Cadastral Surveyor

A cadastral surveyor is responsible for accurately defining property boundaries and understanding the laws of land ownership. This may include the identification of residential or rural boundaries, re-establishing boundaries that have been previously surveyed or creating new boundaries as part of the land subdivision process. A cadastral surveyor has the skill and knowledge to interpret and advise on the location of boundaries and if there are any rights or restrictions relating to the property. The information and measurements taken by the cadastral surveyor are recorded on a survey plan which the surveyor is required to lodge with the relevant government agency.

The land tenure system in Queensland is based on the Torrens system. This means the certificate of title for a nominated parcel of land represents an interest in that land with the registration of that interest guaranteed correct by the State. In Queensland, only registered cadastral surveyors can perform a boundary survey, and place a survey mark that defines a property boundary. Only a registered cadastral surveyor can certify survey plans for lodgement with the government.

In order to protect the public by ensuring surveys are carried out in a professional and competent way, the Surveyors Board of Queensland keeps a Register of Surveyors who have been assessed as competent and are registered to perform cadastral surveys.

Below is a list of work that cadastral surveyors may perform:

Property Subdivision

The identification and creation of new property boundaries when a larger property is divided into a number of smaller lots, including when buildings are subdivided for sale or lease of individual units.

Identification Survey (Ident)

A survey that identifies and marks existing property boundaries. This may be required for a number of reasons e.g. to build a fence or to settle a boundary fencing dispute with a neighbour.

Location Certificate

A survey to identify if the real property description in a contract of sale or mortgage document, is the correctly nominated property, e.g. you are not purchasing your neighbour’s property.

Detail or Contour Survey

A survey to identify the location and height of the features on the property. This survey will also identify the slope and the extent of the slope on the property. This survey may be necessary when vacant land is to be developed e.g. a new house being built.