Ultimate Guide to Marking Flags: Why and How Surveyors Use Them

If you’re a homeowner and you’ve found flags in or near your yard, you may be wondering, “What the heck are these things doing in the yard?” Stay calm. No need to call the sheriff, though, you will want to call the number on the flag or 811 to find out why they’re there.

Marking flags, or stake flags, are commonly used by surveyors to identify, locate and mark features on the land that need to be measured and recorded before land can be developed.

 

What Are Marking Flags and Why Are They Used?

Marking flags are brightly colored flags attached to thin metal rods. They come in different colors, but red, orange, and pink are the most common. Surveyors use marking flags to identify survey points, boundary lines, and potential hazards. By using these flags, surveyors can ensure that their work is efficient and accurate.

Say, someone in your area is planning to do some digging to renovate or add features to a piece of land – that could be your neighbor, your neighbor’s contractor, a utility company or your local city or county government. There could be several reasons why those individuals would want to dig around your property from a new pool to a new utility pole.

Obtain Accurate Measurements

 

Marking flags help surveyors identify specific areas on the land. By marking the corners or points of property lines, survey points, and potential hazards, surveyors can ensure that measurements are accurate and consistent for land development.

 

Efficiency

Marking flags allow land developers to work more efficiently by clearly identifying the locations of key features. By using markers, specific points can quickly and easily be located, which saves time and reduces the risk of errors.

Here are a few common flags you’re likely to find:

 

 

What Should You Do If You Find Marking Flags in Your Yard?

If you find flags in your yard, there are a few things you should do. Follow these steps:

1. Don’t Remove Them!

Please! The first thing you should do is leave the marking flags where they are. Removing the flags could cause damage to the survey site or make it difficult for the surveyor or landscaper to locate the survey points. Leaving the flags in place ensures that they can complete their work efficiently and accurately.

2. Contact the Surveyor

The surveyor’s contact information should be on the flags, or you may be able to find it online. Contact the surveyor and ask about the purpose of the flags and when they will be removed. They will be able to explain the reason for the survey and provide you with more information about the flags.

If you can’t find a number or a website, dialing 811 is the next best option.

3. Mark the Flags

While you’re waiting for the surveyor to remove the marking flags, you can mark them to ensure they are not accidentally removed. You can use spray paint or another marker to indicate the location of the flags. This will help you and anyone else using the yard to avoid accidentally removing the flags or damaging the survey site.

4. Be Patient

Finally, be patient. The surveyor may need several days to complete their work, and they may need to leave the marking flags in place for an extended period. It’s important to be patient, and wait for the surveyor to complete their work. Once the surveyor is finished, they will remove the marking flags and restore the site to its previous condition.

Conclusion

If you find marking flags in your yard, don’t panic or start screaming from your porch.

Remember: don’t remove the flags, contact the surveyor, mark the flags, and be patient. By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your yard is safe and that the surveyor can complete their work without any issues.