Using GPS to locate property lines

[rbbyrd]

I had also looked into trying to define property lines with GPS, but ran into the accuracy issues. Another issue I came upon, which I haven't resolved, is where exactly does one measure from? And where does one get the Lat/Lon info on the property?

My property is in Leilani, and all the info I can find is "that property in Block 18, Lot 10....". There was "pin-finding" done when I bought the property; in retrospect I probably could've done the same thing with a metal detector and saved $400. So, if anyone can offer a direction in which to proceed, it would be greatly appreciated.


RB Byrd
http://www.dejavuduband.com
Flower Mound, TX

[Rob Tucker]

From everything I'm finding out the inexpensive retail GPS equipment will not do the job of locating property line positions. I am turning to a surveyor friend to try to get these points located with accruacy.

One thing I did find that was interesting and affordable was a combo GPS/walkie talkie which would allow me to talk to my kids as they wander the woods and also have a directional finder to know where they are. I think I will get that GPS product for that purpose.


Chairman, Punaweb Committee, MSPA

[HADave]

Thought I would add this link for those seeking pin finders and or mapping solutions they advertize being much less than a surveyor and are East side local.

http://www.creativemappingsolutions.com/index.html







Aloha HADave

S.China / Kurtistown

Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.

[jdirgo]

I won't launch into my screed of "never use a pinfinder" (you've all heard it before). But I will say these two things:

Caveat emptor --and--
You get what you pay for



John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.alohacoastrealty.com

[John S. Rabi]

quote:

---

Originally posted by jdirgo

I won't launch into my screed of "never use a pinfinder" (you've all heard it before). But I will say these two things:

Caveat emptor --and--
You get what you pay for

John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.alohacoastrealty.com

---

Ditto. I know of a BUILDER who tried to save money this way and ended up building with an encroachment. He had to use cranes to lift up and move the house. (Luckily for him, it was a P&P and not slab construction!) I also know of a REAL ESTATE AGENT who used a pinfinder and ended up building on the wrong lot!

Aloha,
John S. Rabi ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"

[Rob Tucker]

I understand. I found my pins. But with 3,000' property lines I needed to find the middle points. I used Creative Mapping Solutions and was happy with Christian and his work. I did find out that parts I thought I owned I did not and part I did not think I owned I did.

Thanks guys

[HADave]

You guys wouldn't be suggesting that pins mysteriously have a way of moving around and just because you find one doesn't mean it is where it is suppose to be ......Are You ??? All subdivisions were legitimately surveyed once weren't they ?? Some sort of metallic pin was used for reference right ?? If No to the first and yes to the latter than why not a pin finder be it yourself or someone that gets hired especially if they have mapping provisions to offer ?????

[^][?][V]



Aloha HADave

S.China / Kurtistown

Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.

[jdirgo]

Pins fall over, pins rust out, pins get knocked over by tractors or other equipment and are put back in the ground by the guy running the equipment who's "pretty sure" that the pin was where he put it back.

Yes, they were pinned when it was subdivided. HPP, for example, was subdivided before we became a state. Nanawale was subdivided in 1961. Hawaiian Acres was subdivided sometime between 1958 (when the land was bought by the developer) and about 1962. Sure, there were pins and surveys done -- over 40 years ago.

I just think its smarter to get it redone rather than trusting that the pins that were placed there many years ago are the ones you're finding now. I'd also like to think that survey accuracy has improved since the 1960's.

There's pins clearly visible on an older property that I own. Imagine my surprise when a modern survey was done and it was discovered that part of my wall (that's been there 40 years) is partially on the other property. Thankfully for me, it falls under what is known as "de minimus structure position discrepency" and nothing has to be done.

To quote from a well-respected Hawaiian real estate book, "1997 amendments to our statutes attempted to limit probems arising from encroachments of improvements that were the subject of older, less accurate surveys". (emphasis mine)

On agricultural land (like nearly all of Puna), regardless of lot size, the de minimus structure position discrepency is only 9 inches. So if those 40 year old pins are off by 2 feet on a standard Hawaiian Acres lot and you build against that setback (based on the pins), you could have to move a house.

In Rob's case where he needed help to locate some of the middle points on the line, he probably has no worries. He's a smart guy and knows the building codes and planning department rules probably far better than I do, so I trust his judgement in using the right tools (be it a pinfinder or surveyor) for his needs. My warning is to other people (and I include myself in that group) who may not have Rob's detailed knowledge and want to be sure that they are safe in what they plan to do.

And no, I am not paid by the Surveyor's Licensing Board or whatever they may be called. I've just personally been witness to too many horror stories.

John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.alohacoastrealty.com

[leilaniguy]

I talked to an old guy who had worked for the company that originally dozed Hawaiian acres in the fifties. He said it was "surveyed" by stretching a mile long cable marked with paint every 150' and pounding corner pins at each mark. Not the best method.

[Jeffhale]

I'll second that Johnd, i owned a fence company and while everything might seem 'O.K'. at the time you find 'your' line if it's not on the money, the neighbors can and or will drive you under..

Many, many property owners might have wanted me to build a fence right on the line, but no way.. Not gonna do it... Two reasons, one, if there's a slight chance it's an inch wrong, i don't want the responsibility and two, unless the neighbors make a statement in writing, trouble can be in the future at any given time..

when finding side and rear lot lines you have to stay minimum, bare minimum 6 inches inside your lot in a small lot and if any doubt and or lager lots, I acre and more, 1-2 feet unless you have a licensed surveyors statements etc.. And then to put a fence on that line, not without written compliance from neighbor..

I used Chris too he's a good guy,, I needed to find two corner stakes which had been professionally, licensed, surveyed a few year prior to my owning but under the ground..

However, the county could care less whether the pins are there or not. Even after Chris found my pins, i had to find the previous surveyor and get his documents before the county would get off my back.. And I was not building anything there, just simply establishing the stupid line.. The county states and i believe Chris, will tell you too, the GPS locators can have an error margin of 8-10 feet.. And who cares about ANY stakes or monuments.. ha ha..

Chris and others with GPS are good, cheep but beware..

I’d gladly use Chris again but, only on my personal property and because I have so much experience.. But not to place a monument or stake on a corner or distance bearing. Unless, like I had and could not find, stakes, pins or monuments that where were recent, by licensed surveyor.. even then stay a few inches away.

For a straight line, shoot a laser..