An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is the most comprehensive form of land surveying available for commercial real estate transactions. Developed jointly by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), this standardized survey product is designed to meet the needs of buyers, lenders, attorneys, and title companies by combining detailed boundary data with critical title-related information.
Where a title report outlines legal descriptions, encumbrances, easements, and liens, often spanning hundreds of pages, the ALTA/NSPS survey translates this information into a precise, graphic representation of the property. Think of it as a visual counterpart to the legal documentation: a detailed map that shows not only what the property is, but what affects it.
Our process begins with a boundary survey to establish the legal limits of the parcel. From there, we locate all visible improvements and site features, including buildings, roadways, driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, fences, and utilities. Special attention is paid to identifying potential encroachments and confirming access routes, both public and private.
We then overlay recorded easements, such as utility rights-of-way or ingress/egress corridors, onto the site map, clearly showing how they impact the usable area of the property. Optional enhancements, such as zoning information, can also be incorporated, allowing planners and developers to verify setbacks, height restrictions, and use allowances.
ALTA/NSPS surveys are widely regarded as the “gold standard” in the industry because they are governed by a national set of requirements (revised every five years), ensuring consistency, reliability, and a high level of detail across jurisdictions. For lenders and investors, this level of confidence is crucial. An accurate ALTA survey provides a foundation for extended title insurance coverage, facilitates secure financing, and supports informed decision-making during acquisitions or development planning.
At Stahly Engineering, we tailor each ALTA/NSPS survey to the specific needs of the transaction, working closely with the client, title officer, and legal team to ensure every requested Table A item is addressed with precision. Whether you’re closing a complex commercial deal or preparing a site for redevelopment, our ALTA surveys deliver the clarity and confidence your project demands.
“What did the developer say after reading the ALTA? ‘Great—now I know exactly how not to place that building.’”