A GE shall first secure a survey order or ______ before conducting a survey of lands of the public domain.

• A. survey authority
• B. building permit
• C. property deed
• D. land title

Answer: (A)

Securing a government-issued survey order or authority before surveying lands of the public domain is essential because the activity requires official permission and oversight. This authorization ensures the Geodetic Engineer’s work is legally sanctioned, defines the scope and limits of the survey, and ties the results to the proper government land records. Without it, the survey could be unauthorized and its findings may not be admissible or enforceable, and it could risk encroachment issues on public lands.

Building permits pertain to constructing structures, not surveying rights. A property deed or land title shows ownership and does not grant permission to survey public domain lands, which are owned by the state.