What information is needed to begin a survey CAD drafting project?

The essentials are the survey data you want drawn (coordinates, points, sketches, or prior drawings), your drafting standards or template where available, and written instructions describing the required deliverables. We review everything and confirm scope before production starts.

Can GeoDrafts work with our existing CAD standards and templates?

Yes. Layer structures, naming conventions, title blocks, symbol libraries, and plot styles you supply are applied to the deliverables exactly as agreed — the drawings should look like they came from your own production team.

Which CAD and GIS file formats can you support?

For CAD: DWG, DXF, and PDF as standard, with DGN available on request. For GIS: Shapefile, GeoPackage, GeoJSON, KML/KMZ, and CSV. Other formats can be discussed as part of the project scope.

Can you convert survey drawings into GIS datasets?

Yes. CAD-to-GIS conversion is a core capability — supplied drawings are converted into structured GIS features with organized attributes, following the layer schema and coordinate specifications you provide.

Can you support recurring drafting requirements?

Yes, subject to actual capacity. Many teams need steady production support alongside their own staff; we discuss expected volumes, scheduling, and scope arrangements before starting recurring work.

How are project scope, revisions, and delivery schedules agreed?

In writing, before production begins. Each project confirmation defines the deliverables, assumptions, revision expectations, and delivery schedule so both sides share the same picture of what will be produced.

Does GeoDrafts conduct physical land surveys?

No. GeoDrafts is a drafting and GIS production partner. Field surveying, licensed surveying, boundary determination, certification, and professional sign-off are separate responsibilities that remain with the licensed professionals you engage.

How can we share project files securely?

Project files are exchanged through agreed secure file-sharing arrangements, and client materials are handled under agreed confidentiality terms. Share a secure link with your inquiry or ask us about the current preferred transfer method.

Can you draft to Iowa recording and plat standards?

Yes — share the county or state requirements, or an approved example sheet, and we follow them as directed. Review, certification, and recording always remain with your licensed Iowa surveyor.

How does remote drafting work across time zones?

Send field data at the end of your working day; drafted sheets are ready for your review the next morning. Scope, standards, and delivery schedules are confirmed in writing before production starts.

Who is responsible for the survey itself?

Your licensed land surveyor, always. GeoDrafts provides drafting production support only — boundary determination, records decisions, and certification stay with your firm under Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board.

Service Area — IA

Land Survey CAD Drafting in Iowa

GeoDrafts supports licensed surveying firms across Iowa — Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and statewide — with remote CAD drafting production to your office standards.

Iowa Coverage

Iowa firms send data today, review drawings tomorrow.

PLSS conventions drafted as instructed
Serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and statewide
County recording formats followed per your direction
All 22 drafting services available statewide

IA · Remote production · Your certification

State Context

Surveying Practice in Iowa

Licensing context: Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board
Land description system: PLSS
Principal service hubs: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport
County recording formats followed per your direction and example sheets

Iowa surveys are described under the Public Land Survey System — township, range, and section references. We draft PLSS breakdowns, section ties, and aliquot descriptions exactly as your office instructs.

End of your day is the start of ours — Iowa firms typically review drafted sheets the next morning.

Certification stays with your licensed surveyor. We provide drafting production only.

Service Matrix