Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our land surveying services in Trinidad and Tobago.
Do I need a survey to sell, transfer or subdivide my land?
Yes — in Trinidad and Tobago, a certified Survey Plan (Cadastral Sheet) is required for all three. To sell or transfer land, the Survey Plan must be prepared by a registered TTLS-certified surveyor and registered with the Director of Surveys before title can pass at the Registrar General's Department. To subdivide, a subdivision plan must also go through Town and Country Planning, Municipal Corporation and Regional Health Authority approvals before registration. Without a current registered Survey Plan your land cannot be legally sold, transferred or subdivided.
How do I know if my surveyor is registered?
All practising Land Surveyors in Trinidad and Tobago must be registered with the Land Survey Board of T&T (LSBTT) under the Land Surveyors Act 33 of 1996. Only a registered TTLS-certified surveyor can sign and certify survey plans for legal use. Amrish Mahabir, the principal surveyor at Strata Surveying, holds full TTLS registration and current LSBTT certification.
What is the difference between a boundary survey and a topographic survey?
A boundary survey defines and legally certifies the exact limits of a property — it produces a certified Survey Plan required for title registration, sale, transfer and subdivision. A topographic survey maps the physical shape of the land including elevations, contours, slopes, drainage patterns and existing features — it is used by engineers, architects and planners for design and planning purposes. Both types can be carried out on the same parcel where required.
How long does a survey take to complete?
Turnaround times vary by survey type and site conditions. Boundary surveys typically take 4 to 8 weeks from commission, depending on parcel complexity and title research. Topographic surveys and construction layout surveys are generally completed faster once field work is scheduled. Contact Strata Surveying to discuss your specific project and expected timeline.
How much does a land survey cost in Trinidad?
Survey costs vary depending on the type of survey, the size and location of the parcel, access conditions, and the complexity of title research required. Contact Strata Surveying to discuss your project and receive a clear, upfront quote with no hidden fees.
Can a survey be done on disputed land, or if I can't find my Survey Plan?
Yes to both. A boundary survey is often the most effective first step in resolving a boundary dispute — by researching original title deeds, survey records and historic plans, a registered surveyor can establish where the legal boundary lies and produce the certified evidence needed for resolution. If you cannot locate your existing Survey Plan, Strata Surveying can research the Lands and Surveys Division records and historic survey archives to locate or reconstruct the relevant documentation before fieldwork begins.
What information do I need to provide to commission a survey?
It helps to have the property address or lot number, a copy of the title deed or transport, and any existing survey plans if available. For construction layout surveys, approved engineering drawings are required. Contact Strata Surveying and we will guide you through exactly what is needed for your specific survey type.