Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 5/13/2005

Question
I can't seem to find a category on allexperts that is more direct, so perhaps if you can't answer my question, you can direct me to someone who would be able to......
we're having a potential problem w/neighbors and want to find our markers that were set by a surveyor (now retired) about 5 years ago.  we have 50 acres of forest, so it's not like we can roam around until we trip over the marker.  here's the problem:  i know how to read and sketch the prop from the deed description using a protractor.  however, we purchased a GPS to use the same coordinates as described in the deed and tried to triangulate on a known corner pin, but the reading on the GPS does not come too close to the coordinates as set out in the deed description.  Do you have any clue what I'm talking about?    ANY help or direction to help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks....  Robert

Answer
Hi Robert:
I own 30 acres of land in Maine, and have tried using a GPS to walk the corners, so I have some knowledge of what you are trying to do.
I don't think the GPS will be accurate enough; and, if you are in an area where the tree cover is already out, forget about it.
The best advice I can offer: if you think you are close, and if the corner marker is some sort of metal (a rebar in the ground, or a spike in a tree base), then try renting a good metal detector.  Otherwise, I think you will need to hire another surveyor to locate the markers, and put in some more visible markers.
Another thought; if you really want to resolve a potential neighbor problem, you might want to consider letting your neighbor choose the surveyor, and you pay the bill.
Good Luck.
PB