When you purchase a home you are buying the rights of the land, the air and any physical improvements that have been done.  A Title Survey map will depict the location of visible and identifiable improvements on the property including evidence of possession such as fences, hedges and tree lines.  The bearings and distances of the boundary lines of the property as described in your deed (also known as metes and bounds) will also be shown.  If there are clearing and coverage regulations a Table of Areas is also shown.

Encroachments in the form of fences, driveways, landscaping, sheds, etc. are also located on the survey map.  These issues pass to you if they are not addressed before your transaction closes.

A survey gives you, the buyer, the piece of mind that the property you are buying is clearly identified and that you are fully aware of any encumbrances that may exist.  In many cases your attorney will order the survey after contracts are signed.  

A Boundary Survey is conducted to mark out the property lines (boundary) of an unimproved parcel.  A Boundary Survey can be used for title transaction purposes also.