How to accurately measure the size of land

[njc110381]

Hi guys. I'm hoping there may be someone here who can help me please.

I'm just in the process of buying a house that comes with two fields. I'm looking to split off part of the larger field and sell it to a friend. Of course, the field isn't square, not even close! How do I go about mapping an area out to figure out how many acres he's getting? I've tried the area tool on Google earth but because of tree lines etc, I'm finding myself guessing and can only get within about half an acre - given the field is just under five, it's quite relevant to us both.

I suspect there will be some kind of mapping tool online, most likely at a cost, but I don't have the skills to use it. Is there anyone here who can, please? I'd be very grateful for a few minutes of your time. Thanks

 

[Stalker62]

Apologies in advance - this will not help.

Very nearly bought a small place up in the Highlands, but simply could not get it de-crofted.

The maps (such as they were) were a nightmare. The whole plot did not have a single straight line on it. The boundaries had more kinks than a Soho nightclub.




Eventually, the estate agent (qualified surveyor) came out to the property with his son, and literally did it all by hand - pencil, paper and balls of string.

Absolute nightmare.

 

[njc110381]

Apologies in advance - this will not help.

Very nearly bought a small place up in the Highlands, but simply could not get it de-crofted.

The maps (such as they were) were a nightmare. The whole plot did not have a single straight line on it. The boundaries had more kinks than a Soho nightclub.

View attachment 340180


Eventually, the estate agent (qualified surveyor) came out to the property with his son, and literally did it all by hand - pencil, paper and balls of string.

Absolute nightmare.

Legend - thanks for that!

 

[Frank Homes]

I would use the polygon button on Google Earth.

 

[Biathlonjimmy]

Hi guys. I'm hoping there may be someone here who can help me please.

I'm just in the process of buying a house that comes with two fields. I'm looking to split off part of the larger field and sell it to a friend. Of course, the field isn't square, not even close! How do I go about mapping an area out to figure out how many acres he's getting? I've tried the area tool on Google earth but because of tree lines etc, I'm finding myself guessing and can only get within about half an acre - given the field is just under five, it's quite relevant to us both.

I suspect there will be some kind of mapping tool online, most likely at a cost, but I don't have the skills to use it. Is there anyone here who can, please? I'd be very grateful for a few minutes of your time. Thanks

I can do this for you. Send me contact details via PM.

 

[VSS]

There's lots of land management apps available, but I'm not aware of any that are free.
Last time I was involved in a land transaction similar to what you're describing I simply photocopied the map onto squared paper and counted the squares.

I have another one to do soon which is more complex, so I'm also on the lookout for a suitable online mapping tool.

 

[finnbear270]

This and a bit of math?

 

[WildTrackPro]

We can offer this as a service! The AI that we've written into our software will automatically calculate the total size of a site, and show how many acres of woodland and arable land are within the site.

If you sign up with an Individual Standard membership (£5/month, but you can cancel after the site has been measured) then send me the site boundary (a .pdf will work) on email - tom@wildtrackpro.com I'll get it sorted for you.

Thanks,


Tom

 

[Len the dog]

If you’re looking at selling some of the land then the Land Registry will need to be notified, I very much doubt that they would accept a guesstimation from Google Earth, they would require a proper land survey.

 

[Len the dog]

This and a bit of math?View attachment 340182

Unless the land has the topographic profile of a snooker table then that wouldn’t help.

 

[Will the chippy]

Use the huntstand app it has a field margin area function

 

[Bo Diddley]

My guess is that in a few year's time, you will regret selling off a piece of your plot.

 

[deerstalker.308]

Measure a field app, it’s free and you can walk it and use it as gps or do it from aerial manually if you’re confident on the exact line

‎GPS Fields Area Measure

‎Do you own the field and want to place marker, measure the distance, perimeter, or area of it? GPS Fields Area Measure is a free app that allows you to evaluate your fields as you need: measure the distance, perimeter, or area and share it with your colleagues straight away! "Very accurate and...

apps.apple.com

 

[njc110381]

My guess is that in a few year's time, you will regret selling off a piece of your plot.

That is very true. Unfortunately I've negotiated a price package for a house and two fields. I can't afford it all. I can afford it all but about 3/4 of one of the fields, which my mate wants to buy just so he can own a field!

 

[VSS]

If you’re looking at selling some of the land then the Land Registry will need to be notified, I very much doubt that they would accept a guesstimation from Google Earth, they would require a proper land survey.

They will accept your own sketch maps / Google Earth derivatives. It isn't necessary to have a "proper" land survey.

 

[Len the dog]

They will accept your own sketch maps / Google Earth derivatives. It isn't necessary to have a "proper" land survey.

Good luck with any future boundary disputes.

 

[VSS]

Good luck with any future boundary disputes.

Using a surveyor, instead of measuring it up yourself, doesn't indemnify you against future boundary disputes.
When it comes to mapping out something as simple as a plot of land there's nothing that a surveyor can do that you can't do yourself just as accurately. And it's easy nowadays to access Land Registry maps for confirmation.
The important bit is getting it properly checked over by your solicitor with regards to any covenants or boundary obligations that might be contained within the original title deeds, and also ensuring that appropriate obligations are imposed upon the purchaser.

 

[Len the dog]

I’m sorry, but mapping out a boundary on tree covered ground by means of Google maps is not going to be ’just as accurate’ as a professionally conducted land survey. If it ever were to be disputed, and the OP’s mate may decide to sell his plot, I think I know which method of measurement I would prefer to be in possession of.

 

[deerstalker.308]

Using a surveyor, instead of measuring it up yourself, doesn't indemnify you against future boundary disputes.
When it comes to mapping out something as simple as a plot of land there's nothing that a surveyor can do that you can't do yourself just as accurately. And it's easy nowadays to access Land Registry maps for confirmation.
The important bit is getting it properly checked over by your solicitor with regards to any covenants or boundary obligations that might be contained within the original title deeds, and also ensuring that appropriate obligations are imposed upon the purchaser.

Plus any deeds maps are always drawn with annoyingly thick boundary lines, I swear land agents are issued with a really thick red sharpie when they graduate just for this job!! Makes the blurred edges plenty of future work and income generation!

 

[Len the dog]

Plus any deeds maps are always drawn with annoyingly thick boundary lines, I swear land agents are issued with a really thick red sharpie when they graduate just for this job!! Makes the blurred edges plenty of future work and income generation!

I’ll agree with you on that point.