Surveyor General Diagram

What Is a Surveyor General (SG) Diagram?

A Surveyor General (SG) Diagram is the official document that defines the precise boundaries, size, and location of a property in South Africa. Created by professional Land Surveyors and registered by the Chief Surveyor General, this document provides the authoritative legal definition of property boundaries.

Every registered property in South Africa has an associated SG Diagram that shows:

• Exact boundary lines and measurements
• GPS coordinates of property corners
• Property size and dimensions
• Relationship to neighboring properties
• Township layout (for General Plans)
• Unit boundaries (for Sectional Title properties)

Three Types of SG Diagrams Available

1. Property-Specific Diagram (Individual Property)

The most common type, showing the boundaries of a single, specific property.

What it includes:

• Precise boundary measurements
• GPS coordinates for all property corners
• Property dimensions and total size
• Erf number and township name
• Adjacent property boundaries
• Street frontage details
• Survey beacon positions

Perfect for:

• Verifying your property boundaries
• Building and construction planning
• Boundary wall or fence installation
• Resolving boundary disputes
• Property valuations
• Subdivision applications

Important Note: Not all properties in South Africa have been individually surveyed. If a property-specific diagram is not available for your property, we will provide the General Plan for the township instead, which shows your property's boundaries within the overall township layout.

2. General Plan (Township Layout)

A comprehensive diagram showing all properties within an entire township or development.

What it includes:

• Boundaries of all erven (properties) in the township
• Street layouts and public spaces
• Property numbering system
• Overall township configuration
• Common areas and servitudes
• Infrastructure reserves

Perfect for:

• Property developers and town planners
• Understanding township layout
• Multiple property developments
• Infrastructure planning
• Researching neighboring properties
• Large-scale property projects
• Properties without individual SG diagrams

3. Sectional Title Diagram

Specialized diagram for properties within sectional title schemes (complexes, apartments, townhouse developments).

What it includes:

• Individual unit boundaries within the scheme
• Unit numbers and floor plans
• Common property areas
• Exclusive use areas
• Parking bays and storage units
• Building footprint and layout

Perfect for:

• Sectional title unit owners
• Confirming unit size and boundaries
• Understanding exclusive use areas
• Body corporate planning
• Alterations and renovations
• Unit valuations

Why You Need an SG Diagram

For Construction and Building:

• Ensure structures are built within property boundaries
• Submit accurate plans to municipalities
• Comply with building regulations and setback requirements
• Avoid encroaching on neighboring properties
• Position boundary walls, fences, and gates correctly
• Plan swimming pools, outbuildings, and extensions

For Boundary Verification:

• Confirm exact property size and dimensions
• Verify that boundaries match your title deed
• Check for encroachments by neighbors
• Establish legal property lines
• Resolve boundary disputes with factual documentation

For Legal Matters:

• Provide authoritative boundary evidence in disputes
• Support property litigation
• Verify property descriptions in legal documents
• Confirm servitudes and rights of way
• Estate division and inheritance matters

For Property Development:

• Plan subdivisions accurately
• Understand township layouts
• Design developments within legal boundaries
• Submit accurate development applications
• Coordinate with municipal requirements

For Property Transactions:

• Verify property size before purchasing
• Confirm advertised property dimensions
• Due diligence for buyers
• Support property valuations
• Ensure accurate property descriptions in sale agreements

For Municipal Applications:

• Building plan submissions
• Subdivision applications
• Rezoning requests
• Consolidation of properties
• Municipal clearance processes

What Information SG Diagrams Contain

Boundary Measurements: Precise measurements in meters for each boundary line, showing exactly how long each side of the property is.

GPS Coordinates: Latitude and longitude coordinates for each property corner, allowing for precise location identification using GPS technology.

Property Size: Total area of the property in square meters or hectares.

Survey Beacons: Location of physical survey beacons (pegs or markers) that mark property corners on the ground.

Adjacent Properties: How your property relates to neighboring properties, including shared boundaries.

Servitudes and Rights: Any servitudes, rights of way, or restrictions affecting the property boundaries.

Township Information: Township name, registration details, and how the property fits within the larger development.

Understanding Your SG Diagram

Reading Measurements: SG Diagrams use metric measurements. Boundaries are shown with precise measurements to the centimeter, ensuring accuracy for construction and legal purposes.

Survey Beacon Locations: Physical survey beacons should match the locations shown on the diagram. These are typically concrete or metal markers placed at property corners by surveyors.

Orientation: Diagrams typically show north at the top, with a compass rose indicating direction. This helps orient the diagram to the actual property.

Scale: Diagrams are drawn to scale, allowing you to visualize property proportions accurately.

What You'll Need to Provide

To order an SG Diagram, we need:

• Property address or
• Township and Erf number or
• Title Deed number

Any of these identifiers will allow us to locate the correct diagram.

How the Process Works

Step 1: Place Your Order Provide your property details (address, township and erf number, or title deed number).

Step 2: We Locate the Diagram We search the Surveyor General's records to find your property's official diagram.

Step 3: Determine Availability If an individual property diagram exists, we'll provide that. If not, we'll provide the General Plan showing your property within the township.

Step 4: Digital Delivery Your SG Diagram is delivered to your email in digital format, typically within 2-3 working days.

Important Considerations

Individual vs. General Plan: Not all properties in South Africa have been individually surveyed with their own specific SG Diagram. Older properties and properties in established townships may only have General Plans available. Both documents are equally official and legally valid for establishing property boundaries.

Diagram Age: SG Diagrams are created when properties are first surveyed and subdivided. The diagram shows the property as originally surveyed, which should match current boundaries unless alterations or subdivisions have occurred.

Subdivisions and Consolidations: If your property has been subdivided or consolidated since the original survey, a new diagram would have been created. Always ensure you have the most current diagram for your property.

Physical Beacons: While the diagram shows where survey beacons should be located, physical beacons on the ground may have been damaged, moved, or removed over time. For critical boundary determinations, consider hiring a land surveyor to re-establish beacon positions.

Official Status: SG Diagrams are official government documents with legal standing. They're accepted by all municipalities, courts, and legal authorities for boundary verification.

Why Order Through eDEEDS?

Fast Digital Delivery: Receive your SG Diagram via email within 2-3 working days—no need to visit government offices.

Official Documentation: All diagrams come directly from official Surveyor General records.

Automatic Best Option: We automatically provide either the individual diagram or General Plan, whichever is available for your property.

Nationwide Coverage: Access diagrams for properties anywhere in South Africa.

Easy to Use: Digital format allows you to zoom, print, and share the diagram as needed.

Professional Quality: Clear, readable diagrams suitable for municipal submissions and legal purposes.

Get Your SG Diagram Today

Whether you need precise boundaries for construction, want to verify property size, or require official documentation for legal or municipal purposes, an SG Diagram provides the authoritative information you need. Order now and receive your official property diagram typically within 1 working day.