Professional Land Surveying Services

Established in 2012, R.W. Howard Surveying, Inc. has been delivering top-tier surveying services to clients across Northern Georgia for over a decade. Founded by Russell Howard, a Pickens County resident of nearly 40 years, our company is built on a deep understanding of the local landscape and a commitment to our community.

Russell graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology where he was first introduced to Land Surveying while in Field School on Rose Dhu Island in Savannah, GA.  After graduation, Russell honed his expertise working alongside some of North Georgia's premier land surveyors. Russell also turned his attention towards obtaining his State License through a rigorous training program with Southern Polytechnic State University. In 2011, Russell received his State Licensure in Land Surveying from the Secretary of State of Georgia. 

 Today, that foundational elite experience—combined with our team's use of cutting-edge surveying technology—ensures you receive the highest standard of professional service and unmatched accuracy. Whether you are defining boundaries or protecting your investment, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

 As a small, family-run business rooted in this community, personal service is at the heart of everything we do.  Our local connection means we are familiar with Pickens County and surrounding areas, and have a commitment to quality that reflects our family values. Whether you’re a first-time customer or a long-time friend, you can expect honest advice, clear communication, and service that makes you feel right at home.  

Boundary Surveys

 Boundary surveys are the most common type of surveys. Prior to conducting a survey, an examination of public records is carried out to ensure that the property line which is to be located or marked is in accordance with these legal documents.  This is usually accomplished by researching the available information from the tax assessor and county courthouse, but also should include unrecorded information such as previous surveys and testimonial information from the property owner and neighbors.  With this information, a boundary survey is performed to identify the bounds of the subject parcel.

ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys

ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys are a special type of survey which incorporate the results of a comprehensive title search (usually by an attorney) in the survey.  These types of surveys are performed in conjunction with a research specialist and are generally reserved for commercial properties or land with higher value.

Construction Surveys

Construction surveys are used in order to facilitate in the development or improvement of a piece of property.  The proposed improvements of a parcel of land are "laid out" or "staked" to provide a construction specialist the information he or she needs to accurately place the improvements on the ground.

A construction survey can be as simple as positioning a house or other building accurately on a piece of land, or can be as complex as identifying the horizontal and vertical position of a road, storm, or sewer line.

In addition, we are recognized by the GSWCC (Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission) as a Level II Design Professional, which allows for the design and implementation of erosion control plans, which are often mandated with any major land disturbance activities.

Photo/aerial overlays  

In some cases, it may be required or helpful to have an aerial or satellite image overlayed relative to a parcel boundary to locate or give relative position to objects or features on the ground.  This service can be very useful in certain instances and we are glad to provide such a service.

FEMA Flood Certificates

With the recent release of updated FEMA flood maps, many mortgage lenders are requiring additional flood insurance for structures which may or may not be located in a flood hazard area.  In many cases, a special flood certificate is required to establish a house is not located in such an area. 

Land Planning and Development

 In many cases, development and/or construction must be permitted and approved by local government bodies prior to construction. Such cases may be in regard to House Location Plans (HLP's) and septic approval, driveway locations, setback and zoning variances, or other related issues.  Experience and familiarity with such ordinances are traits which can aid in a speedy process with your land development needs.

Whatever your special case may be, please call or contact us below and we would be more than happy to assist you in your endeavors!