land surveying business plan examples

Land Surveyor Business Plan Template

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Starting a successful land surveying business requires careful planning and strategic thinking. With ClickUp's Land Surveyor Business Plan Template, you can create a roadmap for your company's future that covers everything from financial projections to operational procedures. This template empowers you to:

• Define clear goals and strategies to guide your business towards success
• Identify and target the right market for your services
• Set realistic financial projections and monitor your progress
• Establish efficient operational procedures for seamless business operations

Take the first step towards building a thriving land surveying business with ClickUp's comprehensive template today!

Land Surveyor Business Plan Template Benefits

Planning for success with the land surveyor business plan template.

Starting a new land surveyor business is no small feat, but with the Land Surveyor Business Plan Template, you can pave the way for success by:

• Setting Clear Goals: Define your objectives and strategies for growth
• Targeting the Right Market: Identify and focus on your ideal clients for maximum impact
• Financial Projection: Map out revenue streams and expenses for a solid financial plan
• Streamlining Operations: Create efficient processes for optimal performance and client satisfaction

Main Elements of Land Surveyor Business Plan Template

To successfully kickstart your land surveying business, ClickUp's Land Surveyor Business Plan template offers:

• Custom Statuses: Track progress with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do for efficient task management
• Custom Fields: Utilize fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to store specific data and streamline information gathering
• Custom Views: Explore different perspectives with views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide for a comprehensive overview of your business plan
• Financial Projections: Input financial data and projections to monitor and analyze your business's financial health
• Operational Procedures: Define operational processes, guidelines, and workflows to ensure smooth business operations and project execution

How To Use Land Surveyor Business Plan Template

Crafting a solid business plan for your land surveying venture is crucial for success. By utilizing the Land Surveyor Business Plan Template in ClickUp and following the steps outlined below, you can pave the way for a thriving business that meets your goals and objectives. Let's get started!

1. Define your business objectives

Begin by clearly outlining the objectives and goals you aim to achieve with your land surveying business. Are you looking to expand into new markets, increase revenue streams, or enhance customer service? Establishing these objectives early on will guide the direction of your business plan.

Utilize Goals in ClickUp to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives for your land surveying business.

2. Analyze the market

Conduct a thorough analysis of the market to understand the competitive landscape, target customers, and industry trends relevant to land surveying services. Identify key competitors, market demand, and potential opportunities for growth within the industry.

Leverage the Board view in ClickUp to visually map out competitor analysis, market research data, and target customer profiles.

3. Develop a financial plan

Create a comprehensive financial plan that outlines your revenue streams, operating expenses, pricing strategies, and projected profits. Factor in costs such as equipment purchases, employee salaries, marketing expenses, and any other financial considerations specific to your land surveying business.

Utilize the Gantt chart feature in ClickUp to create a timeline for financial milestones, budget allocations, and revenue projections.

4. Outline your marketing strategy

Detail a robust marketing strategy to promote your land surveying services and attract potential clients. Consider strategies such as digital marketing, networking events, partnerships with real estate agencies, and social media campaigns to increase brand visibility and generate leads.

Use Automations in ClickUp to streamline marketing tasks, schedule campaigns, and track the effectiveness of different marketing strategies through automated workflows.

By following these steps and leveraging the features in ClickUp, you can create a comprehensive Land Surveyor Business Plan that positions your business for success in the competitive land surveying industry.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Land Surveyor Business Plan Template

Land surveyors can utilize the Land Surveyor Business Plan Template in ClickUp to streamline their business planning process, ensuring a solid foundation for success.

To get started, click on “Add Template” to incorporate the Land Surveyor Business Plan Template into your Workspace. Be sure to specify the Space or location within your Workspace for this template.

Next, invite relevant team members or stakeholders to collaborate on the business plan.

Here's how you can leverage the template effectively:

• Utilize the Topics View to categorize different sections of your business plan
• Track progress using the Status View to monitor tasks in real-time
• Create a detailed timeline in the Timeline View to ensure timely completion of milestones
• Dive into the specifics of your business plan in the dedicated Business Plan View
• Refer to the Getting Started Guide View for a comprehensive overview of the template and how to maximize its potential
• Implement the custom fields Reference, Approved, and Section to add specific details to tasks
• Organize tasks into four statuses: Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, To Do, to track progress effectively
• Update statuses as tasks move along to keep all stakeholders informed
• Monitor and analyze tasks to drive productivity and achieve business goals efficiently.

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Land Surveyor Business Plan Template

Prepare a business plan for a land surveying services firm with this customizable easy-to-use template..

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Start a Land Surveying Business

Mapping Your Future: The Allure of a Land Surveying Business Venture

LAND SURVEYING BUSINESS

Related business ideas, discover your perfect domain, land surveying mini business plan, expected percent margin:, earnings expectations:, actions to hit those numbers:, equipment and technology:, marketing and customer acquisition:, licensing and insurance:, business operations:, not what you had in mind here are more ideas, grab your business website name, step 1: determine if a land surveying business is right for you, breakdown of startup expenses, breakdown of ongoing expenses, examples of ways to make money, step 2: name the business, tips for choosing a name, how to register the business name, step 3: obtain licensing and certifications, requirements for licensing and certifications, how to obtain the necessary licensing and certifications, step 4: create a business plan, elements of a business plan, tips for creating a business plan, step 5: find a location, factors to consider when selecting a location for a land surveying business include the size of the space needed, the cost of the space, the local zoning laws, and the availability of parking. it is also important to consider the local demographics and the competition in the area. it is important to select a location that is easily accessible and visible to potential customers., tips for finding the right location for a land surveying business include researching the local zoning laws, researching the area to determine the competition, and researching the local demographics to determine the target market. additionally, it is important to look for a space that is large enough to accommodate the necessary equipment and staff, and that is easily accessible and visible to potential customers. it is also important to consider the cost of the space and the availability of parking. finally, it is important to consider the potential for growth in the area and the potential for expansion., step 6: purchase equipment, types of equipment needed, tips for purchasing the right equipment, step 7: market your business, ways to market your business, tips for successful marketing, step 8: hire employees, tips for hiring the right employees, how to create a job description, step 9: keep records, types of records to keep, tips for keeping accurate records, explore more categories, take the next steps.

How to Start a Land Surveying Business

With former employees such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, land surveying businesses have played a pivotal role in making America what it is today. Modern land surveying businesses may carry out hydrographic, engineering and geodesic land surveys for a range of clients from government agencies to individual landowners.

• Write a business plan outlining the financial details and projected profits of the land surveying business. The plan provides a realistic idea of how the company will operate and progress. Agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration provide free help with writing a business plan and using it to obtain money from investors and banks.
• Hire licensed surveyors. These are college graduates who have subsequently passed the principles and practice of land surveying exam, together with a state-specific examination. Different states have different licensing bodies. For example, in Texas, surveyors are registered with the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying. Those in California are registered with the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.
• Lease an office space and buy equipment. Alternatively, buy an existing land surveying business advertised through websites such as Merger Network. Arrange an opening or re-opening celebration and invite local media and potentially useful contacts from local authorities, engineering firms and real estate companies. As one illustrious former surveyor, Abe Lincoln, once said: "The best time to make friends is before you need them."
• Check federal, state, municipality and county websites, subscribe to public notice services and submit proposals to the local planning department, planning commission and board of county commissioners. Create brochures and send them to local civil engineering firms, real estate agents and real estate appraisers. Create a company website and advertise it by placing adverts in the local yellow pages and, if budget allows, magazines such as Civil Engineering.

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• U.S. Small Business Administration: Writing a Business Plan
• Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying
• Merger Network: Surveying Businesses For Sale

Justin Schamotta began writing in 2003. His articles have appeared in "New Internationalist," "Bizarre," "Windsurf Magazine," "Cadogan Travel Guides" and "Juno." He was a deputy editor at Corporate Watch and co-editor of "BULB" magazine. Schamotta has a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Plymouth University and a postgraduate diploma in journalism from Cardiff University.

How to Start a Land Surveying Business

Throughout history, people have always needed to know the precise measurement of a particular piece of land or the height of an object. Whether the information is necessary for the creation of a topographical map of an area or for determining the exact location of property lines prior to a sale, the field of land surveying is important. A land surveying company helps to increase economic growth by being an essential part of the land development industry.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee. Northwest ($29 + State Fees) DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a land surveying business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Land Surveying Business
• Form your Land Surveying Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Land Surveying Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Land Surveying Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Land Surveying Business
• Get Land Surveying Business Insurance
• Define your Land Surveying Business Brand
• Create your Land Surveying Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your land surveying business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Land Surveying Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Find a Domain Now

Powered by godaddy.com, what are the costs involved in opening a land surveying business.

A land surveyor is a professional occupation and starting a business in the field is expensive. Besides the tens of thousands of dollars for training, there is the cost of surveying and computer equipment which can add tens of thousands of more dollars to the bill. Renting or buying a used surveying system can save a business a lot of money when it is getting started. In addition to the cost of the education and equipment, there is still the expense of renting an office, hiring staff, and marketing. Due to the nature of the business, most land surveying experts suggest companies purchase comprehensive liability insurance to protect them from lawsuits.

What are the ongoing expenses for a land surveying business?

Since the accuracy of surveying equipment is critical, it is important to maintain and routinely test all equipment. Any inaccurate or worn out equipment needs replacing immediately. Then there is the labor cost, plus the expensive of renting an office and marketing. 

Who is the target market?

The target markets for a land surveying business are homeowners, land developers and public organizations. When starting a land surveying business, finding clients is one of the most difficult parts. New businesses can't afford to specialize in one particular area of the industry. 

How does a land surveying business make money?

Clients hire land surveying businesses to create precise measurements of a property. There are a wide range of potential clients including land developers, homeowners and public organizations.

Land surveyors can charge by the hour or by the job. The cost of surveying depends on a number of factors including the size, location and type of property, in addition to the type if report or map the client needs. The average cost for a land survey of  a residential property on HomeAdvisor is $528 .

How much profit can a land surveying business make?

According to the BLS, the median income for a land surveyor is  $59,390 per year . The income can vary greatly depending on the type of land surveying. 

How can you make your business more profitable?

Increasing the type of land surveying services a business offers is a great way to secure more work and higher profits. Land surveying business owners may also consider earning a license to fly drones so they can offer their clients aerial photography to help market a property. 

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your land surveying business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they're a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business's debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business's liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your land surveying business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We've negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

Form Your LLC Now

Note: If you're interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a land surveyor business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• If you plan to lease a location :
• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a land surveyor business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a location :
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your land surveyor business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Services Contract

Land surveying businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Land Surveying Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Land Surveying Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a land surveying business

A good place to start looking for clients is by networking with local contractors and land developers. While some homeowners may look for land surveyor, and it is useful to have a website, acquiring larger clients usually means direct selling. Joining and being an active member of a national land surveying organization, like the  National Society of Professional Surveyors , or a local association is a good way to locate opportunities in the industry. 

How to keep customers coming back

Providing stellar customer service and delivering on time, every time is the best way to make your clients happy and to develop a good name for your company. Remember that the surveying industry is small enough that people talk with each other. It is likely your business will quickly develop a reputation, so it is important to always do the best job possible. 

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Owning a land surveying company is not a suitable part-time business for a person who is looking to earn a little extra money. The long road to becoming a licensed land surveyor demands someone who is dedicated and passionate about the field. Land surveyors need to have a high level of skill in mathematics and CAD. The job is very physical and requires the ability to spend long days outside in a variety of weather. Travel is an essential aspect of the job. What happens on a typical day at a  land surveying business?After a client hires a land surveying company, the job usually begins with research on the area where the land surveyor will measure. This can include searching for and examining old surveying reports, or looking at aerial photography of the land. Once preliminary research is done, a land surveyor needs to go into the field to take a new survey. After gathering all the information, the land surveyor uses a computer program to create a map and then writes a report of his findings. 

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

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What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful land surveying business?

People who want to own and operate a land surveying business need to obtain a license at the state level. Each individual state sets its own requirements for earning the license a land surveyor needs to practice. Most states require at least a bachelor's degree in surveying,  geomatics  or mapping and the ability to pass an exam from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying ( NCEES ). In addition to gaining the license to practice, land surveying company owners need to have experience with running a professional business. 

What is the growth potential for a land surveying business?

The job outlook for land surveyors is mixed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that between 2014 and 2024, the total number of land surveyors will  fall by around 2 percent . The cause of this decline is most likely the advancement in land surveying technology which allows surveyors to work quicker, and not less clients. On the upside, the average age of current land surveyors is 55 years old. In many areas of the country, around 10 percent of current surveyors are retiring each year. This means that people who start a new land surveying now will be facing much less competition in the future. 

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a land surveying business?

Potential owners of a land surveying business need to understand what they are getting into before spending their time and money entering the industry. It is a good idea to speak with current land surveyors to gain more knowledge about the field. Owners of new land surveying businesses continuously need to learn by maintaining strong relationships with others in their field. Land surveying companies can increase their number of client by offering diverse services.

How and when to build a team

Employees are critical for a land surveying company. Support individuals, like a secretary and office manager can help free up time for surveying. Companies which are just starting out may want to outsource to an answering service if they are operating from a home office. Hiring assistants  or interns to help with the physical aspects of the business makes surveying much easier and increases the number of jobs a business can accept. 

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• National Society Of Professional Surveyors
• Land Surveyor Association By State

Real World Examples

• Landpoint - Bossier City, LA
• Stephenson Land Surveying - Cassopolis, MI
• Point To Point Land Surveyors - Atlanta, GA

Further Reading

• 5 Tips To Help Your Land Surveying Business
• 5 Time Management Tips For Surveyor's

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

The Business of Surveying: Creating Your Firm’s Business Plan

Last month, I wrote about business planning in general. This column is specifically about a business plan.

Whether you are the principal, owner, or partner of an existing survey practice, or your about to start a new business, taking the time to write a business plan is a worthwhile investment of your time.

In 2016, David Gardy, LS, a Virginia surveyor and a past President of the Virginia Association of Surveyors, was the instructor of a seminar on “ Starting Your Own Surveying Practice ” at the fall conference of the Maryland Society of Surveyors. He noted, “there are numerous resources available to help in developing a business plan. Your business plan will be an invaluable tool in developing your thoughts and presenting your ideas for the business to potential business partners”.

In a blog on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) website, Allen Gutierrez, Associate Administrator of SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development provides reasons for a business plan, including to help steer the business; set milestones, benchmarks, and metrics to monitor growth and goal attainment; and obtain funding from banks or other investors. The blog also includes links to numerous SBA resources.

A business plan need not be voluminous. It should not fill a three-ring binder or be so cumbersome that upon completion it sits on a shelf never to be seen or used again. There are some advisers who advocate a one-page business plan, with one simple sentence for each category, or using a “GPS” method of stating an overall goal, three priorities to reaching the goal, and five strategies items for each priority. But a more thorough plan can easily be less than 10 pages in length. Some of the sections of a business plan could include:

In an existing firm, development of the business plan should be a team effort, including all employees or, at a minimum, senior staff. It can be compiled by in-house staff or with an outside consultant and facilitator. Assistance is available from several SBA programs, such as the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) or a Women’s Business Center. There are several SBDC offices throughout the United States . There is also online SBA assistance on writing a business plan .

Upon completion, it should be shared with all employees. Most importantly, it should be reviewed on a periodic basis with an analysis of how well the firm is doing in meeting the plan.

The 12 elements of a business plan need not go into great detail. Next month, we’ll discuss creating a strategic plan, which is a supplement, not a duplicate of a business plan.

John Palatiello is Executive Director of the Maryland Society of Surveyors (MSS) and Virginia Association of Surveyors (VAS), and Vice President Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies, a public affairs consulting firm based in Fairfax, VA, providing government relations, public relations, association management, strategic planning, event planning, and management and marketing consulting services to private firms, associations, and government agencies. He is also national government affairs consultant to the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). He has more with 30 years of experience working in the architecture and engineering; geospatial, mapping and GIS; information technology; construction; transportation and infrastructure, and land use sectors. This article is an edited version of what first appeared in the MSS and VAS newsletters.

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Land Surveying Firm Business Plan Template

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1. Don't worry about finding an exact match

We have over 550 sample business plan templates . So, make sure the plan is a close match, but don't get hung up on the details.

Your business is unique and will differ from any example or template you come across. So, use this example as a starting point and customize it to your needs.

2. Remember it's just an example

Our sample business plans are examples of what one business owner did. That doesn't make them perfect or require you to cram your business idea to fit the plan structure.

Use the information, financials, and formatting for inspiration. It will speed up and guide the plan writing process.

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Are you planning to use your plan to apply for a loan or pitch to investors? Then it's worth following the format from your chosen sample plan to ensure you cover all necessary information.

But, if you don't plan to share your plan with anyone outside of your business—you likely don't need everything.

More business planning resources

Business Plan Template

Simple Business Plan Outline

How to Start a Business With No Money

How to Create a Business Plan Presentation

Industry Business Planning Guides

How to Write a Business Plan

10 Qualities of a Good Business Plan

How to Write a Business Plan for Investors

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How to Write a Business Plan for a Surveying Company

by Leslie Truex

Published on 26 Sep 2017

Business plans provide a surveying company with the ability to get financing or investors as well as a way to set goals, focus on business building activities, and measure success. Here's how to write a business plan for a surveying company.

Facts and figures on your company

Facts and figures about your competitors

Write an executive summary. This introductory section of the business plan summarizes all the aspects of your surveying company. It should include your mission statement and surveying company's history. Describe your facilities and indicate the number of employees. Finally, outline your goals for the surveying company for the next year.

Do a market analysis. Describe who will use your business. Do you do surveys for large land developing companies, or will you contract with government agencies? Describe your customers by demographics, and explain where and how you will be able to reach them through your marketing efforts.

Analyze your competition. What other surveying companies do you compete with? Who do they target for business? Do they do business the same or different from you? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How can you set your business apart from the competition?

Outline the management team of your surveying company. Who runs the business on a day-to-day basis? Who are the others involved in the management of your company and what do they do? What are you and your team's skills, experiences, and education as they relate to providing surveying services and running a business?

Describe the daily operations. What activities take place on a day-to-day basis to run the business? What sort of marketing is done? How are surveying services provided? Who takes care of the clients and sending out surveyors?

Give the financial details. What are the expenses and earnings projected over the next year? What are the company's liabilities (e.g. loans) and assets (e.g. surveying equipment)? In this section include financial statements that show the cash flow of the business.

Create an appendix for other information. Any details that don't fit into a category already listed, add to the appendix. This would be the section to include copies of contracts and forms, brochures, and permits and licenses.

Package the information into a business plan. If you will be applying for a loan or looking for investors, package the information with a professional cover letter in a quality folder. If the document is simply to help you and your management team, keep it available for easy reference when decisions about the company need to be made.