Why It Matters
Get a survey before you close
A land survey is not optional for raw land buyers — it's the document that tells you exactly what you're purchasing. Property corners, boundary lines, easements, encroachments, slope, and buildable area. On unimproved land in Summit and Wasatch County, surprises after closing are expensive. A survey before closing is not.
For development lots in club communities, the survey confirms you're getting what the plat shows. For raw parcels with historical descriptions, it resolves discrepancies that could affect your ability to build or subdivide.
When to order a survey
Order a boundary survey during your due diligence period — before closing, not after. If you're planning to build, add a topographic survey at the same time. The cost of combining them is less than ordering them separately, and you'll need both before any design work starts.
Boundary Survey
Establishes the legal boundaries of your parcel. Identifies corners, encroachments, and any discrepancies between the deed description and actual lines on the ground.
Topographic Survey
Maps the elevation changes, drainage patterns, and existing features of the site. Required by architects and engineers before any design work begins.
ALTA Survey
The most comprehensive survey type. Required by lenders and title companies on commercial transactions. Shows boundaries, easements, improvements, and encumbrances.
Construction Staking
Establishes exact locations for foundations, utilities, and infrastructure before and during construction. Prevents costly mistakes when the equipment is already on site.
Subdivision Plats
Required to legally divide raw land into multiple parcels. Must meet Summit or Wasatch County requirements. Involves P&Z coordination and county recorder filing.
UAV / Drone Survey
Aerial mapping using drone technology for large parcels or complex terrain. Faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods for topographic mapping at scale.
Local Surveyor · Heber City
Element Land Surveying
Element Land Surveying is based in Heber City and focuses specifically on Summit County, Wasatch County, and the surrounding Wasatch Back area. They offer boundary surveys, topographic surveys, ALTA surveys, subdivision surveys, FEMA elevation certificates, and UAV drone surveying. Free consultations. Licensed and insured.
They have completed projects in Promontory, Wallsburg, Heber City, Midway, and Park City — the specific communities relevant to Bridger Land & Ranch buyers.
Estimates
Free consultations
License
Licensed & insured
UAV Capable
Yes — drone surveying
Boundary
Topographic
ALTA
Subdivision
UAV / Drone
FEMA Elevation
Construction Layout
Bridger Land & Ranch is not affiliated with Element Land Surveying. Contact them directly for estimates.
Civil Engineering + Surveying · Park City
Alliance Engineering
Alliance Engineering is a family-owned firm based in Park City (2700 Homestead Rd #50, Park City UT 84098) with over 45 years of experience in Summit County. They combine land surveying with civil engineering and land planning services — useful when your project involves more than just a boundary survey. Free estimates. Licensed engineer and licensed land surveyor on staff. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Their surveying services include ALTA surveys, boundary surveys, construction staking, GPS & GIS mapping, mineral surveys, subdivision plats, and topographic mapping. For buyers who need subdivision entitlements, roadway design, or utility coordination alongside their survey, Alliance can handle the whole scope.
Experience
45+ years (est. 1978)
Bilingual
English & Spanish
ALTA
Boundary
Construction Staking
GPS & GIS Mapping
Mineral Surveys
Subdivision Plats
Topographic
Civil Engineering
Land Planning
Drone Imaging
Bridger Land & Ranch is not affiliated with Alliance Engineering. Contact them directly for estimates.
National Firm · Heber City Office
Atwell
Atwell is a national engineering and consulting firm with a Heber City office at 55 W Center St. They offer full-service surveying, engineering, planning, environmental consulting, and construction management. Atwell brings national resources and specialized expertise to larger or more complex projects — subdivision developments, commercial land, large acreage parcels, and projects requiring environmental or entitlement work alongside the survey.
For straightforward residential boundary surveys, the local firms above are likely a better fit. For complex development projects in Summit or Wasatch County, Atwell's full-service capability and Heber City presence are worth a call.
Address
55 W Center St, Heber City
Industries
Land dev, energy, O&G
Surveying
Engineering
Planning & Entitlement
Environmental
GIS Mapping
Construction Mgmt
Land & ROW Solutions
Bridger Land & Ranch is not affiliated with Atwell. Contact them directly for project inquiries.
Choosing a Surveyor
Which firm for which project
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Residential lot or raw parcel — boundary or topo survey
Element Land Surveying is the natural starting point. Heber City-based, Wasatch Back specialist, free consultations, and a track record in the specific communities you're buying in.
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Subdivision development or entitlements needed
Alliance Engineering can handle the full scope — survey, civil engineering, land planning, and county coordination in one firm. 45 years in Summit County means they know the process.
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Large or complex development project
Atwell's Heber City office brings national resources for projects that need environmental work, construction management, or coordination across multiple disciplines at scale.
FEMA Flood Zone Note
If any portion of a parcel you're evaluating sits near a creek, drainage, or flat terrain, check the FEMA flood map before ordering a survey. If the parcel is in Zone AE or AO, you'll need a FEMA Elevation Certificate — Element Land Surveying specifically offers these.
Quick-access parcel & flood tools
Use these official tools to look up parcel boundaries, ownership, and flood zone status before you engage a surveyor.
Need help evaluating a parcel first?
A local land agent can walk you through what to check before you order a survey — zoning, hillside overlay, water rights, easements — so you're ordering the right survey for the right reasons.
Talk to a Land Agent