Determining where a property's boundaries are located can sometimes be a challenging and time-consuming process. Older properties may have limited or unclear documentation, while physical evidence such as old fencing, blazed trees, stone walls, may provide important clues about the original boundaries.

 NovaScapes provide a land property investigation service and preliminary boundary research to help clients develop a better understanding of their property before deciding whether a formal survey is necessary.

My work combines title and historical document research, on-the-ground investigation, and low-accuracy handheld GPS measurements to identify and document the approximate location of property boundaries and other relevant features.

Every property is different. Some properties may have abundant documentary and physical evidence, while others may have very little. My approach is to consider all available evidence rather than relying on a single source.

Depending on your property and available information, a preliminary boundary line investigation may include the following:

• Reviewing property titles and deed descriptions

• Researching historical property information and previous conveyances

• Examining existing plans, maps, air photos and other available records

• Walking the property to locate physical evidence of historic boundaries including tree blazes, old wire fencing and rock walls

• Taking approximate GPS locations of evidence found in the field

• Comparing field evidence with title and documentary information

• Preparing a written summary of findings and observations

• Identifying areas where additional professional investigation or survey may be warranted

A preliminary investigation can help a property owner or potential property owner answer some practical questions such as:

• "Are my property boundaries in the location where I assume they are?"

• "Where do I believe my property boundaries are located before I purchase this land?"

• "Is there evidence of an old boundary line on the ground?"

• "Does the physical evidence appear consistent with the deed description?"

• "Where should I look for an old fence, stone wall, or blazed line?"

• "Do I have enough information to proceed with my plans?"

• "Would a licensed land surveyor be necessary for what I am trying to accomplish?"