Green Country's premier land surveyors since 1940.
We have grown from our humble beginnings as a small, mortgage surveying company to one of the largest, full-service surveying companies in the area.
SINCE 1940
Our Services
Mortgage Inspections and Land Title Surveys
In 1940, we pioneered the residential Mortgage Inspection Report to provide mortgage lenders security in closing their transactions. We are also experts in ATLA/NSPS Land Title Surveys for commercial property transactions.
Topographic and Boundary Surveys
Our precise topographic and boundary surveys provide ample detail when it comes time to obtain permits for land or stucture improvements. We also provide As-Built Surveys and Lot Line Adjustment/Lot Split descriptions and exhibits.
Construction and Site Planning Surveys
Our detailed surveys have been the first step in the design of many diverse projects including buildings, commercial and residential developments. We also provide construction staking and stemwall locations.
Elevation Certificates and LOMA Applications
Elevation certificates determine the flood potential of a structure and are used in obtaining flood insurance. If FEMA guidelines are met, we will make the application for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).
About us
White Surveying was established in 1940 by W. Kirk White. Kirk grew the business until his death in 1956, after which his family formed a partnership with Earl Denton. The company was renamed Denton & White Surveying.
Upon Earl’s death in 1964, Kirk’s widow, Lorraine White, and his son, David C. White, established a partnership and returned the company to its original name. Following Lorraine’s death in 1975, David became the sole owner of White Surveying.
Paula Koehn and John Libby moved from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to Tulsa in 2013 to be closer to family and founded Route 66 Surveying. About the time it became obvious they needed to make a major step up in size to continue to serve their growing client base, Paula and John learned about the possibility of acquiring White Surveying Company.
With its 80-year history, long-time loyal employees, and deep ties to the community, Paula and John decided this was an opportunity they had to take advantage of. In September of 2020 they purchased White Surveying from David White.
Our Experts
John L. Libby, Jr., PLS, CFedS
Owner and President
John has over 35 years of experience in boundary, design, and topographic surveys for multi-family developments, commercial, retail, office and manufacturing sites. He is a Professional Land Surveyor in both Oklahoma and Texas and a Certified Federal Surveyor. He spent seven years in the oil and gas industry, determining lease lines and preparing exhibits for permitting gas wells on approximately 25,000 acres. John has performed route surveys and aerial control surveys for multiple highway projects and over 150 miles of light rail projects, as well as design, right-of-way and as-built surveys for approximately 36 miles of pipeline. He has experience with construction layout surveying for residential streets and utilities, multistory office buildings and retail sites.
Professional Registrations:
- Oklahoma Professional Land Surveyor #1806
- Texas Registered Professional Land Surveyor #6120
- Certified Federal Surveyor #1578
Professional Associations:
- Oklahoma Society of Land Surveyors
- Texas Society of Professional Surveyors
Education:
- Bachelor’s of Science, Mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas, 1991
Randy K. Shoefstall, PLS
Vice President and Project Manager
Randy has been with White Surveying since July 1991 and is the Vice President and Project Manager. He oversees daily operations of the Survey Division. Randy has over 35 years of experience on ALTA, boundary, and topographic surveys.
Professional Registrations:
- Oklahoma Professional Land Surveyor #1676, 2007
Paula D. Koehn
Owner and Office Manager
Paula has over 35 years of diversified experience in management, accounting, payroll, finance, human resources, database management and market research.
Education:
- Master’s of Business Administration, Texas Christian University, 1983
- Bachelor’s of Business Administration, Texas Christian University, 1983
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I have my property surveyed?
A survey performed by a professional land surveyor can identify potential problems or avoid future problems. Many landowners move into a place and do not know exactly where their boundaries are located. As neighbors move away, who built what and why becomes lost and structures like fences and trees become assumed lines that keep peace, usually, between neighbors, but may not be where the deed identifies the property line to be. Property lines are generally invisible and it may take a professional land surveyor with knowledge, expertise and experience to determine their original position.
What kind of survey do I need?
Topographic Survey: A topographic survey is performed to show contours, natural and man-made features of a tract of land. A topographic survey is generally done to provide architects and engineers with information necessary for preparation of design plans.
Boundary Survey: A boundary survey determines the locations of the lines and corners of a tract of land. These can range from simple to complex and sometimes can involve complicated title/ownership issues. In either case, a surveyor should provide a professional opinion as to where the parcel lines are using all available evidence and providing either a written survey report or map of the survey.
ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey: An ALTA/ACSM survey is usually performed at the request of a title company to provide the title company, lender and buyer with a boundary survey acceptable to the title insurance company for the purpose of insuring title. This survey must meet specific minimum standards as established by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors.
Mortgage Inspection Report: A mortgage inspection plat is an informal survey performed for the lender’s benefit using information from the deed or plat, an onsite inspection and measurements to show property lines and all structures in their approximate location. A mortgage inspection is not a boundary survey or to be used as one.
How much does a survey cost?
Prices for land surveys are based on a variety of factors, including:
- Size
- Location
- Existence of previous surveys
- Quality and availability of existing records
- Markers and monuments in the field
- Date the land was partitioned
- Topography
- Presence of obstacles such as vegetation, fences, building, creeks, and ponds
Common Surveying Myths:
Neighbors rarely encroach over property line
Encroachments and land disputes are a lot more common than you think. As land value increases there are more concerns regarding where property lines really are.
I don't need a survey to build a fence/wall along my property line
Protect your investment. Make sure you know where the property line is. It’s a lot less expensive to have your line surveyed properly than to have to move a fence or wall later. And your neighbors will be a lot happier if they don’t have to fight to have a fence moved off their property.
Surely my surveyor will agree with me, I'm paying him!
You pay a land surveyor to correctly determine where the property lines are, not where you think they are. Surveyors have the responsibility of protecting the interests of the public, including surrounding land owners affected by our work.
I can build on my property without a survey.
You want to be sure you understand where your property lines are and what easements and right of ways may apply. Most cities will require you to have a survey before you can build or add on to an existing building.
I only need one line surveyed.
Except in limited circumstances, it is not possible to verify the accurate location of a single property line. It is generally necessary to locate multiple monuments to verify locations.
My land has already been surveyed so I don’t need another one
There is no guarantee that a previous survey is still accurate. Over time structures may have been added or removed, easements could have been added and new regulations may impact the survey. Technological advancements and new information may change the results, too. Also, surveyors do sometimes make mistakes.