There are many, many types of surveys that can be conducted. Different types of surveys may be called different things by different people. Common survey types and a brief explanation are listed below.
ALTA Survey or Extended Title Insurance Coverage Survey
A survey made for the purpose of supplying a title company and lender with survey and location data necessary for the issuing of title and/or mortgage insurance. A detailed map is required to be done to “ALTA” specifications. Specifications of this type of Survey include (but are not limited to) determining property lines, location of improvements, identifying all easements, utilities and other conditions affecting the property. The Alta Survey is most often performed on commercial properties.
A boundary survey is used to establish the property lines of particular piece of land. Boundary surveys are typically performed to obtain building permits, to resolve property disputes, or for erecting fences. Easement lines may also be located with this type of survey.
Original survey, resurvey, or retracement of public lands within the Public Land Survey System of the United States for restoration of property lines.
Survey measurements made prior to or while construction is in progress.
Elevation or Floodplain Survey
Typically these are used to determine if a property is in a flood zone.
A Land Survey with correction made to account for curvature of the earth and astronomic observations.
Lot Split Survey
Are needed when you may need to divide an existing parcel of land into two or more parcels.
Mining and other Subsurface Surveys
A survey that determines the location and dimensions of underground parts of a mine.
Site Plan Survey (Lot Survey or Plot Plan Survey)
A combination of boundary and topographic surveys for preparation of a site plan to be used for designing improvements or developments, and obtaining government building permits.
A survey done in order to split a tract of land into smaller parcels.
A survey that measures the elevation of points on a particular piece of land, and presents them as contour lines on a plot.