Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Professional Land Surveying Services in Berkeley
Moran Engineering has been a trusted name in professional land surveying since its founding in 1970. Based in Berkeley, California, our firm serves homeowners, commercial property owners, design professionals, and public agencies across the Bay Area. With a team of licensed surveyors, technicians, and project managers, we deliver precise survey drawings using advanced Trimble and Leica equipment alongside AutoCAD software. Our expertise spans boundary and topographic surveys, construction staking, ALTA surveys, and more, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Founded by civil engineer Everett Moran, our legacy of excellence continues under the leadership of Jim Moran, a licensed land surveyor with decades of hands-on experience.We prioritize accuracy, client collaboration, and adherence to industry standards, ensuring reliable results for residential, commercial, and public projects. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our long-standing relationships with educational institutions, civic organizations, and private clients. By combining technical proficiency with personalized service, we aim to exceed expectations in every project we undertake. Whether mapping complex urban developments or providing boundary staking for individual properties, Moran Engineering remains dedicated to precision, integrity, and client satisfaction.
Services
Boundary Surveys
Topographic Mapping
Construction Staking
ALTA Surveys
Parcel Maps
House Location Surveys
Story Pole Certification
Easement Descriptions
Boundary Recovery
Monitoring Surveys
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of experience in Bay Area land surveying since 1970
- Our team uses Trimble and Leica equipment for superior measurement accuracy
- We provide tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and public agency clients
- Our services include boundary staking, ALTA surveys, and construction certification
- We maintain strict compliance with California's land surveying regulations
Services
Boundary Surveys
Our boundary surveys precisely define property lines using advanced equipment and legal records. We identify existing markers, resolve disputes, and create detailed maps for real estate transactions or development projects. Clients receive comprehensive documentation meeting California's surveying standards.
Topographic Mapping
We create detailed topographic maps showing natural and man-made features with elevation data. These surveys support construction planning, environmental assessments, and land development projects. Our digital mapping integrates with AutoCAD for precise 3D modeling and site analysis.
Construction Staking
Our construction staking services ensure accurate placement of buildings and infrastructure. We use GPS and robotic total stations to mark critical points for foundations, utilities, and grading. Clients receive certification confirming compliance with approved plans.
ALTA Surveys
We conduct ALTA/NSPS surveys meeting title insurance requirements for commercial properties. These comprehensive surveys include boundary verification, easements, and improvements. Our reports satisfy lenders, insurers, and commercial real estate professionals across the Bay Area.
Parcel Maps
We prepare parcel maps for property subdivisions following local agency requirements. Our services include boundary adjustments, legal descriptions, and topographic mapping. We coordinate with municipalities to ensure approval for creating new lots or condominium units.
People
Jim Moran
Licensed Land Surveyor & Business Operations
Jim Moran oversees land surveying operations with over 25 years of experience. A licensed surveyor since 1995, he specializes in boundary resolution and construction layout while managing business operations.
Robert J. Brunel
Licensed Land Surveyor
Robert Brunel has been with Moran Engineering since 1978. Specializing in boundary and topographic surveys, he provides expertise in subdivision mapping and construction layout with extensive local knowledge.
Peggy Guare
Licensed Land Surveyor
Peggy Guare has worked at Moran Engineering since 2000. Her expertise includes ALTA surveys, condominium plans, and boundary staking. She combines geological knowledge with precise field measurements for complex projects.
Jake Sullivan
Land Surveyor in Training
Jake Sullivan joined Moran Engineering in 2017. As a survey party chief, he specializes in boundary surveys and drafting while preparing for full licensure with hands-on field and office experience.
Questions
What types of surveying services do you offer?
We provide boundary surveys, topographic mapping, construction staking, ALTA surveys, parcel maps, house location surveys, and specialized services like story pole certification.
Do you serve both residential and commercial clients?
Yes, we serve homeowners, commercial property owners, design professionals, and public agencies across the Bay Area with tailored surveying solutions.
How long does a typical survey take?
Most residential surveys take 1-2 weeks including research and fieldwork. Commercial projects vary based on complexity and site size.
Are your surveyors licensed in California?
All our surveyors hold active California licenses, including Land Surveyor #7881 (Jim Moran), #4961 (Robert Brunel), and #8361 (Peggy Guare).
How do you handle boundary disputes?
We conduct thorough title research, locate existing markers, and provide precise measurements to resolve disputes. Our documentation meets legal standards for property line determinations.
Can you work with my architect or contractor?
Yes, we collaborate with design professionals and contractors to ensure survey data integrates seamlessly with construction plans and permitting requirements.
Reviews (7)
Yassine Yaz Guergah
Feb 12, 2022
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We received a top quality product, a boundary and topographic survey, from top quality professionals. Moran Engineering seems to work as a close team and each team member was professional, courteous and responsive with us. A special thank you to Jake S,
D. P.
Aug 11, 2020
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I talked with Jim Moran first when getting my contract terms for property line survey for my house. All people Jim, office manager Heather, and the surveyors Jack and Kyle were professional and responded promptly even outside normal office hours. I received efficient service at reasonable price that I recommended them to others for their survey needs.
Rosa M.
Jan 11, 2020
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I had a survey done for a letter of verification and I contacted Moran because they had done a survey for my neighbor. I'm very grateful to both Jim and Heather. they accommodated my time crunch and were pleasant, affordable and quick. Thank you!
Mai Nguyen
Nov 21, 2019
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Excellent service! I had Moran Engineering performed a land boundary survey a year ago and recently a field survey for construction skating of a new house on my lot in Berkeley. Jim Moran and his team was very responsive, professional and accommodated me to get the surveys done in short time. I am very appreciative of his promptness in doing the research, surveying & communication. His works are complete and thorough and he was very pleasant to work with!
Melagranita D.
Sep 23, 2019
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Very good service for a boundary survey. Both the office manager and the surveyor Kyle were professional, courteous and friendly. I received exactly what I needed. Thank you.
Kristina H.
Sep 18, 2017
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Mr. Moran should take lessons from his charming English-accented receptionist, who was so kind and helpful on the phone. He, on the other hand, was condescending, impatient, contemptuous, and rude. I hung up on him. First time I've ever done that. Felt right.
Jade T.
Sep 07, 2016
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Terrible business! It takes them a couple days to get back to us with one simple questions. I would not recommended this business to anyone specially if you are looking for results in a timely manner ( this company is not for you) As many reviewers have said good thing about them, I wonder if they get paid to do so. once again, it's terrible, terrible business.
