Legal Definitions - field book

A field book is a specialized log or notebook used by a land surveyor to record detailed observations and measurements directly at a property site. It serves as a primary, on-the-spot record of information needed to accurately map and define land boundaries. This includes precise notes on the directions (course) and lengths (distance) of property lines, as well as the exact locations of boundary markers and property corners for a specific parcel of land.

• Example 1: Residential Property Transaction

  Imagine a homeowner is selling their house, and the buyer's mortgage lender requires an updated survey to confirm the exact boundaries of the property. The land surveyor hired for this task would visit the property with their equipment. As they measure the perimeter of the lot, locate existing fences, and identify any old boundary stakes, they would meticulously record all these measurements, angles, and observations in their field book. These on-site notes are critical for creating the final survey plat that legally defines the property being sold.

• Example 2: Commercial Land Development

  Consider a real estate developer planning to construct a new office complex on a large, undeveloped tract of land. Before any construction can begin, a comprehensive survey is needed to establish the precise legal boundaries of the entire parcel, especially where it borders public roads or other private properties. The surveying team would spend days or weeks on the site, using their field books to document every critical point, distance, and bearing. This includes recording the coordinates of new survey markers they place, the exact path of a stream running through the property, and the relationship of the property lines to nearby utility easements. These detailed field notes form the foundation for all subsequent engineering and construction plans.

• Example 3: Resolving a Boundary Dispute

  Suppose two neighbors are in disagreement over the exact location of their shared property line, particularly concerning a shed one neighbor recently built that the other claims encroaches on their land. A professional surveyor would be called in to investigate. The surveyor would visit the disputed area, examine existing deeds, and take new measurements. All new observations, such as the distance from a known monument to the corner of the shed, the angle of an old fence line, and any discrepancies found with previous surveys, would be carefully logged in the surveyor's field book. These contemporary, on-site records are essential evidence used to determine the correct legal boundary and help resolve the dispute.