What is Cadastral Survey?

Cadastral surveys deal with one of the oldest and most fundamental facets of human society-ownership of land.

They are the surveys that create, mark, define, retrace, or reestablish the boundaries and subdivisions of the public lands of the United States.

They are not like scientific surveys of an informative character, which may be amended due to the availability of additional information or because of changes in conditions or standards of accuracy. Although Cadastral surveys employ scientific methods and precise measurements, they are based upon law and not upon science.

Cadastral surveys are the foundation upon which rest title to all land that is now, or was once, part of the Public Domain of the United States.