Lidar and aerial photography are valuable tools for preliminary investigations by cadastral surveyors. Boundary disputes are often decided using survey information. Remote sensing data provide a visual presentation of the ground conditions, to help interpret the situation. Historical aerial photography, satellite imagery, and lidar data combined with ground survey data provide clues to surveyors investigating trespass, boundary issues, and other situations dealing with monument lands. Remote sensing investigations may drive the need for field surveys or provide enough information to resolve issues without field data collection.
The following images depict an encroachment upon the Yakama Indian Reservation found when using the imagery for another purpose. The creek forming the boundary was straightened and moved to the south by the adjacent land owner on the north to consolidate the private lands with leased lands on the other side of the creek, creating a continuous field.
Yakima Indian Reservation Boundary Dispute