More Than Maps: How the Right Surveyor Can Accelerate the Development Process

When it comes to land development, choosing the right surveyor is more than just checking a box—it’s a decision that can critically impact your project. For developers, the survey lays the groundwork for everything that follows, from accurate designs and permitting to keeping the overall schedule on track. Delays or inaccuracies at this stage can ripple across the entire development process, impacting budgets and timelines. 

That’s why it’s critical to have a surveyor who does more than deliver a map—they should be a proactive partner. Here are five key ways your surveyor should be supporting you throughout the process.

Rapid Mobilization and Responsiveness

Time is money—and every delay has a cost. That’s why development teams need surveyors who can hit the ground running. The ability to mobilize quickly, adjust to changing conditions, and deliver on tight deadlines is a key component, especially in today’s fast-paced markets. 

Survey teams that provide real-time progress updates, offer flexible scheduling, and consistently meet turnaround expectations stand out as true partners. When evaluating surveyors, prioritize those known for their speed, responsiveness, and ability to adapt—these qualities can make a measurable difference in your project.

“With 28 Field crews and 32 fully equipped trucks, we’re built for speed. Whether it's a last-minute site walk or a full boundary survey, our teams can mobilize quickly and adapt in real time to keep your project moving forward.” Jerod Foor, PLS, associate, divisional survey manager. 

Dependability and Communication

Strong communication is one of the most underrated qualities in a great surveyor—and often the reason developers look for a new one. True survey partners are accessible, proactive, and take the time to explain their work, field questions, and collaborate with the broader project team—including civil engineers, architects, and attorneys. 

Dependable surveyors build trust by doing what they say they’ll do and keeping clients in the loop every step of the way. The right surveyor becomes the partner you don’t have to worry about—because they’ve proven they’ll deliver. Even if the price isn’t the lowest, clear and consistent communication is often worth the premium. That kind of dependability lets everyone else—especially busy attorneys and property managers—focus on their own priorities without second-guessing the surveyor.

“Developers consistently say that when they switch surveyors, it’s because the last one didn’t return emails or phone calls. At Bohler, communication is non-negotiable. We make it a priority to be responsive, clear, and accessible—because we know what is at stake for our clients," said John Newman, PLS, surveying manager.

Integration with Civil and Design Teams

Surveyors don’t work in a vacuum—top-tier survey teams are deeply integrated with the broader project team, collaborating closely with civil engineers, architects, attorneys, and planners from day one. This kind of alignment reduces miscommunication, minimizes delays, and helps move a project smoothly from concept through construction.

Developers appreciate surveyors who understand the broader development picture and can speak the language of the project team. Having the surveyor on early project calls—especially when discussing things like floodplain certificates, wetlands, or FEMA-related concerns—can add tremendous value. They bring technical insight that can help raise red flags early and streamline coordination with specialists. 

“When surveyors and engineers show up as a unified team, it builds confidence with the development team and reinforces that the project is in capable hands. That seamless collaboration often leaves a lasting impression," said Thomas Teabo, PLS, CFS associate/regional manager.

Strategic Thinking, Not Just Data Collection

Surveying is more than gathering data—it’s about delivering insights that can drive smarter decisions. Accurate, comprehensive surveys lay the groundwork for permitting, design, and construction. A missed easement or unclear boundary line can cause serious delays, redesigns, or even legal issues, highlighting the importance of accuracy.

Development-minded surveyors offer more than technical accuracy—they think strategically. They consider how a site will be used now and in the future, evaluating factors like topography and utility integration that influence layout and expansion potential. By aligning their work with the client’s broader development goals, they can help identify risks early, support site selection, and keep projects on track. In a market where time and certainty are everything, the real value lies not in the lowest price, but in working with surveyors who bring professionalism, reliability, and strategic insight to the table.

Single Survey Partner from Start to Finish 

Managing a development project is complex enough—your survey process shouldn’t add to the chaos. That’s why having a single, reliable survey team involved from start to finish is a major advantage. Developers don’t want the headache of coordinating multiple vendors for different phases of the same project. Working with one team that understands the process—from due diligence and acquisition through design and construction—creates efficiency, consistency, and fewer chances for errors or miscommunication.

This full-lifecycle approach isn’t just about convenience—it’s a value-add. A trusted, all-in-one survey partner simplifies the process, reduces administrative overhead, and delivers peace of mind—because you know exactly who’s handling your surveying every step of the way.

“Many of our clients understand the benefit in avoiding the time-consuming task of sourcing multiple proposals and managing several points of contact. When you work with one survey team from day one, you get consistency, accountability, and fewer surprises. It’s one fewer thing for developers to worry about—and that peace of mind and value is worth a lot,” said Collin Woodyard, PLS, associate/regional survey manager.

Boots On the Ground: Survey Solutions That Delivered

When a client needed ALTA Surveys for 28 car dealership properties across multiple cities —within just 60 days—the request seemed nearly impossible. With aggressive acquisition timelines and looming closing dates, they needed a surveying partner who could move fast, adapt quickly, and still deliver with accuracy.

Bohler’s team rose to the challenge, rapidly mobilizing our survey crews across all required locations. Drawing on deep bench strength and strategic resource coordination, we deployed multiple field teams simultaneously from numerous states, maintained real-time communication with the client, and provided regular progress updates to keep everything on track.

"Bohler exceeded every expectation. Their responsiveness, professionalism, and ability to mobilize quickly made a critical difference in keeping our project on track. They’re a true partner we’ll continue to rely on," said Mike Moonan, Holman Auto Group.

When Bobbitt Construction encountered a critical error caused by a previous surveyor on their active project site, they turned to Bohler for help. Within 24 hours, our team was on the ground, uncovering a four-foot discrepancy in the site’s survey control. We quickly identified the source of the issue and provided an accurate, dependable solution to keep the project moving forward.
But we didn’t stop there. We spent time on calls and in direct conversation with the client, walking them through the error and its resolution. By prioritizing clear communication and transparency, we helped Bobbitt feel confident in the path ahead.

“Huge thank you to your surveying team for everything you did—and how quickly you got it done—to help us investigate and confirm the issues we’ve been working through this week. From mobilizing to the site and joining several calls with our team as a resource, we truly appreciate your responsiveness and support. We’ll absolutely be sharing the positive experience with others," said Justin Williams, Bobbitt Construction.