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SurveyingWhy Old Surveys Can Create Modern Problems
Why Old Surveys Can Create Modern Problems
Surveying2/7/2026
Why Old Surveys Can Create Modern Problems
An older survey may appear official, but land conditions change over time. Boundary monuments are disturbed, roads shift, utilities are added, and zoning laws evolve. Relying on outdated surveys can result in missing boundary markers, inaccurate measurements, non-compliant building placement, and invalid permits. Modern surveys use advanced equipment, higher accuracy standards, and digital records that older surveys cannot match. Municipalities and lenders often reject outdated surveys, delaying projects and transactions. If a survey is more than a few years old or predates development, updating it is a wise investment. Old surveys document history, while new surveys provide certainty.