I decided to try out a new tool for writing, Artificial Intelligence (AI). Anyone can sign up for an account to use ChatGPT. Here is my first test for writing content with it for the subject, alta survey. See what you think.

What is an ALTA survey and what is it used for?

An ALTA (American Land Title Association) survey is a type of land survey that is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the American Land Title Association. It is a detailed map of a piece of land that shows the boundaries of the property, as well as any improvements that have been made to the land, such as buildings, roads, and utility lines.

ALTA surveys are typically used in the [commercial] real estate industry, particularly when a property is being sold or refinanced. They provide important information about the land and its boundaries, which can be used to determine the value of the property and to ensure that all parties involved in the transaction have a clear understanding of the property’s boundaries and any potential encumbrances on the land.

ALTA surveys are also used in the construction industry to help plan and execute construction projects, as well as in land development projects to help determine the feasibility of a project and to identify any potential issues or challenges that may need to be addressed.

Overall, ALTA surveys are an important tool for accurately defining and understanding the boundaries and features of a piece of land.

Evaluation – a very good answer I think. I only added one word. I was also impressed that it mentioned “encumbrances” in the text. This was a pretty general questions though so it should have been an easy answer.

What is included in an ALTA Survey?

An ALTA survey typically includes a detailed map of the property that shows the boundaries of the land, as well as any improvements that have been made to the land, such as buildings, roads, and utility lines. It also includes a written report that provides additional information about the property, such as the legal description of the land, the location of any easements or rights of way, and any encumbrances or restrictions on the use of the land. [The research for these would have been previously provided in the Title Commitment by the Client.]

In addition to these basic elements, an ALTA survey may also include a variety of other information, depending on the specific requirements of the project and the needs of the parties involved. This can include information about the location and dimensions of any structures on the property, the location and type of any utilities, the location of any boundaries or markers, and any other relevant features or details about the land.

Overall, the purpose of an ALTA survey is to provide a comprehensive and accurate representation of the land, its boundaries, and any improvements that have been made to it, in order to help ensure the smooth and successful transfer of ownership or use of the property.

Evaluation – Again, an OK answer, but it lacks details about the items included with an ALTA Survey. I felt that one sentence needed to be added to clarify who does the research. I added “details” to the question and got the following changed middle paragraph:

In addition to these basic elements, an ALTA survey may also include a variety of other information, depending on the specific requirements of the project and the needs of the parties involved. This can include:

• The location and dimensions of any structures on the property, such as buildings, sheds, fences, or other improvements
• The location and type of any utilities, including water, sewage, electricity, gas, and telecommunications lines
• The location of any boundaries or markers, such as surveyor’s monuments, corner pins, or boundary lines
• Any encumbrances or restrictions on the use of the land, such as easements, rights of way, or zoning regulations
• Any other relevant features or details about the land, such as wetlands, floodplains, or other natural or man-made features that may impact the use or value of the property.

What are the Table A Requirements associated with an ALTA Survey and what are they used for?

The Table A Requirements are a set of minimum standards that are established by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) for land surveys that are conducted for the purpose of transferring ownership or financing real estate transactions. These requirements outline the specific information and details that should be included in an ALTA survey in order to ensure that it is comprehensive and accurate.

The Table A Requirements are used to help ensure that all parties involved in a real estate transaction have a clear and accurate understanding of the property and any potential encumbrances or restrictions on the land. They are also used to help ensure that the survey is conducted in accordance with industry best practices and standards, and that it meets the needs and expectations of the parties involved in the transaction.

The Table A Requirements cover a wide range of topics, including the legal description of the land, the location of any boundaries or markers, the location and type of any utilities, the location and dimensions of any structures on the property, and any other relevant features or details about the land. They also outline the minimum level of detail and accuracy that should be included in the survey, as well as the format and presentation of the survey report.

Please list the Table A Items for an ALTA survey.

The Table A Items are a set of minimum standards that are established by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) for land surveys that are conducted for the purpose of transferring ownership or financing real estate transactions. The Table A Items outline the specific information and details that should be included in an ALTA survey in order to ensure that it is comprehensive and accurate.

The Table A Items are divided into two categories: required items and optional items. The required items are considered essential to the survey, and must be included in every ALTA survey. The optional items may be included at the discretion of the surveyor or the parties involved in the transaction, depending on the specific needs and requirements of the project.

Here is a list of the Table A Items:

Required items:

1. Boundaries and dimensions of the property
2. Location of any structures on the property
3. Location of any easements or rights of way that affect the property
4. Location and type of any utilities on or crossing the property
5. Location of any boundaries or markers
6. Any encumbrances or restrictions on the use of the land, such as zoning regulations or covenants
7. A certificate or statement by the surveyor indicating that the survey meets the requirements of the Table A Items

Optional items:

1. Location and dimensions of any fences, walls, or other improvements that are not structures
2. Location and type of any underground storage tanks or other underground facilities
3. Elevation of any structures or other improvements on the property
4. Location of any wetlands or other protected areas on the property
5. Location of any floodplains or other areas prone to flooding
6. Location of any hazardous materials or environmental contamination on the property
7. Location of any utilities that do not cross the property but are located adjacent to it
8. Any other relevant information about the property or its surroundings that may be of interest to the parties involved in the transaction.

Evaluation – The Table A Items are OPTIONAL, ADDITIONAL items that MAY be ordered with an ALTA Survey. All the things listed in the ALTA Standards are required. Zoning regulations mentioned in the “Required” list is technically a Table A, optional item. Wetlands are no longer mentioned in the ALTA Standards nor in Table A. Find the actual Table A Items here.

Do the ALTA Standards differ among different states?

The ALTA (American Land Title Association) Standards are a set of minimum standards for land surveys that are conducted for the purpose of transferring ownership or financing real estate transactions. These standards are designed to ensure that land surveys are comprehensive and accurate, and to provide a common set of guidelines for the industry.

The ALTA Standards apply nationally, and are used by surveyors and other professionals across the United States. While the specific requirements of an ALTA survey may vary slightly from one state to another, the overall guidelines and principles outlined in the Standards are generally consistent across the country.

That being said, it is important to note that the ALTA Standards are not a substitute for state or local laws and regulations related to land surveys. Surveyors are required to follow all applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdiction where they are conducting the survey, in addition to the ALTA Standards. This may mean that the requirements of an ALTA survey in one state may differ slightly from those in another state, due to differences in local laws and regulations.

Overall, the ALTA Standards are an important tool for helping to ensure the accuracy and reliability of land surveys, and are widely recognized and followed by professionals in the real estate and construction industries throughout the United States.

Evaluation – repetitive beginning paragraph but fairly well done after that. Now let me try some questions that Google came up with when I searched for “alta survey.”

What is the difference between a survey and an ALTA survey?

A survey is a detailed map of a piece of land that shows the boundaries of the property, as well as any improvements that have been made to the land, such as buildings, roads, and utility lines. Surveys are used for a variety of purposes, including determining the value of a property, planning and executing construction projects, and identifying any potential issues or challenges that may need to be addressed in a land development project.

An ALTA survey is a specific type of land survey that is designed to meet the requirements of the American Land Title Association (ALTA). Like other types of surveys, an ALTA survey is a detailed map of a piece of land that shows the boundaries of the property and any improvements that have been made to it. However, ALTA surveys are typically more comprehensive and detailed than other types of surveys, and are specifically designed to meet the needs of the [commercial] real estate industry, particularly when a property is being sold or refinanced.

One of the main differences between a survey and an ALTA survey is the level of detail and accuracy required. ALTA surveys are held to a higher standard of accuracy and completeness than other types of surveys, and must meet [not necessarily a must] a set of minimum requirements known as the Table A Items. These requirements outline the specific information and details that must be included in an ALTA survey in order to ensure that it is comprehensive and accurate.

Overall, the main difference between a survey and an ALTA survey is the level of detail and accuracy required, and the specific purpose for which the survey is being conducted. While both types of surveys are used to map and understand the features of a piece of land, ALTA surveys are typically more comprehensive and are specifically designed for use in the real estate industry.

Evaluation – the last paragraph is almost a repeat of the previous paragraph.

What does ALTA stand for in the context of surveys?

ALTA stands for American Land Title Association. The American Land Title Association is a national trade association that represents the interests of the land title insurance industry. The organization is committed to promoting the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct among its members, and has developed a set of standards and guidelines for land surveys that are conducted for the purpose of transferring ownership or financing real estate transactions.

These standards, known as the ALTA Standards, are widely recognized and followed by professionals in the real estate and construction industries throughout the United States. They outline the specific information and details that should be included in an ALTA survey in order to ensure that it is comprehensive and accurate, and provide a common set of guidelines for the industry.

Overall, the term ALTA is most commonly used in the context of land surveys to refer to the American Land Title Association and the standards and guidelines that it has established for land surveys conducted for the purpose of transferring ownership or financing real estate transactions.

Evaluation – answered pretty well in the first paragraph.

Who completes an ALTA survey?

An ALTA survey is typically completed by a professional land surveyor or a team of surveyors. Land surveyors are trained professionals who specialize in measuring and mapping the features of a piece of land, including its boundaries, topography, and any improvements that have been made to it, such as buildings, roads, and utility lines.

Land surveyors use a variety of tools and techniques to measure and map the land, including GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers, total stations, and laser scanners. They also rely on a variety of sources of information, including property deeds, plat maps, and other legal documents, as well as physical markers and boundaries on the ground.

In order to complete an ALTA survey, a land surveyor must be licensed by the state in which they are practicing. The requirements for becoming a licensed land surveyor vary by state, but generally include completing a certain amount of education and training, and passing a licensing exam.

Overall, land surveyors are the primary professionals responsible for completing ALTA surveys, and play an important role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these surveys. They work closely with the parties involved in a real estate transaction, such as the buyer, seller, and lender, to ensure that the survey meets the specific needs and requirements of the project.

How accurate is an ALTA survey?

The accuracy of an ALTA survey depends on a number of factors, including the skill and expertise of the land surveyor or team of surveyors who complete the survey, the quality and accuracy of the tools and equipment used to measure and map the land, and the availability of reliable and accurate sources of information about the property.

In general, ALTA surveys are held to a high standard of accuracy and completeness, and are expected to meet a set of minimum requirements known as the Table A Items. These requirements outline the specific information and details that should be included in an ALTA survey in order to ensure that it is comprehensive and accurate.

The accuracy of an ALTA survey is also typically verified through a process known as retracement. During retracement, the surveyor or team of surveyors returns to the property and physically locates and verifies the boundaries and other features shown on the survey. This helps to ensure that the survey is accurate and reliable, and helps to identify and resolve any discrepancies or errors that may have been introduced during the initial survey process.

Overall, the accuracy of an ALTA survey is generally very high, and these surveys are widely recognized and trusted by professionals in the real estate and construction industries as a reliable source of information about the features and boundaries of a piece of land.

Evaluation – While the question should have asked for precision instead of accuracy, overall the answer is adequate for a layman. There is a complete section in the Standards regarding the precision of the ALTA survey. Specifically, the “maximum allowable Relative Positional Precision for an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is 2 cm (0.07 feet) plus 50 parts per million (based on the direct distance between the two corners being tested)” from 3.E.v

What is Alta in civil engineering?

In the context of civil engineering, the term “Alta” is most commonly used to refer to the American Land Title Association (ALTA). The American Land Title Association is a national trade association that represents the interests of the land title insurance industry. The organization is committed to promoting the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct among its members, and has developed a set of standards and guidelines for land surveys that are conducted for the purpose of transferring ownership or financing real estate transactions.

These standards, known as the ALTA Standards, are widely recognized and followed by professionals in the real estate and construction industries throughout the United States. They outline the specific information and details that should be included in an ALTA survey in order to ensure that it is comprehensive and accurate, and provide a common set of guidelines for the industry.

In the context of civil engineering, ALTA surveys are used to provide detailed and accurate information about the boundaries and features of a piece of land, and are often used to help plan and execute construction projects. Civil engineers may rely on ALTA surveys to help identify any potential issues or challenges that may need to be addressed in order to complete a construction project successfully, and to ensure that the project is being built in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Is an ALTA survey absolutely necessary in a commercial real estate transaction?

An ALTA survey is not always strictly necessary in a commercial real estate transaction, as the specific requirements for a survey will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the parties involved in the transaction. However, ALTA surveys are widely recognized as a comprehensive and reliable source of information about the boundaries and features of a piece of land, and are often considered an important tool for ensuring the smooth and successful transfer of ownership or financing of a commercial property.

In general, an ALTA survey may be particularly important in a commercial real estate transaction if the property is being sold or refinanced, as it provides important information about the boundaries and features of the land that can be used to determine the value of the property and to ensure that all parties involved in the transaction have a clear understanding of the property’s boundaries and any potential encumbrances on the land.

ALTA surveys are also commonly used in the construction industry, particularly for large or complex projects, as they provide detailed and accurate information about the land and any improvements that have been made to it, which can help to ensure that the construction project is completed successfully and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Overall, while an ALTA survey may not be strictly necessary in every commercial real estate transaction, it is often considered an important tool for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information about a property, and can help to ensure the smooth and successful transfer of ownership or financing of a commercial property.

Evaluation – this is a good answer for this question. I will probably use it in the future when someone invariably asks this question.

How much does an ALTA survey cost?

The cost of an ALTA survey can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the property, the location of the property, and the specific needs and requirements of the parties involved in the transaction. On average, however, the cost of an ALTA survey can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

There are a number of factors that can impact the cost of an ALTA survey, including:

• The size of the property: Larger properties generally require more time and resources to survey, and may therefore cost more than smaller properties.
• The complexity of the property: Properties with complex features or improvements, such as multiple structures or utilities, may be more costly to survey than simpler properties.
• The location of the property: Surveyors may charge more for properties that are located in remote or difficult-to-access areas, as these properties may require additional time and resources to survey.
• The specific needs and requirements of the parties involved in the transaction: The parties involved in a real estate transaction may have specific requirements or needs that require additional work or attention from the surveyor, which can increase the cost of the survey.

Overall, the cost of an ALTA survey can vary significantly, and it is important for the parties involved in a real estate transaction to carefully consider their budget and their specific needs and requirements when deciding whether to commission an ALTA survey.

Evaluation – this is also a good answer for this question.

How can I save money on an ALTA survey?

There are a few ways that you may be able to save money on an ALTA survey, depending on your specific circumstances:

1. Shop around: It is always a good idea to get quotes from multiple surveyors before choosing one to complete your ALTA survey. This can help you to get a sense of the range of prices that are available, and to choose a surveyor that offers a competitive price for the work.
2. Negotiate the scope of work: You may be able to save money on an ALTA survey by negotiating the scope of work with the surveyor. For example, you may be able to agree to exclude certain optional items from the survey in order to reduce the overall cost.
3. Consider alternative survey types: Depending on your specific needs and requirements, you may be able to save money by choosing a different type of survey instead of an ALTA survey. For example, a boundary survey or a topographic survey may be sufficient for your needs, and may be less costly than an ALTA survey.
4. Bundle multiple services: If you are planning to commission multiple surveys or other services related to your property, you may be able to save money by bundling these services together and working with a single provider. This can help you to negotiate a lower overall price for the work.

Overall, there are a number of ways that you may be able to save money on an ALTA survey, depending on your specific circumstances and needs. By shopping around, negotiating the scope of work, considering alternative survey types, and bundling multiple services, you may be able to find a surveyor who can provide the services you need at a price that fits your budget.

Evaluation – while technically many states forbid surveyors from “bidding” survey work, most folks are unaware and will always try to get the best price. Surveying services should be based on Qualifications Based Selection. You want the survey done CORRECTLY above all else.

What type of projects typically require an ALTA survey?

ALTA surveys are typically required for a variety of projects that involve the transfer of ownership or financing of real estate. These projects may include:

• Real estate sales and purchases: An ALTA survey is often required when a piece of property is being sold or purchased, as it provides important information about the boundaries and features of the land that can be used to determine the value of the property and to ensure that all parties involved in the transaction have a clear understanding of the property’s boundaries and any potential encumbrances on the land.
• Real estate refinancing: An ALTA survey may also be required when a property is being refinanced, as it provides important information about the boundaries and features of the land that can be used to determine the value of the property and to ensure that all parties involved in the transaction have a clear understanding of the property’s boundaries and any potential encumbrances on the land.
• Construction projects: ALTA surveys are commonly used in the construction industry, particularly for large or complex projects, as they provide detailed and accurate information about the land and any improvements that have been made to it, which can help to ensure that the construction project is completed successfully and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Land development projects: ALTA surveys may also be required for land development projects, such as the construction of new roads, utilities, or other improvements, as they provide important information about the boundaries and features of the land that can be used to plan and execute the project.

Overall, ALTA surveys are commonly required for a variety of projects that involve the transfer of ownership or financing of real estate, and are an important tool for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information about the boundaries and features of a piece of land.

What type of commercial real estate properties require an ALTA survey?

ALTA surveys are typically required for a variety of commercial real estate properties that involve the transfer of ownership or financing of the property. These may include:

• Office buildings
• Retail stores and shopping centers
• Industrial properties, such as warehouses and manufacturing facilities
• Hotels and other hospitality properties
• Multifamily residential properties, such as apartments and condominiums
• Mixed-use properties, such as buildings that combine residential, commercial, and industrial uses

ALTA surveys may be particularly important for large or complex commercial properties, as these properties may have a greater number of features and improvements that need to be accurately mapped and documented. Additionally, commercial properties that are being sold or refinanced may require an ALTA survey in order to provide important information about the boundaries and features of the land that can be used to determine the value of the property and to ensure that all parties involved in the transaction have a clear understanding of the property’s boundaries and any potential encumbrances on the land.

Overall, ALTA surveys are commonly required for a variety of commercial real estate properties that involve the transfer of ownership or financing of the property, and are an important tool for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information about the boundaries and features of a piece of land.

Closing Summary:

I’ve been hearing about Artificial Intelligence for quite a while and just this last few weeks about options to use it in writing and answering questions. This little test tells me that it is quite useful in creating content. However, I believe that someone who KNOWS about the subject should review the writing of a machine. This is similar to reviewing the work of a ghost writer. This is true of most technical writing. This work is also somewhat hard to read (according to my SEO evaluation plugin) so you would need to do some editing to “dumb it down” a little in order to get it like SEO wants it.

What do you think?

J. Keith Maxwell is a Professional Land Surveyor and Professional Engineer. He has focused on ALTA surveys over the last 3 years and has completed over 300 ALTA surveys in many different states. He works with a group of licensed surveyors on each of those states.