If a monument is "disturbed," what should the surveyor do?

When a monument is described as "disturbed," it indicates that its original position or condition has been compromised. This situation requires careful handling by the surveyor to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the land survey. The correct course of action is to use other evidence to verify or reset the monument.

This approach is essential because simply ignoring the disturbance can lead to inaccuracies in property boundaries, which can have significant legal and financial implications. By using other evidence, such as historical records, surrounding monuments, or additional survey data, the surveyor can assess the extent of the disturbance and determine the correct location of the monument. If it’s determined that the monument needs resetting, this ensures that the boundaries are accurately represented and respected.

Relying solely on confirmation from the landowner can also be inadequate, as they may not have the technical knowledge required to assess the monument’s original location accurately. Replacing the monument with a new one might not be appropriate unless it is impossible to verify its original position, as the original monument often holds legal significance. Thus, verifying and, if necessary, resetting the monument is the most reliable method to ensure accurate land survey results.