The American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) jointly adopted a set of standards by which lenders, title companies, etc. could be assured of a certain level of precision and quality in the survey on which they base their title insurance. These rules are updated periodically and must be strictly followed by the Professional Land Surveyor who is performing the survey. This type of survey is called an “ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey” (formerly known as “ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey” or commonly referred to as an “ALTA” survey.
It is becoming increasingly common for lenders to require ALTA surveys for loans on all commercial property. The ALTA survey is to be performed in accordance with the most recent standards as set forth in the Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys.
For more information about the standards and the purpose they serve, click here to visit the NSPS web site.