OSG Cadastral Surveying FAQs

OFFICE OF THE SURVEYOR-GENERAL

Cadastral Surveying FAQs


1. When do I need to engage a licensed surveyor?
You will need to engage the services of a licensed surveyor to:
  • Subdivide land
  • Identify and mark the location of existing property boundaries on the ground, such as:
    • Prepare and certify most plans of land division or amalgamation
    • Create an easement
    • Identify the location of an easement
    • Prepare plans in relation to Roads Opening and Closing Act 1991.
 
2. Where can I find information relating to my property?
Information can be found on the South Australian Property and Planning Atlas (SAPPA) website. If you require a certificate of title or any plans associated to a property address, you will need to contact Land Services SA on (08) 8423 5090. A Land Services SA employee will be able to assist you in the right direction.
 
3. Can I subdivide my land?
The Office of the Surveyor-General is not responsible for decisions relating to subdividing land. View more information about Land Division Applications.
 
4. A survey is being conducted near my property, how can I find out what it is relating to?
Depending on the type of survey being undertaken, the OSG may be able to assist with further information. Contact the Office of the Surveyor-General by email DTI.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au or call (08) 7133 2300.
 
5. Can a surveyor enter someone’s property without permission?
Yes. Under the Survey Act 1992, a surveyor, or a person authorised in writing by a surveyor, has permission to enter the premises in the course of carrying out a survey. 
 
6. Can the Office of the Surveyor-General carry out a Cadastral Survey or recommend a surveying firm?
No. We do not carry out cadastral surveys, nor have the authority to recommend a consulting surveyor. 
 
Lists of Licensed Surveyors are available by internet search or the Yellow Pages using “Land Surveyor” or “Licensed Surveyor” as key words.
 
All licensed surveyors are registered with the Surveyors Board of South Australia and listed in the South Australian Government Gazette.
 
View more information about Permanent Survey Marks.
 
7. What is a Permanent Survey Mark? 
Permanent Survey Marks (PSMs) are valuable State geodetic infrastructure that underpin the surveying of property boundaries, development and construction activities, mapping and environmental monitoring. PSMs hold accurate coordinate and height information and provide the geodetic reference frame for surveying activities. PSMs enable surveyors to readily identify property boundaries and comply with legislation and project requirements, which improves the efficiency of surveying activities, reducing costs for industry and the community.
 
View more information about Permanent Survey Marks.
 
8. There is a white PVC post out the front of my property, can I move or remove it?
The white PVC post is commonly used in development areas to identify the Permanent Survey Marks (PSMs) position and to reduce the risk of any damage to the mark. It is placed with a red indicator plate that provides information relating to the PSM. 

In some scenarios the post can be removed but before any removal, it is a requirement to contact the Office of the Surveyor-General: email us at DTI.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au or call us at (08) 7133 2300.

View more information about Permanent Survey Marks.
 
9. Why is there blue paint on my property?
You may have noticed blue paint on your property or nearby. Blue paint is commonly used by surveyors to indicate a survey marks position. The blue paint assists other surveyors on locating this mark.
 
10. Can I remove the blue dropper on my property?
The blue dropper is often used in rural areas to identify the Permanent Survey Marks (PSMs) position and to reduce the risk of any damage to the mark. It is placed with a red indicator plate that provides information relating to the PSMs. 

In some scenarios the post can be removed but before any removal, it is a requirement to contact the Office of the Surveyor-General: email us at DTI.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au or call us at (08) 7133 2300.

We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal peoples as the state's first peoples and nations, and recognise them as traditional owners and occupants of land and waters in South Australia. Further, we acknowledge that the spiritual, social, cultural and economic practices of Aboriginal peoples come from their traditional lands and waters, that they maintain their cultural and heritage beliefs, languages and laws which are of ongoing importance, and that they have made and continue to make a unique and irreplaceable contribution to the state. We acknowledge that Aboriginal peoples have endured past injustice and dispossession of their traditional lands and waters.