Merced

Land Surveying in Merced, CA: Supporting Growth in Agriculture, Education, and Healthcare

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Merced, located in California’s Central Valley, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. Known for its fertile agricultural lands, strong educational institutions like UC Merced, and expanding healthcare services such as Mercy Medical Center Merced, the city plays a pivotal role in the local economy. As development continues, land surveying for residents of Merced becomes essential in supporting the city’s growth, from rural farmlands to urban infrastructure. In this article, we’ll explore how land surveying helps shape Merced’s future, from agricultural management to urban planning and beyond.

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Merced’s Development and Growth

Merced is nestled between other Central Valley cities like Fresno and Modesto and serves as a central hub for businesses, families, and institutions. Its strategic location along major highways, such as Highway 99 and State Route 140, facilitates access to Yosemite National Park, boosting tourism and local commerce. This has led to rapid growth in areas such as North Merced, with new housing developments emerging, and Merced building planning expanding around Applegate Park and Lake Yosemite.

Daylight view of a street in Merced, California, with a clock tower visible

Agricultural Lands in Merced

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in Merced’s economy, with farms producing crops like almonds, dairy, and cotton. Local farmers rely on modern agricultural techniques and effective land management to sustain productivity. To support this, agriculture surveys and soil and dirt plans are crucial in helping farmers maximize land use and manage water resources.


As agriculture continues to modernize, proper land surveys, including topographic surveys and boundary surveys, help farmers make the most efficient use of their land. These services ensure Merced's agricultural lands continue to thrive amidst urban expansion.

Educational Institutions: UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, established in 2005, has been a catalyst for the city’s economic growth. As the university expands, it contributes to the development of new neighborhoods, commercial spaces, and infrastructure. Recent growth has included new housing projects near Bellevue Ranch and Campus Parkway, meeting the demand for student and faculty housing.


Land surveying is key in supporting this expansion. Accurate property surveys in Merced ensure compliance with local land use planning and zoning laws, allowing UC Merced to continue expanding while adhering to local regulations.


As UC Merced grows, land surveying for campus expansion helps the university plan for new buildings and infrastructure. Surveys ensure all projects fit within property boundaries and align with the city’s zoning rules, supporting the university’s long-term development.

Healthcare Services: Mercy Medical Center Merced

Mercy Medical Center Merced is a leading healthcare provider in the region, serving Merced as well as nearby cities like Atwater and Livingston. With the city’s population increasing, the hospital is expanding to meet healthcare demands, building new clinics and specialized healthcare facilities.


These expansions must meet strict regulations, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, to ensure accessibility for all residents. Land surveys are critical in planning these developments, ensuring that facilities meet zoning and accessibility requirements and are built with precision.

How Far & Wide Land Surveying Supports Merced’s Growth

Boundary and Topographic Surveys

At Far & Wide Land Surveying, our boundary surveys help define property lines for Merced’s diverse developments, from agricultural lands surrounding the city to new residential projects in North Merced. For farmers, having accurate boundaries prevents disputes and ensures efficient use of their land. In addition, our topographic surveys provide essential elevation and terrain data for both agricultural land management and construction planning. Whether you’re optimizing irrigation systems or preparing for new campus facilities, these surveys help map the land for precise and sustainable use.

Civil Engineering Projects and ADA Compliance

Supporting civil engineering projects in Merced, from street planning in urban areas to infrastructure improvements, our land surveys help guide construction and ensure compliance with city regulations. Additionally, our team can provide ADA compliance services for public facilities and healthcare centers, from large commercial establishments down to small local businesses. By offering CASp inspections to ensure that all new developments meet legal accessibility standards, we're doing a positive thing for the community and local business owners.

ALTA Surveys for Commercial Transactions

With Merced’s business districts growing, especially along Yosemite Avenue and near Highway 99, our ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys are vital for commercial property transactions. These comprehensive surveys offer a complete view of property boundaries, encroachments, and legal descriptions, giving both buyers and developers confidence in their investments. Whether for commercial farms or business expansions, ALTA surveys ensure legal and financial clarity.

Utility Mapping and Soil Surveys

For large agricultural areas around Merced, our utility mapping services ensure that existing infrastructure—like water lines and power grids—are accounted for during expansions. Farmers and developers alike benefit from accurate maps of underground utilities, preventing costly disruptions. Our soil surveys also help assess the suitability of land for construction or crop production, ensuring that the soil can support the desired development or agricultural use.

Construction Staking for New Projects

Our construction staking services ensure that development projects across Merced, from farms to urban areas, are executed with accuracy. For instance, as UC Merced continues to grow, construction staking is crucial for planning new student housing and campus buildings. We also provide staking services for agricultural expansions and residential construction in areas like Bellevue Ranch, marking out boundaries, utilities, and infrastructure according to site plans.

California's 1875 Merced courthouse seen in daytime

Surveying Solutions for Merced’s Expanding Community

Merced’s growth in agriculture, education, healthcare, and residential development requires careful planning, and land development is often the first step in this process. From supporting farmers to developing new neighborhoods and expanding institutions like UC Merced and Mercy Medical Center, the land planning and civil engineering community becomes a trusted partner in the San Joaquin Valley. Far & Wide is excited to serve the community and wants to be your go-to land surveying company.

Our local expertise, based in nearby Fresno, allows us to serve Merced with a deep understanding of the area’s unique zoning rules, building regulations, and development needs. Whether planning a new project in Atwater, expanding a business in Livingston, or developing infrastructure near Yosemite Avenue, our team of licensed land surveyors ensures your project is completed with accuracy and precision. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your next development in Merced.

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