This varies by (a) the number of parcels involved; and (b) the number of past transactions.  This necessary step is complicated by the casual manner in which land transactions have been handled in the past, resulting in many vague, incomplete, and often contradictory legal descriptions and land records.

An irregularly shaped parcel has more corners to monument and a longer boundary than a rectangular parcel containing the same area.

This could require the survey of an entire section (640 acres +) in which the land being surveyed lies, regardless of the area of the parcel.  In some cases, a survey of more than one section is required, depending on the location of the parcel in question in relation to the sections shown on the government plat.

A level parcel of land is easier to survey than a mountainous parcel.  Interference with lines of sight and accessibility complicate field work.

Existing evidence such as iron, wood, or stone monuments, old fences, and occupation lines, witness tress, etc., aid the Surveyor.  Their absence may compound difficulties involved in retracing boundaries.

Someone pointing out accepted occupation lines and monumentation is a considerable aid to the Surveyor.

When neighbors are cooperative, an otherwise difficult or impossible boundary line location may be established by boundary line agreement.

In the summer, foliage may present problems making survey measurements difficult.  In the winter, weather may slow travel to the site and sometimes conceal field evidence.

Title companies may require considerably more documentation than is normally required by the average land owner.

This map or record is often required by state law, to protect the general public, if matters addressed by the Land Surveyors Act are encountered while surveying your property.  This will cause the mapping costs to increase, and requires the payment of map checking and recording fees.