An ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey, often referred to as an “ALTA Survey”, is a boundary survey prepared to a set of minimum standards that have been jointly prepared and adopted by the ALTA/ACSM (American Land Title Association and American Congress on Surveying and Mapping). Additionally, an ALTA survey depicts improvements, easements, rights-of-way, and other elements impacting the ownership of the land. An ALTA survey is often prepared for commercial properties, as it will provide the title company with the information required to insure the title to the land and improvements to the high degree that a commercial development may require. In addition to the minimum standards set forth, a table of optional elements is included in the ALTA/ACSM standards. A careful review of the elements from the optional “Table A” is helpful in delineating a clear scope services.
