INTRODUCTION

Professional Land Surveyor

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INTRODUCTION
Jeff DeMuth, Professional Land Surveyor
» 2015 President of the WSLS
• WSLS was founded in 1952 and represents
approximately ½ of the professional land
surveyors of the state.
 Dedicated to:
– Promoting the common good and welfare of our members.
– Advance the profession of land surveying and promote high
standards of practice and ethical conduct.
– Encouraging and supporting educational programs.
– Promoting a better understanding and appreciation of how
surveyors serve the public’s interest.

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Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors
Who we are/What we do:
» Volunteer Organization with 889 members
• Through our standing committees, we rely on our
members to be actively involved in initiatives that
affect our profession.
 Education
 Government Affairs
 Outreach
 Ethics and Standards of Practice
 Survey Map Review

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Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors
Who we are/What we do:
» 10 Chapters throughout the state.
• Each Chapter works diligently within its region,
organizing and participating in community and
educational events.
 Educational events
 Home shows
 Farm Days
 Trig Star
 Area High School Participation

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Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors
What is Land Surveying?
» Surveying is the science of measuring the size and
shape of the Earth and accurately locating points on
the surface of Earth.
» It is the determination of the location of land
boundaries and land boundary corners.
» It is the preparation of maps showing the shape and
area of the lands.

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Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors
Why do I need a Current Land Survey:
» Purchasing real estate is one of the most
significant financial investments a person
makes in their life.
• Peace of Mind and Security (good fences make
good neighbors).
• Added Value to property
• Permitting

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
ALTA/ACSM LAND TITLE SURVEY

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
ALTA/ACSM LAND TITLE SURVEY
» The American Land Title Association (ALTA)
and the American Congress of Surveying and
Mapping (ACSM) have developed the
Minimum Standard Detail Requirements that
are used for this type of survey.
• Cannot use for Lot Division.
• Cannot Reconfigure Lot.
• Used as a tool to identify issues.

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
Minor Land Division (Certified Survey Map)

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
Minor Land Division (Certified Survey Map)
» Typical Uses:
• Divide land for sale or exchange
• Create 1-4 new lots
• Clarify metes and bounds description
• Reconfigure parcel boundaries within a recorded subdivision, CSM or
Assessors Plat.
• Add Land to an Existing subdivision, CSM or Assessors Plat.
• Consolidate Parcels in adjoining subdivision, CSM or Assessors Plat
• Define and convey interest in lands dedicated to the public.
• Surveyors must adhere to Chapter 236.34 and local regulations
• County and municipality approval may be necessary
• Recorded at the County Register of Deeds Office

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
Subdivision Plat

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
Subdivision Plat
» Used to Divide a larger parcel of land into 5 or
more new parcels.
• Surveyor must adhere to Chapter 236 of the
Wisconsin State Statutes as well as municipality and
county regulations.
• State, County and Municipality may require that the
Plat meets their approval prior to recording.
• Engineering may be necessary for Roads, Utilities,
and storm water management, flood plains...
• Recorded at the County Register of Deeds Office.

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
Condominium Plat

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
Condominium Plat
» Notes Regarding Condominium Plats:
• Condominium Plats can not create lots.
• Condominium Plats can not create public ways by
dedication.
• Condominium Plats can not alter any area previously
dedicated to the public.
• Condominium Plats can not be used to subdivide
land, nor convey and exclusive interest in land.
• Surveyor must Adhere to Chapter 703 of the Statutes

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
Boundary Survey-Resurvey-Plat of Survey

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
Boundary Survey-Resurvey-Plat of Survey

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COMMON TYPES OF LAND SURVEYS
Boundary Survey-Resurvey-Plat of Survey
» This is the most common type of survey.
» The location of one or more property
boundaries on an existing parcel.
» Surveyor must adhere to Chapter A-E 7 of the
Wisconsin Administrative Code (The Minimum
Standards for Property Surveys).
» Filed with the County Surveyor or with the
County custodian of maps.

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A-E 7 OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Minimum Standards for Property Surveys
» These are the Minimum Standards as of
11/10/15.

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A-E 7 OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Minimum Standards for Property Surveys
Noteworthy items:
» A-E 7.01(2)
• You may exclude some work from the Minimum
Standards, EXCEPT the USPLS Monument Record
and the Map
• Why would you exclude any of these items?

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A-E 7 OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Minimum Standards for Property Surveys
Noteworthy items:
» A-E 7.02 Property Survey Definition
• Land Surveying which includes as one of its
principle purposes:
 Describing
 Monumenting
 Locating the boundary lines
 Mapping one or more parcels of Land

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A-E 7 OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Minimum Standards for Property Surveys
Noteworthy items:
» A-E 7.03 Boundary Location
• Research
• Fieldwork
• Analyze, calculate and map

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A-E 7 OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Minimum Standards for Property Surveys
Noteworthy items:
» A-E 7.08 U.S. Public Land Survey (USPLS)
monument record
• A-E 7.08 Requires a USPLS Monument Record to
be prepared and filed…
• A-E 7.04 requires our description to commence at
“some corner marked and established by the
USPLS”

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A-E 7 OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Minimum Standards for Property Surveys

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Other types of surveys

» Assessor’s Plat
» Cemetery Plat
» Topographic Survey
» Hydrographic Survey
» Flood Plain Survey
» Right-of way Platting
» Construction Staking
» Foundation Staking
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IN SUMMARY
Your Land Surveyor is here to help
» A Professional Land Surveyor is committed to
the success of you, your clients and your
projects.

» Visit www.wsls.org for more details

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Questions, Comments, Further Discussion
I was told that there may be interest in:
» Ordinary High Water Mark
• Chapter 236.025 allows for the surveyor to
“approximate” the OHWM.
• Wetlands
• Floodplains
• Setbacks
• Ingress/Egress
• NR 115 and Act 55

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Thank You

» Jeff DeMuth, PLS

» MSA Professional Services
» 1835 N. Stevens Street
» Rhinelander, WI 54501
» 715-362-3244
» jdemuth@msa-ps.com

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