Whether you're buying a home, building an addition, or developing a commercial site, accurate land surveying is non-negotiable. South Jersey is home to several experienced firms that combine decades of local knowledge with modern technology. I've researched the top players
Why Land Surveying Matters More Than You Think
Land surveying is the backbone of any property transaction or construction project. In South Jersey, where property lines can be complicated by historical boundaries, wetlands, and coastal regulations, a professional survey is essential. The market here consists of small-to-mid-size licensed firms, often family-owned, with 20 to 50+ years of experience. Most firms don't publish pricing online — expect to pay $600–$2,500 for a boundary survey and $1,000–$3,500 for a topographic survey. The best firms differentiate themselves through local knowledge, turnaround time, and the technology they use.
How I Ranked These Firms
I evaluated each firm based on five key factors: years of experience in South Jersey, breadth of services offered (boundary, topographic, construction, ALTA, etc.), local regulatory knowledge, responsiveness and communication, and overall reputation. Pricing was not a differentiator since all firms operate on a quote basis. I also considered online presence and ease of getting started.
Here’s a quick comparison of the top five land surveying firms in South Jersey. Use this table to see which one fits your project best.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Teunisen Surveying & Planning | Complex commercial projects and multi-state property transactions | Free consultation offered. No published rates; quotes provided per project. |
| Vallee Surveying | Homeowners and small developers who want direct access to the surveyor | No published rates; quotes provided per project. |
| RMS Land Surveying, LLC | Residential buyers and sellers needing title or improvement location surveys | No published rates; quotes provided per project. |
| Design Land Surveying | South Jersey property owners needing boundary or topographic surveys | No published rates; quotes provided per project. |
| Kelly Survey (Expert Land Solutions) | Projects requiring floodplain certification or planning board approvals | No published rates; quotes provided per project. |
The Top 5 Land Surveyors in South Jersey – Detailed Reviews
#1 Teunisen Surveying & Planning
A screenshot of the Teunisen Surveying & Planning website.
With over 40 years in business, Teunisen Surveying & Planning is a powerhouse serving New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. They offer a full spectrum of services including boundary, topographic, construction, ALTA/NSPS, flood elevation, and even accident reconstruction surveys. Their team handles both residential and commercial clients with equal expertise. If you need a survey that will hold up in court or satisfy a lender, Teunisen is a top choice. Their longevity and multi-state licensing speak volumes about their reliability.
At a Glance:
- Pro: Extensive experience across three states; handles everything from simple boundary to accident reconstruction.
- Con: May be overkill for a simple fence or shed survey; larger firm could mean less personalized attention.
- Pricing: Free consultation offered. No published rates; quotes provided per project.
#2 Vallee Surveying
A screenshot of the Vallee Surveying website.
Owned and operated by Robert Vallee, PLS, this firm brings a personal touch to every job. Vallee Surveying offers construction surveying, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, ALTA surveys, elevation certificates, and subdivision planning. They cater to homeowners, builders, and developers across New Jersey. Their website is clean and straightforward, making it easy to understand what they do. For a mid-sized project where you want direct contact with the licensed surveyor, Vallee is a solid pick.
At a Glance:
- Pro: Owner-operated with a PLS on every job; clear communication and personalized service.
- Con: Limited online presence; no pricing transparency.
- Pricing: No published rates; quotes provided per project.
#3 RMS Land Surveying, LLC
A screenshot of the RMS Land Surveying website.
Serving New Jersey and Delaware since 1997, RMS Land Surveying has built a reputation for reliability. They offer residential services like boundary, improvement location, and title surveys, plus commercial services including construction staking, site layout, and topographical surveys. Their longevity in the industry means they know the local regulations inside and out. If you need a survey that will satisfy a bank or a township, RMS has the track record to back it up.
At a Glance:
- Pro: Over 25 years in business; serves both NJ and DE; strong on residential title surveys.
- Con: Website is dated and lacks detailed service descriptions.
- Pricing: No published rates; quotes provided per project.
#4 Design Land Surveying
A screenshot of the Design Land Surveying website.
Design Land Surveying brings over 30 years of experience to South Jersey homeowners, builders, engineers, and developers. They specialize in boundary, topographic, and construction surveys, providing accurate data for property and land development projects. Their team understands the unique challenges of the South Jersey landscape, from coastal flood zones to dense suburban lots. For a firm that combines seasoned expertise with a local focus, Design Land Surveying is a reliable partner.
At a Glance:
- Pro: Three decades of local experience; serves both residential and commercial clients.
- Con: Limited online information about specific project types or technology used.
- Pricing: No published rates; quotes provided per project.
#5 Kelly Survey (Expert Land Solutions)
A screenshot of the Kelly Survey website.
Steven R. Kelly, PLS, PP has been licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for over 50 years, since 1975. He is also a licensed Professional Planner and Certified Floodplain Surveyor, making him uniquely qualified for complex projects involving zoning or flood hazards. Kelly Survey offers boundary, topographic, and construction surveys, with a deep understanding of South Jersey's regulatory environment. If your project involves floodplain issues or requires planning expertise, Kelly is the go-to choice.
At a Glance:
- Pro: 50+ years of experience; dual license as surveyor and planner; floodplain specialist.
- Con: Small firm may have limited availability for large commercial jobs.
- Pricing: No published rates; quotes provided per project.
How to Choose the Right Land Surveyor for Your Project
Start by identifying the type of survey you need — boundary, topographic, ALTA, or construction staking. Then look for a firm with specific experience in that area. Ask about turnaround time: a simple boundary survey might take a week, while a topographic survey for a large site could take several weeks. Verify that the surveyor is licensed in New Jersey and carries professional liability insurance. Finally, get at least three quotes and ask for references from recent similar projects.
How Automation Is Changing Land Surveying
Modern surveyors increasingly use GPS, drones, and 3D laser scanning to speed up data collection and improve accuracy. A typical automated workflow might involve a drone flying a site to capture aerial imagery, which is then processed into a digital terrain model. The surveyor uses GPS to establish control points and ground-truth the data. This reduces field time and allows for faster turnaround. While not all South Jersey firms advertise these tools, many are adopting them to stay competitive.
Your Next Step: Get the Right Survey, Right Now
Choosing the right land surveyor can save you time, money, and legal headaches. Whether you need a simple boundary survey for a fence or a full ALTA for a commercial closing, the firms listed here have the experience and local knowledge to get the job done. Start by reaching out to two or three for quotes, and don't hesitate to ask about their experience with your specific type of project. With the right surveyor, you'll have the peace of mind that comes with accurate, reliable data.