Are township survey lines boundaries? If so, why? If not, what is missing and still needed in

Question

order to make such a survey line into a boundary?

Answer 1

Township survey lines are not necessarily boundaries. While survey lines are used to establish the framework for land division and ownership, additional factors are required to formalize them as boundaries. Here are a few key aspects that are missing and needed to make a survey line into a boundary:

Legal designation: A survey line alone does not have legal status as a boundary. To become a boundary, it must be designated and recognized as such by legal authorities or agencies, such as government bodies or land registry offices.

Boundary agreements: In some cases, the landowners or parties involved may need to enter into boundary agreements to establish mutual consent and acceptance of the survey lines as official boundaries. These agreements often involve recording the boundaries in legal documents and may require the involvement of legal professionals.

Boundary monuments or markers: Physical demarcations, such as survey monuments or markers, are essential to clearly indicate the location and extent of a boundary. These markers serve as tangible references for landowners, surveyors, and officials, reinforcing the validity and permanence of the boundary.

Boundary survey certification: A professional surveyor often needs to conduct a boundary survey, verifying the accuracy of the survey lines and producing a survey report or certification. These surveys involve measurements, analysis of historical records, and adherence to surveying standards to establish definitive boundary lines.

Recognition and acceptance: Lastly, the survey lines need to be recognized and accepted by all relevant parties, including adjacent landowners, public or private institutions, and legal authorities. Acceptance ensures that the survey lines are widely acknowledged as boundaries, providing a clear understanding and resolution for any land-related matters.

Therefore, while township survey lines may serve as a foundation, the inclusion of legal designation, boundary agreements, physical markers, survey certifications, and general acceptance by stakeholders are vital to establishing them as official boundaries.