HOW-TO GUIDE
How to Read a Survey Plan in NSW
Last updated: January 2026
To read a NSW survey plan, start with the plan number (DP) and your lot number, then review the boundary dimensions (in metres), bearings (direction in degrees), and any easements (hatched areas). Survey marks show corner positions, and the north point indicates orientation. You can order plans from NSW Land Registry Services.
Survey plans can look complex at first glance, with numbers, symbols, and notations covering the page. But once you understand the basics, reading a survey plan becomes straightforward.
This guide explains how to read and interpret NSW survey plans, whether you're checking your property boundaries, planning development, or reviewing a subdivision.
Understanding Plan Types
NSW has several types of survey plans registered with NSW Land Registry Services:
- Deposited Plan (DP): The most common type, showing land subdivisions
- Strata Plan (SP): Shows strata title lots (apartments, townhouses)
- Community Plan (DP with Community): For community title schemes
- Compiled Plan: Consolidates information from multiple older plans
Each plan has a unique number (e.g., DP 123456) that identifies it forever in the land registry system.
Key Elements of a Survey Plan
Plan Number and Title Block
At the top or bottom of the plan you'll find:
- Plan number: e.g., "Deposited Plan 1234567"
- Location: Street address or property description
- Local Government Area: Which council the property is in
- Parish and County: Historical land description
- Surveyor details: Name and registration number of the surveyor
- Scale: The drawing scale (e.g., 1:500 means 1cm = 5m)
Lot Numbers
Each parcel of land is assigned a lot number within the plan. Your property is identified as "Lot X in DP XXXXXX" - this is your legal property description.
Lot numbers are shown in a circle or within the lot boundary. If you see "Lot 10" inside a boundary, that's the identifier for that piece of land.
Boundary Lines and Dimensions
The boundary of each lot is shown with solid lines. Along each boundary line you'll see:
- Distance: The length in metres (e.g., "25.305" means 25.305m)
- Bearing: The direction of the line (e.g., "45°30'15")
Understanding Bearings
Bearings show the direction of each boundary line, measured clockwise from north:
- 0° or 360°: Due north
- 90°: Due east
- 180°: Due south
- 270°: Due west
Bearings are written in degrees (°), minutes ('), and seconds ("). For example, 45°30'15" means 45 degrees, 30 minutes, and 15 seconds - roughly northeast.
North Point
Every plan has a north point (arrow indicating north direction). This helps you orient the plan to match the actual property. Some plans show "MGA North" (Map Grid of Australia) which is used for coordinates.
Survey Marks
Survey marks indicate reference points used to define the boundaries. Common symbols include:
- Solid triangle: Survey mark found and used
- Open triangle: Survey mark placed by this survey
- Square: Reference mark (not a boundary corner)
- Circle with cross: State Survey Mark (SSM)
- PM: Permanent Mark
Understanding Easements
Easements are shown on plans as hatched or shaded areas. They indicate where others have rights over your land (or where you have rights over neighbouring land).
Look for:
- Width notation: e.g., "1.5 wide" means 1.5 metres wide
- Purpose: e.g., "Easement for drainage", "Right of carriageway"
- Reference: Points to the Section 88B instrument creating the easement
- Benefited land: Which lot(s) benefit from the easement
Reading Old Plans
Older NSW survey plans (pre-1970s) use different measurement units:
- Links: 1 link = 0.201168 metres (100 links = 1 chain = 20.1168m)
- Feet and inches: 1 foot = 0.3048 metres
- Perches: 1 perch = 25.29 square metres (area measurement)
- Acres: 1 acre = 4,046.86 square metres
Modern plans always use metres for distances and square metres or hectares for areas.
Common Plan Notations
| Symbol/Notation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DP | Deposited Plan |
| SP | Strata Plan |
| PM | Permanent Mark (survey reference point) |
| SSM | State Survey Mark |
| RoW | Right of Way |
| E or Esmt | Easement |
| (A) | Affected by restriction/easement |
| (B) | Burdened by restriction/easement |
How to Get Your Survey Plan
To obtain a copy of your property's survey plan:
- Find your Lot/DP: Check your rates notice or Certificate of Title
- Order online: Visit NSW Land Registry Services
- Pay the fee: Plans cost approximately $15-20 each
- Download: PDF copies are available immediately
Alternatively, your surveyor can obtain plans on your behalf as part of any survey work.
When You Need Professional Help
While you can understand the basics from this guide, some situations require a licensed surveyor:
- Boundary disputes: Only a surveyor can legally define boundaries
- Development planning: Accurate setback measurements need site survey
- Old or unclear plans: Historical boundaries may need re-establishment
- Easement interpretation: Understanding how easements affect your plans
A detail survey or boundary survey provides accurate, current information about your property that goes beyond what the plan shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read bearings on a NSW survey plan?
Bearings on NSW survey plans are shown in degrees, minutes, and seconds (e.g., 45°30'15"). They're measured clockwise from north. A bearing of 90° points east, 180° points south, and 270° points west. The bearing tells you the direction of each boundary line.
What does DP mean on a survey plan?
DP stands for Deposited Plan. It's the official plan registered with NSW Land Registry Services that defines property boundaries. Each DP has a unique number (e.g., DP 123456). Your property is identified by its lot number within the DP, such as "Lot 10 in DP 123456".
What do the measurements on a survey plan mean?
Measurements on NSW survey plans are in metres (m). Each boundary line shows its length. For example, "25.305" means the boundary is 25.305 metres long. Older plans may show measurements in links (1 link = 0.201168m) or feet and inches.
How do I identify easements on a survey plan?
Easements on survey plans are shown as hatched or shaded areas crossing the lot. They're labeled with their purpose (e.g., "Easement for Drainage 1.5 wide") and reference to the Section 88B instrument that creates them. The width and location are dimensioned.
Where can I get a copy of my survey plan in NSW?
You can obtain a copy of your survey plan from NSW Land Registry Services (nswlrs.com.au) for around $15-20. You'll need to know your lot and DP number, which appears on your rates notice or Certificate of Title. Licensed surveyors can also obtain plans on your behalf.
Related Articles
Understanding easements and restrictions registered on NSW property titles.
What Are Survey Pegs and Can I Remove Them?Learn about survey marks that define your property boundaries.
How Much Does a Boundary Survey Cost?Get accurate boundary positions marked on your Sydney property.