CHAPTER V
The Patent Survey
Field Work
5–1 Preliminary: The first step in the field work should be an examination of the property with the claimant or his representative, unless such an examination was made prior to contracting for the survey. A sufficient number of claim corners should be visited to determine the material used, their condition, manner of marking, etc. In the course of such an examination, the claimant should point out known section corners, location monuments and triangulation stations, both of the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Geodetic Survey. The claimant may also be able to identify corners of adjoining and conflicting surveys and locations. If the property is extensive, the claimant may have established his own triangulation network and coordinate system, and if so, it should be incorporated into the survey, although not necessarily made a part of the official record.
All the discovery workings should be visited, the discovery points and discovery monuments pointed out. Other workings should be visited and the safety of old underground workings discussed. Maps of underground workings may be available. Workings constructed by third parties should also be identified.
Relations with landowners and other claimants in the area may be established with the help of the claimant. In addition to gaining access to the property and to their property for the purpose of executing the survey, they may have helpful information as to the location of section corners and the origin of fences.
If access is refused, it may be necessary to obtain help from the U.S. Marshall, but if properly handled in advance of the field work, the necessary permission will usually be granted. The fact may be stressed that you are a government official and that your work will be impartial. Emphasize that as a qualified surveyor, you are bound to protect all valid interests, property rights, and evidence.
Copies of the claimant’s maps of the property showing the claim boundaries, discovery and other workings and access roads should be obtained from the claimant. The claimant may also have aerial photos which will be helpful in planning the survey.
Descriptions of all triangulation stations should be obtained. The plat and field note record of all prior mineral surveys in conflict or adjoining, as well as a copy of the connected sheet should be ordered, if not previously furnished with the survey order. The county records pertaining to surveys and particularly the restoration of section corners should be searched. The county surveyor may be helpful.
If the field examination reveals that there are insufficient location corners on the ground to identify the claims, an amended location survey with the resulting amended location certificates and request for an amended order for survey will be necessary.
5–2 Survey Methods: The preliminary field examination will suggest the best method of survey. This will be dictated largely by the nature of the terrain and the amount of timber and brush. Modern methods employing theodolites and electronic distance measuring equipment should be used. Regardless of the method used, the work must be sufficiently checked to assure that errors will be avoided. Most errors occur when adjusting corners to their final position.