Chapter 4: Tips on Conducting Land Use Surveys
For the novice land use surveyor, this brief chapter has been
added to assist you in conducting a land use survey.
While technology is advancing to assist you in carrying out land
use classification surveys, many of today's surveys must still
be conducted through observation. This type of survey
work is often called windshield surveying
because it is usually done while driving down the road in a car.
The surveyor assigns one or more land use classifications based
on the observed activity that is taking place on the property.
Assumptions are made based on the type of building(s) that are
located there, signs that are observed, and other visible aspects
of the property.
The surveyor can either drive or walk around the selected area
and record the land use of each property. For the purpose of conducting
a land use survey, the following should be on hand:
- a property map that has building footprints and PID numbers
on it
- a data sheet on which to record land use codes and property
descriptions, and
- a listing of all the classifications (such as Module 2 of
this guide).
The surveyor can refer to the map to identify single properties,
and note the PID number and classification on the data sheet for
future data inputting purposes. The example in Figure 4.1 illustrates
how one would classify a property and indicate it on a data sheet.
In some situations, it may be helpful to consult a combination
of zoning maps, aerial photographs and property information to
verify classification designations. Familiarity with the selected
site is a definite asset. If the surveyor is not from the area,
talking with neighbours and property owners, after explaining
the purpose of your inquiry, can be very helpful.
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