Understanding Survey Plans

What a survey plan is

A survey plan is a drawing made by a surveyor after measuring the land on site. It shows exactly where the land is, how big it is and where its boundaries run. In Nigeria, surveyors work under SURCON, the body that governs how land surveyors work.

What you will see on it

• Boundary lines and beacons. The edges of the plot and the markers at its corners.
• Bearings and distances. The direction and length of each boundary line.
• Coordinates. Numbers that fix each corner to a position on the earth.
• Area. The size of the plot, usually in square metres.
• Scale and north arrow. So the drawing can be read correctly.
• Surveyor’s details and certification. Who made the plan and when.

Why you need one

• To prove the size and boundaries of your land
• When buying, selling or sharing land
• For title documents and other land paperwork
• To settle boundary disputes
• Before you design or build

What is a red copy?

Red copy lodgment means submitting your survey documents to the land authority so they are on record. It can help with later title paperwork.

Checking a plan you are given

Ask who made it, whether the surveyor is properly registered, and whether the beacons on the ground match it. A surveyor can confirm this on site. Our verification guide shows where this fits.

See what a plan costs in our survey fee guide.