Business Details
41 Years
experience
Expert Land Surveying Services in Washington State
Thornton Land Surveying has built a legacy of excellence over four decades, delivering precise and reliable land surveying services tailored to client needs. Our team of licensed professionals combines extensive field experience with advanced technology to provide boundary surveys, topographic mapping, and 3D laser scanning. We serve a diverse clientele including government agencies, developers, and private landowners across Washington State. Our commitment to accuracy and efficiency is reflected in thousands of completed projects, from complex boundary resolutions to aquatic land surveys. With offices in Gig Harbor and Port Orchard, we maintain a strong local presence while adhering to the highest industry standards.Our principals bring nearly 20 years of personal experience each, supported by a veteran-led crew with deep institutional knowledge. We prioritize client collaboration, using RTK-GPS and robotic systems to balance precision with cost-effectiveness. Our work supports critical infrastructure projects, property development, and environmental conservation efforts. Thornton Land Surveying remains family-owned and veteran-operated, maintaining the same dedication to quality that has defined our reputation since 1985. This enduring commitment ensures clients receive technically superior solutions delivered on schedule and within budget.
Services
Land Surveying
Boundary Surveys
Topographic Mapping
3D Laser Scanning
Aquatic Services
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of combined experience in land surveying
- Licensed professionals with specialized expertise in boundary resolution
- State-of-the-art 3D laser scanning technology implementation
- Efficient, task-oriented field crews with construction experience
- Proven track record with government agencies and private developers
Associations and certifications
- Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)
- Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS)
Services
Land Surveying
Thornton Land Surveying provides comprehensive land surveying services using advanced GPS and robotic technology. Our licensed professionals conduct boundary determinations, property mapping, and title research to resolve ownership disputes and support real estate transactions. With over four decades of experience, we deliver precise measurements and legal documentation for residential, commercial, and government clients across Washington State.
3D Laser Scanning
Our state-of-the-art 3D laser scanning technology captures 50,000 data points per second for accurate as-built documentation. This non-invasive method creates detailed point cloud models of complex environments, supporting construction layout, forensic analysis, and BIM applications. The technology enables efficient data collection in challenging locations while maintaining millimeter-level precision for engineering and architectural projects.
Aquatic Services
Specialized aquatic land surveys address tidal boundaries, buoy placements, and state-owned waterbed leases. We comply with Washington DNR requirements for tideland leases and bathymetric soundings, providing precise mapping of submerged lands. Our services support shoreline development projects, aquaculture operations, and maritime infrastructure while navigating complex regulatory frameworks for coastal properties.
Boundary Surveys
Thornton's licensed surveyors conduct thorough boundary determinations by analyzing deeds, historical records, and physical evidence. We resolve property line disputes, prepare legal descriptions, and create survey maps that meet county recording standards. Our work includes boundary line adjustments and agreements to clarify ownership while complying with local jurisdiction requirements for land transfers.
Topographic Mapping
We create detailed topographic surveys showing natural and man-made features for site development projects. Our elevation data supports construction planning, drainage analysis, and environmental assessments. Using GPS and conventional surveying methods, we produce contour maps that show terrain variations, utility locations, and critical site features for engineering and architectural design purposes.
People
Gary A. Proctor
Owner & President
Retired Marine Corps LT Colonel with nearly 20 years of surveying experience, specializing in boundary resolution and topographic mapping. Licensed in Washington State, Gary leads Thornton's operations with expertise in federal land surveys and construction layout.
David S. Proctor
Owner & Vice President
Marine Corps veteran and Certified Federal Surveyor with extensive experience in aquatic leases and 3D laser scanning. Licensed in Washington State, David specializes in complex boundary cases and federal land transfers under BLM authority.
Don Wilson
Crew Chief
U.S. Army veteran with over a decade of field experience leading survey crews. Trained in military surveying, Don manages daily operations and ensures precision in boundary determinations and construction layout projects.
Questions
What types of land surveying services do you offer?
We provide boundary surveys, topographic mapping, 3D laser scanning, aquatic land surveys, and construction layout services for residential, commercial, and government clients.
How do you handle boundary line adjustments?
We process boundary line adjustments according to local jurisdiction requirements, including preparing legal documents, conducting field measurements, and coordinating with county authorities for official recognition.
What technology do you use for surveys?
We employ RTK-GPS, robotic total stations, 3D laser scanners, and conventional surveying tools to ensure precision across all project types and site conditions.
Do you serve areas outside Washington State?
Our primary service area covers Washington State, with offices in Gig Harbor and Port Orchard. We focus on local projects to maintain quality control and regulatory compliance.
How are aquatic land surveys conducted?
Aquatic surveys follow Washington DNR guidelines using GPS and bathymetric soundings to map submerged lands, tidal boundaries, and buoy placements for state-owned waterbed leases.
