What goes into a survey estimate and why does the cost vary? When your request comes in for an estimate, we start by researching the parcel. We look at the Assessor's info, the section map, the aerial photo and search for previous surveys that have been completed in the area. Factors considered are: Platted lot or metes and bounds Size of property What type of survey (boundary,topographic, etc.) Is the property flat, wooded, brush, wetland Buildings on property Fences on property Water boundaries Location of property (is it accessible?)