Before the first line is drawn or the first shovel hits the ground, there’s a step that quietly sets the stage for everything that follows.

Surveying. It’s not always the part clients think about first, but it’s one of the most important. At Schemmer, our survey team helps ensure that every project starts with accurate, reliable information. Without it, even the best designs can run into problems.

To better understand the role surveying plays, we talked with Survey Manager, Tulsa office, Jason Lilly about what surveyors really do and why their work matters.

What does a land surveyor actually do?

At its core, surveying is about understanding land, both physically and legally.

“A land surveyor measures, analyzes, and documents the physical features and legal boundaries of land,” Jason explains. “That can include locating property lines, identifying easements and rights-of-way, providing topographic information for design, and staking improvements in the field so projects are built in the correct location.”

Put simply, surveyors give project teams a clear picture of what they’re working with. They define where things can go, where they should go, and help make sure everything ends up exactly where it’s supposed to be.

Without that clarity, the rest of the project is built on guesswork.

What happens when surveying gets skipped?

Skipping surveying might seem like a way to save time or money upfront, but it almost always leads to bigger issues down the line.

“When surveying is skipped, projects are exposed to avoidable risk very early in the process,” Jason says. “Common issues include improvements being placed in the wrong location, conflicts with property lines or easements, grading and drainage problems, utility clashes, and design based on incorrect assumptions.”

And those issues don’t stay small for long.

Think about something like a parking lot or building being placed just a few feet off where it should be. That small miss can turn into drainage problems, rework, or even legal headaches.

What starts as a minor oversight can quickly snowball into construction delays, costly change orders, or disputes that could have been avoided from the start.

How technology is changing surveying

While the purpose of surveying has not really changed, the tools definitely have.

“Surveying has evolved significantly with advances in GPS and GNSS, robotic total stations, 3D laser scanning, drone-based mapping, and integrated data workflows,” Jason explains.

“The core responsibility of the surveyor remains the same,” Jason adds, “but technology has greatly improved the speed, detail, and value of the information we provide.”

The foundation every project depends on

Surveying may happen behind the scenes, but its impact shows up in just about every phase of a project.

From early site planning to final construction, survey data helps guide decisions, reduce risk, and keep teams aligned. It is one of those things that, when done right, you do not always notice, but when it is missing, you definitely feel it.

At Schemmer, that is what our survey team brings to every project, a solid foundation to build from.

SCHEMMER – DESIGN WITH PURPOSE. BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.

At Schemmer, we believe that great design goes beyond structures; it strengthens communities. As a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction field services consultant, we deliver innovative solutions that enhance the built environment and improve lives.

Since 1959, we have been shaping the future while honoring our legacy. With nine offices across six states in the Midwest, our expertise reaches coast-to-coast, bringing thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful solutions to every project.

Our Comprehensive Services:

• Architecture
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Site/Civil Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Water/Wastewater Engineering
• Surveying
• Interior Design
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Field Services

At Schemmer, we don’t just design, we create lasting impact. Let’s design a better future together.

Contact Us Today!