A boundary survey is the combination of:

• research of the public records
• field investigation to find evidence of boundary monumentation and occupation of the subject and adjacent tracts
• measurement of the evidence found
• mathematical comparison of the evidence to the public record
• application of boundary law when the evidence does not match the public record
• further research and field investigation due to discrepancies with the public record
• setting monumentation when required
• preparation of a drawing, called a plat, depicting the final construction of the boundary
• preparation of a written legal description often incorporated into the deed and recorded into the public records