ALTA Surveying Standards

An ALTA survey—short for American Land Title Association survey—is a detailed form of land surveying used primarily during property transactions. It outlines property boundaries, improvements, easements, and other features that could impact land ownership or development. For buyers, lenders, and title companies, it's a dependable way to verify the status of a property.

But what makes ALTA surveying different from a standard boundary or topographical survey? The answer lies in the nationally recognized standards it must meet.

What Are ALTA Surveying Standards?

ALTA surveying standards are nationally recognized guidelines established by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). These standards deﬁne the minimum requirements for surveys used in commercial real estate transactions, particularly those involving title insurance.

ALTA surveys are designed to deliver consistent, in-depth property data. The standards dictate how the survey should be conducted, what information must be gathered, and how it must be presented. Typical survey components include:

Boundary lines and legal descriptions
Recorded easements and rights-of-way
Existing improvements, such as buildings, fences, and roads
Signs of encroachments or use by others
Access to public roads
Optional zoning, utility, or setback data based on Table A selections

These uniform requirements help ensure that all parties—developers, buyers, lenders, and title companies—receive a complete, reliable understanding of a property's legal and physical conditions.

A licensed land surveyor Tulsa professional who understands the current standards is essential to producing a valid ALTA survey. When done correctly, ALTA surveys help minimize risk and support well-informed real estate transactions.

When Is an ALTA Survey Required?

An ALTA survey is often required for commercial ﬁnancing or title insurance transactions. These surveys verify that the physical site matches its legal description and identify any issues that could affect property use or ownership. They are also recommended for properties with outdated documentation, undeveloped land, or sites where boundary and easement clarity is needed.

How Is an ALTA Survey Completed?

The process begins with thoroughly reviewing title commitments and relevant public records to understand legal descriptions, easements, and other recorded details. From there, a licensed Oklahoma land surveying team conducts a ﬁeld visit to collect accurate on-site data using advanced tools such as GPS and total stations.

The ﬁnal deliverable is a signed survey drawing that includes boundary lines, existing improvements, access points, easements, and any additional Table A items requested. This level of documentation supports due diligence and helps stakeholders make informed decisions during property transactions and development planning.

What Happens If Standards Aren't Met?

Failing to meet ALTA standards can result in denied ﬁnancing, rejected title insurance, or legal disputes after the transaction. Missing or inaccurate information can increase the likelihood of problems down the line. Meeting the ALTA requirements helps support a reliable, legally sound transaction process.

Why Experience With ALTA Surveys Matters

An ALTA survey goes beyond basic property mapping. It must follow strict national standards that affect legal, ﬁnancial, and development outcomes. Surveyors with experience in ALTA surveys know how to interpret title documents, identify encroachments, and deliver clear, detailed reports that meet lender and title company expectations.

A team knowledgeable about Oklahoma land surveying understands the complexities of Table A items, easement documentation, and zoning details. They know how to meet compliance requirements and help avoid issues that could delay closings or require revisions.

Choosing an experienced land surveyor Tulsa team means you'll receive more than accurate data—you'll have a survey that supports a smooth, informed transaction from start to ﬁnish.

Partner With Sisemore & Associates for Effective Oklahoma Land Surveying

At Sisemore Associates, we've spent 30 years supporting developers and property owners with our expertise in land surveying. With a strong focus on meeting ALTA standards for commercial real estate and development, we help our clients by giving them the data and information they need to make informed decisions.

In addition to ALTA surveys, we provide: