How to Find Property Lines with GPS
You bought land, and you want to build a fence using a GPS app to find the boundary. Stop right there.
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Convert Coordinates in Seconds (No Setup Needed)The Simple Explanation
Consumer GPS (like an iPhone or Garmin) is only accurate to about 15 feet. Property lines require millimeter precision. If you build a fence using a phone, you will likely build it on your neighbor's land.
Real World Example
Professional land surveyors use $20,000 RTK GNSS equipment connected to base stations to achieve 1-centimeter accuracy required for legal property lines.
Pro Tip
When entering coordinates into map apps, always double-check if there is a negative sign (-). Missing a negative sign on longitude will place you on the opposite side of the planet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google Maps for property lines?
Absolutely not. Google Maps satellite imagery is often shifted by 10 to 50 feet from reality and holds zero legal weight in a boundary dispute.