I was getting ready to leave this morning to preview a small
tract of land in Harris County, GA. I was gathering up some gear and decided
this would be a fun and helpful blog post and for those considering the career,
it might give you some insight. Probably one of the most important skills
needed is map reading. Most property I list and sale is owned by an absentee
landowner. The owner may live out of state and many times they are not familiar
with the property so you are on you own! This means not only do you have to
find the property, but you might have to locate some property lines and
corners.
Aerial Photograph
It is always a good idea to have an aerial photograph and a
survey plat. Many times the property may join a field, timber stand, fence or
some other feature that will help you identify a property line. These are
probably visible on an aerial photo or satellite image.
Survey Plat
A survey plat will show the bearing and distance from one
property corner to the next. With a compass and hip-chain, many times you can
locate the next corner. I LOVE a hip-chain. The hip-chain feeds out a thin,
high tensile strength string. The instrument reads out the distance in feet and
is accurate to about 2%. I have found hundreds of corners with this method.
Compass
Hip-Chain
A compass simply allows to determine the bearing as
indicated on a survey plat. For instance you might have to go N 13
37’ 28” W from one corner to the
next. You simply dial in that bearing and walk the property line going in that
direction (or bearing).
A GPS is a vital tool as well. The GPS can be used for two task: Navigate to a corner or feature using the Latitude - Longitude coordinates OR taking a waypoint in the field to locate a corner or feature on a map or aerial!
A GPS is a vital tool as well. The GPS can be used for two task: Navigate to a corner or feature using the Latitude - Longitude coordinates OR taking a waypoint in the field to locate a corner or feature on a map or aerial!
Garmin 60 GPS
Example of a map I constructed using a GPS waypoint
taking in the field.
I also used several mapping and navigation software programs that allow me to drive through a property and track my progress. These maps/programs allow you look for property lines as you approach the boundary. Great tool for showing property!
Topo Map with GPS location services!
Satellite Image with tract boundaries and location services!
Last but not least... the land professional is often driving a 4 X 4 truck and many have a small all terrain vehicle when there is only a path or trail. I have an old Honda 4 wheeler that has saved many a foot step on a large tract of land. You might not need this off road assistance when looking at 20 acres, but it
For information on buying or selling land, contact G. Kent Morris, ALC, RF @ 706.457.0090
