Surveyor Signs and Symbols

A selection of typical surveyor tapes, also called flags or ribbons. Many other specialty color combinations are available to the professional surveyor.

Simple surveyor’s flags or tape. Sometime the flags or streamers are attached to trees, fence posts or put on a stake to make them visible above the weeds. There might be no markings on the stake or only simple generic markings. This could mean that this is the correct road and turn here; or it could be a proposed or approximate location for some future work.

Stakes with simple flags and some basic identification. These stakes shown here all indicate an access route to be used for equipment and trucks to get to a proposed pipeline right-of-way. The “H310” is the EQT name for the proposed 30-inch diameter OVC pipeline.

These three stakes are identifying a control point which is outside the limits of disturbance (LoD). These markings surround a pin to be used for reference.

This stake is identifying a control point location. All control points will have some type of driven metal rod, usually with a plastic cap identifying the surveyor. Frequently there are three stakes with extra flags or tape. They are always set off to the side of the intended work area. They are not to be disturbed.

A set of three stakes marking a control point location. It is common to see triple stakes with elaborate, multiple flags. Even if there are only two stakes, there always will be a driven steel pin and identifying cap.

A close-up of the identifying cap on a metal driven steel pin. Control point locations are not meant to be disturbed as they are for future and repeated reference. They might give the latitude and longitude on the stake, plus the altitude.

Another control point location. This represents a typical arrangement, where the stakes somewhat serve to protect the metal pin from a bulldozer blade by warning a distracted operator.

LoD means limits of disturbance. Beyond this point, no trees should be cut, nor dirt moved. The stakes shown here indicate that this is the outside limit of where the contractor will be disturbing the original contour of the surface.

RoW LoD signifies the limits of disturbance of the proposed pipeline right-of-way. Beyond this point, no tees should be cut, nor dirt moved. This could also be used for the outside edge of well pads or access roads or pond locations.

Stakes with flags including a written “C” superimposed over a “L” mark and center line, usually for pipelines.

As noted above, stakes with flags including a written “C” superimposed over a “L” mark and center line, usually for pipelines. But, as shown here, they can also be used for future well pad access roads.

With precise location markings, stakes like this will usually have a steel pin also associated with them. This stake gives the latitude, longitude and elevation of the site.

This stake indicates permanent property lines and corners of property; it’s a one-inch steel rod with an aluminum cap.

A boundary survey monument indicates permanent property lines, or corners of the surveyed property. This is likely an aluminum cap on top of an one-inch diameter steel bar.

Surveying instruments here are a Leica System 1200 differential GPS. These units are extremely accurate and will transmit to a survey receiver a long distance away. This equipment will frequently be set up near an existing control point. This is shown on the proposed path of the Ohio Valley Connector pipeline.