Who is primarily responsible for the accuracy of a land survey in a consulting role?

In a consulting role, the primary responsibility for the accuracy of a land survey lies with the consulting expert. This individual or firm is expected to have the requisite training, experience, and knowledge to conduct surveys accurately and comply with legal standards and technical requirements. The consulting expert typically oversees all phases of the survey process, ensuring that appropriate methods and equipment are used, and that the work meets professional and regulatory standards.

In contrast, while landowners may have a vested interest in the survey’s accuracy, they do not possess the necessary professional qualifications to guarantee it. The surveying firm may have responsibility for implementing the survey, but it is the consulting expert who manages and ensures the overall accuracy and quality of the work. Local government typically regulates surveying practices and may enforce standards, but they do not directly hold responsibility for the accuracy of a specific survey performed by a consulting expert.