Although the principles and goals of land surveying remain constant, the available technology is constantly improving.  PennTerra takes full advantage of the latest available field equipment and computer software to provide precise location information quickly and efficiently.  A design is only as good as the survey information on which it is based, therefore accurate and complete information is the backbone of our designs. Similarly, a well-constructed project is dependent on providing the correct survey data to the contractor.  PennTerra's Surveying Department has the equipment, experience and personnel to meet the needs of any surveying application.

Contact our Survey Department about your Land Surveying needs.

About Surveying

Surveyors need to be part mathematician, part investigator, a little bit of “legal eagle” and have a lot of dedication.  Of course, the math part is understandable when one looks at the trigonometry behind how a parcel is measured using basic surveying techniques.  The investigator rises to the surface as monuments in the field are looked for or property ownership records are researched.  The interpretation of “legalese” is required when reading ownership documents.  From taking measurements to designing plans, our survey team pretty much performs any type of survey service required.  The most common type of surveys we do are perimeter and topographic surveys.  This service is usually done for returning clients in need of a quick turnaround on a site plan or subdivision. 

The Survey Team

The department is led by B.K. Bastress, P.L.S.  B.K. has worked for the survey department for thirty years and rivals our extensive project database for his awesome memory of jobs we have done in the past.  He has held his professional registration since 1989, is a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors and has been Chief of Surveys since 1983. Bruce Kocher, Field Crew Liaison, has been with PennTerra nearly as long as B.K.  During his twenty one years, he has risen from rodman to Crew Chief and is now in charge of both crews as well as all recon and utility location coordination. Nevin Grove, P.L.S., started surveying with the field crew nineteen years ago and is now Assistant Chief of Surveys.  He received his license in 2003 and coordinates crew scheduling.  Seth Holderman verifies the accuracy of all plans from the survey perspective and is responsible for all construction stakeout activities. Our field crews are comprised of our Field Crew Chiefs, Rick DeArmitt and Jeff Grant, and the rest of our survey team consist of Uriah Wood, Rich McLaughlin & Jeremiah Reif.

Our Survey Equipment

PennTerra employs top-of-the-line survey equipment. This equipment allows the field crews to accurately yet quickly perform surveys and then allows for a fast, easy and efficient download to our design software..  Our equipment includes:   Leica Total Stations and data collectors with Robotic Instrumentation; Topcon GR-3; Topcon Levels; Digital Cameras; and Motorola Radios.

Survey Projects

One of our more interesting surveys is at the ongoing Country Inn & Suites site in College Township.  Prior to the land development plan being submitted, an extensive ALTA Survey for fourteen separate and contiguous properties needed to be performed.  Decade old deeds and old plans were researched in order to determine the existing property lines for the parcels.  Easements were located and shown on the plan and missing property corners were set.  The two-page 30 x 40 drawings were instrumental in achieving the acquisition of the properties for our client.  At this time, the elimination of the interior property lines in the form of a lot consolidation plan for the 4.5 acre parcel is in the works.  In addition, Preliminary and Final Land Development plans, detailing all aspects of site design, access, utilities, and storm water drainage, are being prepared, all in support of the future construction of a 115-room Country Inn and Suites Hotel with an attendant 6,500 square foot restaurant