American Land Title Association (ALTA) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ALTA Practice Questions and Study Guide

A new description prepared by a surveyor must consist of a precise and clear identification of the property being surveyed. This generally includes reiterating the same property as outlined in the existing record description or noting any differences that may exist. The primary purpose of the survey is to establish boundaries, helps clarify any discrepancies, and ensures that the new description aligns with or corrects the existing documentation as necessary.

By including the same property as in the record, the survey maintains continuity and consistency with existing legal documents. If there are any changes, such as shifts in boundaries or structural modifications, these will also be clearly identified. This ensures that all parties involved have a clear understanding of what property is being referred to and any deviations from prior descriptions which may affect ownership, rights, or title.

The other answer choices do not fully capture the required scope of a surveyor’s responsibilities when preparing a new description. For example, only including necessary clarifications or tags for existing structures would not provide a comprehensive legal basis for the property. A thorough and detailed description is essential for the integrity of property boundaries and legal documentation.