If a surveyor finds a material discrepancy with a prior survey, what should they do?

When a surveyor finds a material discrepancy with a prior survey, the best course of action is to contact the prior surveyor to discuss the findings. This approach is rooted in the collaborative nature of the surveying profession, where sharing insights and clarifying potential errors or differing interpretations can lead to a more accurate resolution.

Engaging with the previous surveyor fosters communication and may provide valuable context regarding their methodologies, any assumptions made, or potential misinterpretations of property boundaries. This professional dialogue can facilitate an understanding of the discrepancy and help maintain the integrity of the survey records, as well as uphold the standards of practice established in the field.

The other choices do not promote a professional or effective resolution to the discrepancy. Ignoring the discrepancy would potentially lead to further complications and disputes over property boundaries in the future. Filing a complaint may escalate the situation without proper grounds for dispute resolution, especially if the issue could be resolved through discussion. Lastly, correcting the discrepancy independently, without consultation, runs the risk of introducing additional errors or misinterpretations into the record, potentially harming the relationship between surveyors and affecting stakeholders reliant on accurate survey data.