So who exactly is your client as a surveyor?

Have you ever come across a surveyor that was constantly talking about me or my client? My client did or said this. While yes, that client does pay you, there are other approaches to get to the bottom of a dispute.  So then, who exactly do land surveyors work for if not the client? The short easy answer is, everyone.

In many surveyor regulations and publications, they stress the importance of the health, safety, and welfare of the public, not the client. This means that ultimately, land surveyors have a duty to assess the root of what’s really going on with the survey even if the outcome does not benefit the client. A well conducted survey can clear up any biases or legal questions that might arise while working on a case.

So how do you avoid bias? You may start off thinking “My goal is to solve the client’s problem because they’re paying me” and while you may solve the problem while carrying out your research and fieldwork, the goal isn’t neutral. To start with a neutral goal you have to think of the survey objectively. With a neutral objective, you’re less likely to form an opinion that leans one way or the other. For example, “My goal is to reestablish the four lots in block x of the subdivision.” Thinking this way, allows for a clear mind and a more accurate or truthful assessment of the property.

If you’re in the mindset that the client pays you and therefore the client is right about their property prior to even conducting the survey, it may alter your mindset. The records, field, and analysis phases all have information that have to be collected and weighed towards your ultimate decision. Your established neutral goal will help you form less of an opinion one way or the other until you have the facts.

How do you get into that mindset?

Well, we have some homework for you. Think about making the public your client. See where that mindset leads you. Does it affect the approach to your survey? If you think about these questions prior to beginning the job, you may be surprised by the outcome.

Answer the following questions in the comment section:

Who do you think your client is and what mindset do you use while approaching a land survey?