What is a Plat of Survey, And Do You Need One?

March 12, 2026

One of our most asked questions from customers is none other than "What is a Plat of Survey?"

Many contact us looking for a survey simply because they are planning to install a fence, or are simply curious where their property corners are located; however there are also times we are contacted due to an ongoing land dispute. In these cases "simply locating the property corners" isn't always enough, and that is where a Plat of Survey comes into play.

What is a Plat of Survey?

To put it simply, a Plat of Survey is a drawing of your property. Not only does it clearly define your property's boundary visually, but it also contains a Legal Description and all relevant information. This includes:

Measurements (Bearings and Distance)
Tax IDs
Easements
Right of Way Information
Encroachments
and More

Additionally, not only does a Plat of Survey provide the information, but it acts as a Legal Document which can be recorded at your local Recorder's Office.

Why You Might Need a Plat of Survey

While there are many reasons to commission a Plat of Survey, the decision often comes down to personal preference or a specific legal necessity. Many homeowners choose to obtain one simply for peace of mind and to gain a comprehensive understanding of their land’s boundaries. However, it is common for customers to seek out these documents only when they are faced with a legal dispute regarding their property lines.

The reality of land ownership is that physical property corners are not always intact or accurately placed. Discovering a property pin does not necessarily guarantee the actual location of a boundary. Although it is illegal to tamper with survey monuments, they are frequently moved or disturbed—often by accident during landscaping or construction.

When a professional performs a survey, their primary objective is to verify that all monuments are correctly positioned according to historical records. Beyond the physical markers, the Plat of Survey itself serves as a vital legal document that maintains its validity well into the future, providing a permanent reference point for your property rights.

If faced with a situation which calls your property's boundary into question, a Plat of Survey can be used to defend what is yours.

Schedule Your Survey Today

For those in need of a survey, or if you simply have questions about the process, Greene & Bradford, Inc is here to help.

We service Central Illinois, and are located within the Springfield area.

You can head over to our Request Form Page to submit a request online, or call us at 1-217-793-8844.

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