ALTA Survey
- Commercial properties
- Multi-family sites
- National (ALTA/NSPS) standard
ALTA Survey in {{CITY}}, {{STATE}}
ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys for {{COUNTY}} County
Professional ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys compliant with the 2026 standards. Our licensed surveyors serve property owners, lenders, and developers in {{COUNTY}} County and the surrounding areas of {{STATE}}.
What is an ALTA Land Title Survey?
An ALTA Title Survey is completed based on the "Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys" - a national standard developed jointly by the title and surveying industries. Editions before 2016 were called the ALTA/ACSM standards, because the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) was the surveying partner before the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). It's the commercial property survey that lenders and title companies commonly ask for, used on commercial and multi-family properties, or when the lender or owner is in another state. The surveyor reviews the title commitment for survey-related exceptions and plots recorded easements on the final drawing.
Unlike state-specific standards that vary widely, ALTA standards ensure a consistent survey no matter where the work is done. This means lenders, title companies, and attorneys all work from the same page. The current standards are the 2026 ALTA/NSPS requirements, effective February 23, 2026.
ALTA/NSPS standards are the national standard for commercial land title surveys and are updated periodically. Recent editions took effect in 2016, 2021, and 2026. The 2026 standards are now in effect.
View the full ALTA/NSPS standards →
ALTA Survey vs Boundary Survey
Boundary Survey
- Residential properties
- Simple parcels
- State-specific standards
A boundary survey establishes the property lines and corners of a parcel, typically for residential use, fencing, or simple lot splits. It follows whatever standard your state has adopted, which means the level of detail can vary depending on where the property is located.
An ALTA survey goes further. It follows a national standard, requires deed research from the title commitment, and includes optional Table A items that add specific details like flood zone classification, topography, and utility locations. ALTA surveys are used when a lender or title company is involved - usually for commercial properties, multi-family sites, or transactions where the buyer or lender is out of state.
If a lender or title company is involved in your transaction, you almost certainly need an ALTA survey. Call {{PHONE}} and we'll help you figure it out.
ALTA Survey Table A Items (2026 Standards)
The 2026 ALTA/NSPS standards include 20 optional Table A items. These 10 are commonly requested by lenders and title companies.
- 01
Monuments
Monuments set at all major corners of the property boundary, unless the corners are already marked by existing monuments or witnesses.
- 03
Flood Zone Classification
The property's flood zone, scaled and plotted from the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map or the state or local equivalent.
- 04
Gross Land Area
The gross land area of the property, plus any other areas the client specifies.
- 05
Vertical Relief (Topography)
Contours showing the lay of the land, with the source of the data, contour interval, datum, and originating benchmark noted.
- 06
Zoning & Setbacks
From a zoning report or letter the client provides: zoning classification and setback, height, floor space area, and parking requirements listed (6a), and setbacks drawn on the plat (6b).
- 07
Building Dimensions, Area & Height
Exterior building dimensions at ground level (7a), footprint or other square footage (7b), and measured building height (7c).
- 08
Substantial Features
Features observed in the field, such as parking lots, billboards, signs, swimming pools, landscaped areas, and substantial areas of refuse.
- 11
Underground Utilities
Evidence of underground utilities, from plans or reports the client provides (11a) and from markings made under a private utility locate request (11b).
- 13
Adjoining Owners
Names of the owners of adjoining properties, according to current tax records.
- 20
Potential Encroachments
A table summarizing potential encroachments over boundary lines, into easements and rights of way, and into setbacks, plus access or use of adjoining land without an easement.
7 Advantages of Using ALTA Survey Standards
ALTA survey standards provide a higher level of detail, consistency, and reliability - helping all parties move forward with confidence.
Uniform Standard
A nationwide standard that makes it easy for title companies to review and compare surveys, reducing delays and questions.
Familiarity
Most lenders, title companies, and other stakeholders are already familiar with ALTA standards, which helps keep your transaction on track.
Title Research
The surveyor has the advantage of deed research from the title commitment before field work, providing a more comprehensive and accurate survey.
Table A Items
Includes a set of optional items (Table A) that can be ordered based on your needs, saving time and money by focusing on what matters.
Encroachments Shown
Identifies potential encroachments and property line conflicts early, helping you avoid costly legal disputes later.
Title Exceptions Removed
Allows title insurers to remove certain exceptions from your policy, providing cleaner title coverage and greater confidence.
Consistent Scope of Work
A well-defined and consistent scope of work ensures reliable results, no matter the surveyor, and incorporates the latest technology and legal updates.
ALTA Survey Cost in {{CITY}}
Since ALTA surveys take more time & effort, these surveys typically cost more than a survey done to a particular state standard. If the state standard is more restrictive on a certain point, then the most restrictive standard applies. The number of Table A items requested also affects the scope of the survey.
For a commercial property, cost also depends on property size, site accessibility, and the timeline. Rush service is available for closing deadlines, though a compressed schedule can add to the cost.
To get an accurate quote, call {{PHONE}} or send us:
- The property address or parcel ID
- The title commitment, with copies of the recorded documents it lists
- The Table A items your lender or title company requires
- Your closing or financing deadline
- Any prior survey of the property
ALTA Survey Service Areas in {{CITY}}
Our licensed surveyors serve property owners, lenders, and real estate professionals throughout {{COUNTY}} County and the surrounding areas of {{STATE}}.
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{{COUNTY}} COUNTYCounty-Wide Coverage
{{STATE}}Licensed Surveyors
2026ALTA/NSPS Compliant
Call {{PHONE}}ALTA Survey FAQs in {{CITY}}
An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is a detailed survey standard commonly used in commercial real estate transactions. It documents the surveyed property's boundaries, improvements, easements, rights of way, access, and other matters specified by the ALTA/NSPS standards. The 2026 ALTA/NSPS Minimum Standard Detail Requirements took effect on February 23, 2026 and replaced the prior version. The exact scope of an individual survey also depends on the client's instructions, title information, and any selected Table A items.
There is no single price for an ALTA survey. Cost depends on the property's size and complexity, the quality and age of available records, site access, the amount of fieldwork and research required, the requested Table A items, and the project schedule. A project-specific quote is the reliable way to determine cost.
A typical ALTA survey can take several weeks because it may involve title-document review, record research, fieldwork, boundary analysis, preparation of the survey plat, coordination with the client or title team, and final certification. Complex properties, incomplete title information, multiple parcels, additional Table A requirements, or an accelerated closing deadline can change the schedule.
An ALTA survey may be requested by the buyer, lender, title company, attorney, developer, or another party involved in a commercial real estate transaction. The 2026 ALTA/NSPS standards state that the client requests the survey and identifies the requested Table A items. In practice, the title and lender team often has important input because the survey is intended to address matters relevant to title and transaction requirements.
Table A contains optional survey responsibilities and specifications that can be added to an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey. Depending on what the client selects, these can address items such as flood-zone information, gross land area, vertical relief, zoning information supplied to the surveyor, parking, monumentation, and other specific details. The 2026 standards contain 20 numbered Table A items, with additional negotiated requirements identified separately as Item 21(a), 21(b), and so on. The exact items required should be confirmed with the client, lender, and title company.
Only if Table A item 6 is requested. Under the 2026 ALTA/NSPS standards, the surveyor lists the zoning classification and the setback, height, floor space area, and parking requirements (item 6(a)) only when they are set forth in a zoning report or letter that the client or the client's representative provides. Setbacks are drawn on the plat (item 6(b)) only when that report states them and they do not require an interpretation by the surveyor. If your lender requires item 6, order the zoning report early so it is available before the survey drawing is prepared.
The right survey depends on the transaction and the requirements of the lender, title company, insurer, client, and jurisdiction. An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey follows a national standard designed for title-related commercial transactions and can include optional Table A items. A boundary survey is generally focused on establishing or depicting property boundaries under the applicable state and local standards. If the transaction documents specifically call for an ALTA/NSPS survey, a basic boundary survey should not be assumed to be an acceptable substitute.
ALTA and NSPS are the two organizations that jointly publish the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey standards. "ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey" refers to the combined standard rather than two different survey types. The American Land Title Association represents the title-insurance industry, while the National Society of Professional Surveyors represents the surveying profession.
The ALTA 9 endorsements are a series of title insurance endorsements published by the American Land Title Association. Depending on the form, they add coverage for certain risks related to restrictions (such as covenants, conditions, and restrictions), encroachments, and damage from mineral development. The series includes versions for different policy types and situations, such as loan policies and land under development. Whether a survey is needed is the title insurer's underwriting decision, but insurers commonly ask for a current survey showing the existing improvements before they issue encroachment coverage, and on commercial transactions that is often an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey. Ask your title company which endorsements and survey requirements apply to your transaction. This is general information, not legal or insurance advice.
Yes. Coordination with the lender and title company is common on ALTA projects because title documents, survey requirements, and requested Table A items can affect the survey scope. Our surveyors can review the title commitment and exception documents, communicate with the transaction team, and provide the final survey to the parties authorized to receive it. The specific communication process depends on the client and the engagement, and we confirm it with you at the start of the project.
Rush ALTA work may be available depending on the property, current workload, title information, field conditions, and closing deadline. A shortened schedule can require additional coordination or fees, and not every project can be safely compressed. The best approach is to provide the closing date and title documents as early as possible so we can determine whether the requested schedule is feasible.
Yes. ALTA/NSPS surveys must be performed under the professional responsibility of a surveyor licensed to practice in the jurisdiction where the property is located, subject to the applicable state rules. Our ALTA/NSPS surveys of {{STATE}} properties are prepared under the responsible charge of a land surveyor licensed in {{STATE}}, who certifies the final survey. You can verify that license through the appropriate state licensing authority.
