Business Details
50 Years
experience
Professional Land Surveying & GIS Services in Santa Rosa
Ray Carlson & Associates has been a trusted leader in land surveying and geographic information systems since 1976. Our firm combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver precise, reliable solutions for clients across Northern California. We specialize in boundary surveys, topographic mapping, and GIS data management, serving industries ranging from viticulture to real estate development. Our team of licensed professionals maintains deep expertise in historical land records and modern GPS systems, ensuring accurate results for complex projects. With a library of over 5,000 surveyed parcels and strong relationships with local agencies, we streamline regulatory compliance and reduce project risks.Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through early adoption of drone technology and development of vineyard-specific GIS tools. We provide expert witness testimony and court exhibits grounded in rigorous research, supporting legal and land management decisions. Our reputation for integrity and technical excellence has made us a preferred partner for realtors, attorneys, and conservation organizations throughout the North Bay region.
Services
Land Surveys
GIS Mapping
Vineyard Services
Topographic Maps
Boundary Surveys
Aerial Surveys
Court Exhibits
Parcel Mapping
Research Services
Expert Testimony
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of land surveying expertise in Northern California
- Our team pioneered GPS surveying in Sonoma County
- We maintain a proprietary database of 5,000+ surveyed parcels
- Our GIS specialists hold professional certification in mapping technology
- We provide expert witness testimony supported by historical land research
What people say
Highest levels of professionalism
Thoroughly pleased with quality
Demonstrated due diligence
Vine level management
Expert witness testimony
Services
Land Surveys
Our professional land surveyors use GPS and traditional methods to establish precise property boundaries. We provide ALTA/NSPS surveys, easement determinations, and boundary retracement services. Our historical records and local agency relationships ensure accurate results for real estate transactions and development projects.
GIS Mapping
We create detailed geographic information systems for land management and decision-making. Our GIS services include aerial control mapping, 3D fly-through models, and vineyard-specific data layers. This technology supports precision agriculture and environmental planning with spatial data analysis.
Vineyard Services
Our vineyard mapping solutions track irrigation systems, drainage patterns, and yield data at the vine level. We provide as-built documentation and development planning to optimize vineyard productivity while maintaining regulatory compliance with local land use requirements.
Court Exhibits
We prepare detailed mapping exhibits for legal proceedings involving property boundaries, easements, and land disputes. Our services include historical aerial analysis, boundary retracement documentation, and expert testimony supported by comprehensive survey records.
Research Services
Our research department accesses title books, government land office records, and historical aerials to resolve boundary disputes. We maintain subscriptions to specialized databases and collaborate with local agencies to obtain unrecorded survey information for title reports.
People
Ray C. Carlson
President
President and founder with over 45 years of surveying experience in Northern California. Holds Professional Land Surveyor License #3890 and maintains deep expertise in historical land records and vineyard mapping systems.
Walter Moody
GIS Manager
Certified GIS professional with 30+ years of experience in forestry and land surveying applications. Manages our geographic information systems and develops innovative mapping solutions for agricultural and environmental clients.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in land surveying and mapping services throughout Napa, Sonoma, Marin, Lake, and Mendocino Counties in Northern California.
What surveying technologies do you use?
We employ GPS systems, drones (UAVs), and traditional field equipment to provide accurate measurements and comprehensive mapping solutions.
How do you handle historical land records?
Our team maintains extensive archives and relationships with local agencies to access historical surveys, title documents, and government land office records.
Can you assist with vineyard development?
Yes, we offer specialized GIS mapping and boundary surveys tailored to vineyard planning, irrigation management, and regulatory compliance.
What makes your firm different?
We combine 45+ years of local experience with cutting-edge technology and maintain a proprietary database of 5,000+ surveyed parcels in the North Bay region.
