. Such surveys are conducted mainly by means of the Global Positioning System, and are apt to employ the Pennsylvania State Plane Coordinate or Latitude/Longitude Systems.

Land surveyors performing geodetic surveys or employing the results of geodetic surveys should be knowledgeable about the principles of geodetic surveying.
Geodetic information appearing on individual land survey plans (i.e. geodetic ties) or systematic land information plans should
make reference to the datum of the information,
identify the source of the information,
state the degree of its accuracy, and
disclaim any use for which the information is inappropriate.
Engineering-related Surveys
Engineering land surveys are concerned primarily with proposed conditions, both the incidental design of the improvements to the land - by the preparation of plans of the various improvements, construction specifications, and estimates of quantity and cost - and the implementation of the design - by construction stake-out, and the preparation of as-built surveys.

Engineering Design
The design of the infrastructure of a development (i.e. line and grade extensions of public streets and utilities, on-site water and sewer systems, storm water management facilities, and sediment and erosion pollution control measures), shall follow commonly accepted or specified engineering practices.
Land Surveyors shall engage in these practices only to the extent of their competence.
Implementation of the Design
Land Surveyors engaging in construction stake-out shall have sufficient understanding of the principles of design and sufficient ability to interpret engineering plans to perform stake-outs in the field, in conjunction with the ability
to devise a strategy to provide contractors with reference markers that permit the correct and efficient construction of improvements,
to perform the necessary calculations for lines and grades, and
to detect any omissions or inconsistencies in the design.
Construction stake-out and post-construction surveys on relatively small projects should apply the same principles and methods of measurement as boundary surveys.
Commentary:

9.1 Land surveying is perhaps better described as an arm of engineering. Its designation as a branch of engineering is the result of a legal challenge to an earlier law requiring registration (1927), which was found to be unconstitutional because it completely separated the functions of surveying and engineering.

9.1(a)(1)(A) Reference is made to photogrammetry and remote sensing, referred to as methods of measuring in the Registration Law.

9.1(a)(1)(B) Land surveying in Pennsylvania is generally plane surveying. Geodetic surveying, employing the state coordinate system or the global positioning system, is used in land surveying either to make ties to geodetic monuments or to establish control points for surveys of large projects.

9.1(b)(1) The Registration Law uses the wording "incidental design", which, strictly interpreted, means only the part of the design concerned with the location of any of the improvement (e.g. the position and slope of the area of a drain field). Inasmuch as examination for licensing includes questions on the various aspects of engineering applied in land development, "incidental" really means "obligatory".

9.1(b)(1)(A)(ii) It is incumbent upon land surveyors designing land developments to be familiar with applicable municipal ordinances and the requirements of county and state agencies, as well as time schedules and review costs.

9.1(b)(1)(B) Dual registration is prima facie evidence of such competence. Licensing upon examination that included engineering design is also evidence of such competence.

9.1(b)(2)(A) Frequently, unlicensed party chiefs effectively exercise responsible charge in the field. The Registration Law excludes party chiefs from auxiliary survey personnel.

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