Getting Started with Land Survey Apps: Streamline Data Collection & Reporting

Land surveyors play an important role on jobsites by making precise measurements to determine physical property boundaries. As the Department of Labor explains, these skilled workers provide the relevant data needed to understand the shape and features of the Earth’s surface for engineering, mapmaking, and construction projects.

Is There an App for Land Surveying?

While land surveyors typically use specific instruments designed for the job, mobile apps can make it easier for them to collect, organize, and report information right in the field. Land survey apps that allow surveyors to capture data and automatically generate reports are available on iPhone, Android, and other mobile devices.

Top Benefits of Using Land Survey Apps

Using a mobile app for land surveys helps eliminate the use of paper sheets that can easily get misplaced or damaged. In lieu of manual paper-based processes, data is recorded into a specialized mobile app and stored securely in the cloud. Digitizing information can benefit businesses by:

• Ensuring accuracy: Using a mobile app for land surveys ensures that data collected on site is recorded in real time.
• Creating standardization: Companies can use standardized templates and required fields on mobile forms to facilitate proper collection of all required information.
• Increasing efficiency: Mobile apps give workers back the hours of time associated with manually creating reports. They’re designed to automatically generate perfectly formatted reports, saving time and effort for employees.
• Scaling operations: For complex organizations with large field operations, software and mobile apps can help scale processes and ensure consistency across different sites and teams.
• Reducing risk of loss: While paper sheets can easily be misplaced or destroyed by mistake, digital records are automatically backed up in the cloud, meaning documentation is always available whenever needed.

What to Look for in a Land Survey App

When choosing a mobile app for land surveying, there are a few key things to look out for that will help make the job easier.

Field Data Capture and Report Generation

A land survey app should allow surveyors to capture data in the field and instantly create reports. Once data is collected, the app can generate and email PDF versions of reports to relevant stakeholders.

Customizable Templates

Most mobile app providers offer templates to use as a starting point and customize as needed. For example, a mine surveyor would need a different template than a construction site surveyor.

No-Code or Low-Code Platforms

If you’re looking for a platform that’s easy for non-technical users to set up and use, no-code or low-code options fit the bill. These types of platforms allow teams to make additions and adjustments using a simple drag-and-drop editor—no IT support needed!

Key Features of a Land Survey App

When comparing apps for land surveys, there are a number of features you should look out for, including:

• Signature capture: This feature allows individuals to sign off on documents directly in the field, then immediately send them to relevant parties.
• Image capture: Mobile devices make it easy to take and attach photos to surveys, allowing you to enhance reports with visuals.
• Offline capabilities: On remote job sites with limited internet, survey apps with offline capabilities allow surveyors to collect and save data locally, then sync to the cloud when a connection is available.
• Reference data: Looking to make digital forms even more streamlined? Integrate other data sources into the app to pre-populate information.
• Dispatch: Schedule and dispatch land surveyors directly on the app.
• GPS monitoring: Leverage your mobile device’s GPS functionality to create a digital record of each jobsite’s physical location.
• Integrations and APIs: Seamlessly sync information across devices in the field and back at the office.

Free Land Survey App for iPhone and Android Mobile Devices

Get started for free with the GoCanvas® land survey app, available on iPhone and Android devices. Construction firms and land surveyors looking to save money, boost efficiency, and increase flexibility by digitizing their processes with a customizable mobile app should look no further than GoCanvas for field data collection and reporting.