Just curious for those that might have files of historic survey/FEMA data.
Do you release copies of said old work?
Do you charge for those copies?
Do you require some sort of signed release?
I'm trying to find some common ground to stand on for people that would like to review old survey data without a) giving away the farm b)hanging my rear out too far.
thanks.
Andy
I have records from 4 retired surveyors in my office. I'll let other professionals look for information if they'd like, If I have to do it then I charge for my time. I don't ask for any sort of release, I don't have any liability for others work, use it at your own risk. I don't give copies of their work to the general public, generally it's too old to be useful to them and they're the ones who'll usually pencil in a proposed addition on a plan to submit to a city or town.
> I don't give copies of their work to the general public, generally it's too old to be useful to them and they're the ones who'll usually pencil in a proposed addition on a plan to submit to a city or town.
I agree with the policy of just not giving out copies of old maps prepared by others unless there is some compelling reason to think that the person won't abuse it. That lets out most members of the public, realtors, engineers, many employees of land title insurance companies, all developers, most bankers, and so on.
Just about the only people left standing are other surveyors.
I think I'd generally prefer to let members of the public know that I had some old records and that if they wanted me to make a survey that I would have the benefit of the information in the old records.
A release form is a very good idea, especially if you are talking about maps and data that you prepared.
A good release agreement would include statements about...
- the maps being representative of conditions and regulations in place at the time they were prepared.
- the only valid or permitted use being to interpret conditions as they existed on the original date of release.
- the map and/or data is not to be used to represent current conditions or regulations, either on their own or by incorporating the data onto other documents.
- mapping and data to reflect current conditions will require an updated survey to be performed to verify conditions and to conform to current regulations.
- any additions, deletions, or other changes to the maps or data is not permitted and nullifies the validity of all data on the provided document.
- non-permitted use of the map and/or data may subject the user to civil action as provided by federal, state, and local law. (if you have particular laws that you can refer to that protect a design professional providing maps or data, cite them).
I have such a release form for electronic files.
Figure out the value of your time and the value of what you are providing, and charge accordingly. A good release statement may (and should) considerably limit the perceived value of the map or data provided, so that the perceived value more closely equals the actual value. That may stop some from wanting the maps, but on the positive side, it may help to educate a few (probably very few) as to the real limitations of what they are asking for and cause them to ask for an updated survey instead.
