#NRCS

February 5, 2025February 5, 2025

Land Development & Population Growth in the Southeast

The Southeast continues to experience unprecedented population growth, driving a surge in land development across states like South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. With expanding metro areas, new residential communities, and growing commercial hubs, 2024 is shaping up to be another dynamic year for development in the region.

This growth presents tremendous economic opportunities, creating jobs, stimulating local businesses, and attracting investment in infrastructure, transportation, and housing. However, rapid expansion also requires careful planning to ensure sustainable and efficient land use—and that’s where land surveying plays a crucial role.

The Economic Impact of Population Growth

As more people move to the Southeast, demand for housing, commercial spaces, and public services is increasing. This demand fuels construction, engineering, and real estate industries, contributing to economic vitality. Key trends in 2024 include:

Expansion of suburban and exurban communities as remote work flexibility remains strong.
A rise in mixed-use developments blending residential, retail, and office spaces for walkable, convenient communities.
Infrastructure upgrades such as new roads, bridges, and utilities to support growing populations.
Increased industrial and warehouse development, particularly near ports and logistics hubs.

With these opportunities, however, come challenges such as zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and the need for accurate land assessments—all areas where professional land surveyors provide critical expertise.

How Land Surveying is Supporting Smart Growth

As communities expand, land surveying ensures precision, compliance, and efficiency in every stage of development. Here’s how:

Boundary & Topographic Surveys – Confirming accurate property lines and land features before construction begins, preventing costly legal disputes.

ALTA/NSPS Surveys – Supporting commercial transactions by providing detailed land data for lenders, developers, and investors.

Construction Staking – Guiding builders with exact reference points for roads, utilities, and structures, ensuring projects stay on track.

GIS & Mapping Services – Assisting municipalities and developers in planning smart growth using spatial data and mapping technologies.

Flood Zone & Environmental Assessments – Helping communities mitigate risks and develop in environmentally responsible ways.

A Bright Future for Development in the Southeast

With growth showing no signs of slowing, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for land development in the Southeast. Thoughtful planning, innovative surveying technologies, and a commitment to accuracy will help ensure that expansion happens in a way that benefits residents, businesses, and the environment alike.

At H&M Surveying, we are proud to be at the forefront of this growth, helping developers, engineers, and municipalities build the future with precision and confidence. Whether it’s a new residential neighborhood, a commercial center, or an infrastructure project, our team is dedicated to providing the accurate data and expertise needed to make it a success.

Here’s to a prosperous 2024—where smart growth meets opportunity!

Need expert surveying for your next project? Contact H&M Surveying today to ensure your development is built on a solid foundation.

December 26, 2024December 27, 2024

Holiday Reflections and a Look Ahead to 2025

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and reflection. As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves surrounded by the twinkling lights and festive decorations that transform our neighborhoods and towns into vibrant celebrations of community and togetherness. At H&M Surveying, the spirit of the season reminds us of the importance of our work in shaping these communities. Just as every string of lights and ornament adds to the holiday magic, every measurement and marker we set contributes to the development of the places we call home.

This time of year also gives us a moment to pause and appreciate the trust our clients place in us to deliver precision and accuracy. Land surveying isn’t just about maps and measurements—it’s about creating the foundation for dreams to be realized. Whether it’s a new home where memories will be made, a bustling commercial space that supports local businesses, or infrastructure that connects us all, we’re proud to be part of the process. During the holidays, as we gather with family and friends, we’re reminded of how our work impacts the lives of so many. It’s a humbling and motivating thought as we look toward the future.

The Intersection of Holidays and Land Surveying

During this season, our work often brings us to sites adorned with festive decorations, reminding us of the communities we help shape. The twinkling lights and bustling streets are testaments to the growth and development that land surveying facilitates. It’s a privilege to contribute to the infrastructure that supports such vibrant holiday scenes.

Looking Forward: The Southeast Real Estate Landscape in 2025

As we prepare to welcome 2025, it’s essential to consider the trends shaping land development and real estate in the Southeast United States, particularly in South Carolina and Georgia.

Population Growth: South Carolina’s population is projected to reach approximately 5.27 million by 2025, reflecting a 3.5% increase from 2020. Similarly, Georgia anticipates a rise to about 11.04 million residents, marking a 5% growth over the same period. This steady increase underscores the ongoing demand for residential and commercial development.
Economic Outlook: The U.S. economy is poised for growth in 2025, driven by consumer spending, easing financial conditions, and productivity gains. This positive economic environment is expected to invigorate the real estate sector, leading to increased investment and development opportunities.
Real Estate Trends: The National Association of Realtors forecasts a 9% increase in home sales for 2025, with mortgage rates stabilizing around 6%. This stability is likely to encourage both buyers and sellers, contributing to a more dynamic market.
Urban Development: Cities like Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, are experiencing significant growth, driven by their historical charm, expanding job markets, and appealing lifestyles. This trend is expected to influence neighboring regions, promoting urban development and infrastructure expansion.

Conservatively Optimistic Outlook for 2025

Considering these factors, we anticipate a robust, yet measured expansion in the land development and real estate sectors across the Southeast. The combination of population growth, economic stability, and evolving market trends suggests a favorable environment for development projects. However, it’s prudent to remain attentive to potential challenges, such as affordability concerns and the availability of skilled labor, which could influence the pace of growth.

At H&M Surveying, we’re excited to continue our role in this dynamic landscape, providing the precision and expertise that underpin successful development. As we celebrate the holidays, we’re also preparing for the opportunities and challenges that 2025 will bring, committed to contributing to the thriving communities of the Southeast.

Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year from the H&M Surveying Team!

December 18, 2024December 27, 2024

Preserving South Carolina’s Wetlands: Conservation Easement Success in Sumter, SC

At H&M Surveying, we take pride in contributing to projects that protect and preserve our natural resources. One such rewarding project recently brought us to Sumter, South Carolina, where we partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) to complete a Conservation Easement survey covering an impressive 3,225 acres.

What’s a Conservation Easement?

For those unfamiliar, a conservation easement is a powerful tool to protect land from future development while allowing the landowner to retain ownership. It’s a win-win for land preservation, balancing private rights and public benefits. In this case, the USDA-NRCS aimed to safeguard this substantial tract of land to ensure its long-term environmental health and agricultural utility.

Swampy Terrain, Critical Work

Nearly the entire 3,225-acre site is swampy, adding an extra layer of complexity to the work. These wetlands are ecologically vital, serving as a habitat for wildlife, a filter for water quality, and a buffer against flooding. Navigating such terrain required careful planning, precise execution, and plenty of waterproof boots!

Our Role in the Project

The Conservation Easement project required multiple phases of work to ensure the land’s boundaries were clearly defined and marked for future stewardship. Our team conducted a thorough boundary survey, utilizing advanced GPS technology and robotic theodolites to map the land with pinpoint accuracy.

Once the boundaries were established and verified, we moved to the next phase: setting signs and monuments. These markers will serve as permanent, visible indicators of the easement area, ensuring that its boundaries remain clear for generations to come.

Why This Work Matters

South Carolina’s wetlands are among the state’s most precious resources. Protecting them not only preserves the region’s natural beauty but also supports agriculture, wildlife, and water quality. This project in Sumter exemplifies how land surveying plays a critical role in conservation efforts. By providing precise boundary data and lasting physical markers, we helped create a solid foundation for the USDA-NRCS’s long-term vision of land stewardship.

Thank You to Our Partners

We’re grateful to the USDA-NRCS for trusting us with this important project and to the landowners for their commitment to conservation. Completing this project was a team effort that showcased the importance of precision, professionalism, and perseverance in challenging conditions.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up our work in Sumter, we reflect on the impact of this project. From the technical challenges of swampy terrain to the satisfaction of seeing the conservation easement brought to life, this has been a rewarding experience for our team. We’re excited to continue contributing to efforts that protect South Carolina’s landscapes while upholding our mission of accuracy and integrity.

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