What is a surveyor?
Surveyors work with engineers, architects and builders to produce precise descriptions (surveys and maps) of surface features of the Earth. They are licensed professionals who provide a vital service to the building, construction and real estate industries. Surveyors determine the exact location and measurement of points, lines and contours of the Earth's surface and prepare maps or reports showing specifications. They use instruments and the principles of geometry to find these exact measurements. Duties include legal research, studying physical evidence, checking the accuracy of the information gathered using mathematical computations, mapping the project using computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) systems, keeping notes, preparing maps, preparing reports, preparing legal descriptions of the survey, coordinating results with the work of engineers, architects, and clients.

SSCI works together as a team applying their knowledge and skills for such purposes as field data collection, mapping, well locations, petroleum pipelines, design surveys, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and construction layout. Data is obtained from digital ground-based surveying equipment, aerial photos, and satellites. Some surveying personnel work outdoors in field crews as crew chiefs and instrument technicians gathering the data necessary to begin work on your project. Other personnel work in the office as Land Surveyors, Project Managers and CADD Technicians completing the final work necessary to deliver your survey. They also calculate data, prepare reports, conduct legal research, plan new work, and communicate with clients.

Our services include...

• Land Boundary Surveys
  Land Boundary Surveys are one of the more common services SSCI performs for its clients. All boundary surveys performed in the State of Illinois must conform to the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Act Minimum Standards of Practice and must be signed and sealed by a Professional Land Surveyor licensed in the State of Illinois. SSCI currently employs 3 surveyors licensed in the State of Illinois with one licensed in the State of Missouri and another licensed in the State of Kentucky. A typical survey will consist of a Plat of Survey (a map) of the subject property with a metes and bounds description with all corners monumented and marked on the property.
• ALTA / ACSM Surveys
  ALTA/ACSM is a survey performed to specifications as set forth by the American Land Title Association and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. ALTA/ACSM surveys are required by many businesses, financial institutions and title companies to make sure that the survey is performed to a recognized national standard. SSCI has performed numerous of these types of survey, tailoring each survey to meet the individualized needs of our clients.
• Construction Staking
  SSCI has the equipment, experience and personnel necessary to provide construction layout for your projects. We have performed construction layout of buildings, city streets, major highways, curb and gutter, railroads, water lines, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, petroleum pipelines, sanitary landfills, parking lots, etc. SSCI realizes that every project and contractor are different, that’s why we provide a customized service to meet the varying needs or our clients.
• Cellular Communication Site Surveys
  SSCI has both the experience, equipment, and personnel in the timeframe you need your project done. We have a history of completing raw land, co- location, and rooftop cellular communication projects. We pride ourselve in making the impossible possible. Whether your site is simple or complex, we have the experience to meet your needs.
• Control Surveys for Aerial Photography
  SSCI has performed many control surveys providing the framework necessary for aerial mapping control. Aerial photography is controlled by a horizontal and vertical control network surveyed on the ground at required locations in and around the project area. The mapping control consists of permanent, semi-permanent and photo identifiable points. Each control point necessary to properly control the aerial photography will be marked with material sufficient to be visible on the predetermined photo scale.
• Environmental Surveys
  Environmental science is becoming a greater concern to individuals who plan construction projects today. As we have become more aware of the importance of protecting our environment legislators have empowered federal and state agencies to insure that future development will have as minimal impact as possible on our environment. SSCI has worked with many professionals in this field while providing surveying and mapping services to help monitor the impact of regulated activities. We have surveyed bore hole locations, monitoring wells, cultural features, etc. and provides in a manner tailored to fit each project.
• Pipeline Cooridor/Mapping Survey
  SSCI continues to meet the changing needs of our clients by providing both sub-meter and centimeter mapping of natural gas, petroleum, and other types of pipelines. In the early stages, we can both stake the proposed centerline of the pipeline as well as the proposed limits of construction. When stakeless conditions need to be meet, our field crew can lead archeology, wetland delineation, and other teams along the cooridor to map existing resources.
• Estate Surveys
  Many times SSCI will be asked to perform a partition survey to subdivide a tract of land into equal parcels for the survivors of an estate. This requires meeting with the executor of the estate to obtain the necessary information to plan out the division of the property. Consideration is given to providing proper access to all parcels and locating property lines around improvements on the land. A preliminary plan will be made for approval prier to performing the survey. After a plan for the division of the estate is approved then we will proceed with the preparation of the Plat of Survey/Subdivision with metes and bounds descriptions of each parcel as well as setting corners and marking the boundary lines.
• Geodetic Control Surveys
  SSCI has been involved in the establishment of geodetic control networks. A geodetic control network will consist of permanent control points set in concrete with an aluminum cap identifying the mark along with a center point. Horizontal and vertical control networks are established by using Global Position System (GPS) single and dual frequency surveying systems operated in the static mode. The bases for the horizontal control network generally will be the 1993 adjustment of the North American Datum of 1983. The vertical control network normally will be based on the North American Vertical Datum of 1988.
• Topographic Surveys
  Topographic surveys are performed to provide the client with a mapping product for the purposed land use planning. The topographic survey will depict the relative locations of both natural and artificial features upon the ground and how they differ in elevation. The topographic surveys are often requested by engineers, architects, environmental consultants, and landowners to help them plan the best use of a tract of land.
• GPS (Global Positioning Systems)
  SSCI is on the leading edge of new technology with our field operations. Our field personnel are experienced in the use of several types of GPS receivers from mapping grade to survey accuracy GPS systems. The mapping grade receivers provide a cost-effective way to obtain data in the field with only one operator. We also have survey accuracy (sub-centimeter) single and dual frequency GPS equipment for horizontal and vertical control projects and real time kinematic (RTK) for topographic surveying and mapping projects.