An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is a survey performed to a specific set of standards, first agreed to in 1962 by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM).  ACSM was legally merged into the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) in 2012.

ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys (usually referred to simply as "ALTA Surveys") are intended to provide the necessary level of accuracy and breadth for a title insurance company to insure title to a parcel of land.

An ALTA survey can be thought of as the combination of a boundary survey, a site plan or topographic survey, and a title commitment.

All of the information normally included on a boundary survey is present on an ALTA survey, along with a depiction of all of the artificial and natural features on the parcel (buildings, parking, pavement, lakes, etc.).  The surveyor will address any exceptions noted by the title insurance company in the prepared title commitment, and will make a determination as to whether or not a particular item affects the surveyed parcel, showing any easements on the face of the survey.

Along with the set of normal requirements for an ALTA survey, there are a set of optional requirements, called Table A Items, which can be specified by the client so that the survey can meet their specific needs.

For more information on ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, along with the full set of standards, please see the ALTA/NSPS Standards Page provided by the NSPS.