Caltrans Divisions...

• Structure Design
• Structure Construction
• Structure Design Services & Earthquake Engineering
• Engineering Technology
• Materials Engineering & Testing Services
• Geotechnical Services
• Office Engineers
• Office of Photogrammetry

Related Public Links:

• National Geodetic Survey
• California Spatial Reference Center, CSRC
• American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM)
• California Business and Professions Code Professional Land Surveyors Act (See Chapter 15, Land Surveying, Sections 8700-8805)
• California Land Surveyors Association
• New! DRG's (Digital Raster Graphics) Scanned USGS Topographic Maps

Welcome to the California Department of Transportation, Division of Right of Way and Land Surveys, Office of Land Surveys Home Page.

Office of Land Surveys

Address:
California Department of Transportation
Division of Right of Way and Land Surveys
Office of Land Surveys, MS-35
1727 30th Street
Sacramento, CA 95816-8041
Click here for the map to the Office of Land Surveys

Contact Desk: (916) 227- 5919

On July 1, 2004 the Division of Right Of Way was renamed to the "Division of Right of Way and Land Surveys". The Office of Geometronics was renamed to the "Office of Land Surveys"

Caltrans Districts/Regions Contact list:

• For information about mapping and right of way questions for specific areas across the State, please contact the District/Region listed here
• The Office of Land Surveys' phone list is here

In partnership with the Districts/Regions and others, the responsibilities and roles of the Office of Land Surveys are:

• Provide effective functional management and coordination of the California Department of Transportation's Surveys function.
• Provide timely technical expertise, training, and assistance for the California Department of Transportation's surveying activities.
• Develop, establish, and maintain surveying standards and procedures that foster quality, effective surveying efforts.
• Evaluate, develop, and procure cost-effective, new-technology surveying equipment and systems for Departmental use.
• Manage California Department of Transportation's major surveying equipment inventory, including the administration of service and repair contracts.
• Participate with the Regions/Districts, other agencies, and California surveying professionals in efforts to resolve California surveying issues - datums, spatial reference systems, standards, etc.

Technical Publications

Right of Way Engineering Mapping

The Plans Preparation Manual, Section 4, establishes uniform standards and procedures to use when preparing Right of Way Engineering mapping for all state transportation improvement projects involving the California Department of Transportation.

This document is an interim publication until the next edition of the Plans Preparation Manual is published. Sample mapping products are included and more will be added as they become available.

Caltrans Surveys Manual

Policies, methodologies, and procedures for the California Department of Transportation Surveys function.

Staking Information - Chapter 12 of the Caltrans Surveys Manual

This document, Chapter 12, "Construction Surveys" of the Surveys Manual, provides information regarding typical construction staking performed by the California Department of Transportation (State) - the types of stakes furnished, their density, placement, and markings. You need 'Acrobat Reader' to view this document.

Caltrans Topo Code Book

This file lists the numerous topo codes used by the Departments' Survey Crews to properly code data shots. This file can be printed and folded to make a small hand pamphlet for daily use by a crew. A pdf file is here.

Caltrans LS/LSIT Video Exam Preparation Course Workbook

This course is designed to make the preparation for the LSIT and Land Surveyors exams more effective. The course, designed in the early 1990s consists of 14 modules that cover common topics of Land Surveying. Although it is not intended to be a complete study guide, it does cover pertinent information that all examinees should know.

Additional Study Materials For The LS and LSIT Exams:

Attached are additional study materials that may be helpful for the LS and LSIT Exam. Caltrans makes no claims or gives any warranty that the attached files are in any way required or necessary for passing or studying for the Land Surveyor in Training, or Professional Land Surveyor Exams. The user of this material assumes all responsibility for its actual applicability for the exams.

Office of Photogrammetry

"Guide to Photogrammetric Products and Services"

This User's Guide provides an easy-to-understand compilation of the processes, characteristics, and time requirements for photogrammetric products and services for Project Engineers and other Caltrans users.