2026 ALTA/NSPS Standards: What Changed for Survey Drafting

The 2026 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys replaced the 2021 version. They took effect on February 23, 2026, and apply to ALTA/NSPS surveys contracted on or after that date. This guide summarizes the changes that matter most for the drawing itself, so you know what to update in your ALTA template and note blocks.

This is a summary for drafting purposes, not a substitute for the standards. Always work from the official document published by ALTA and NSPS.

Easements: clearer status and terminology

The 2026 standards put more weight on how each title exception is reported. Easements are expected to be clearly identified on the survey — for example whether they are shown, unlocatable, blanket in nature, illegible or not applicable. Offsite easements that benefit the surveyed property are described as appurtenant easements, and the language on how easements can end was broadened beyond a simple release.

For drafting: add a consistent easement status column or note format to your schedule B exception table, so every exception has a clear outcome on the drawing.

More explanatory notes

The update puts more emphasis on notes that explain what the surveyor found — such as differences between record and measured dimensions, access limitations and other boundary-related observations. Evidence of possession or occupation is to be documented regardless of how close it is to the perimeter boundary.

For drafting: leave room in the sheet layout for a longer notes block, and keep standard note wording in your template so the surveyor only edits the specifics.

Table A changes

• A new optional Item 20 adds a summary table of issues identified during the survey, keyed to their locations on the drawing.
• Item 18 covers showing offsite appurtenant easements.
• Item 15 (features shown using imagery or other remote methods) has limits and requires agreement with the client.
• Item 11(b) lets the client coordinate private utility locates directly.

For drafting: update the Table A list on your drawing to the 2026 item numbers, and add a ready-made table style for Item 20 so it is quick to fill when a client selects it.

Certification wording

The standards now address certifying to lenders using "ATIMA" (as their interests may appear) and "ISAOA" (its successors and/or assigns) when the lender requires it. Check your certification block so the wording can be added when a job calls for it.

Other changes worth knowing

• The relative positional precision definition was reworded and simplified.
• Title insurers are no longer required to provide adjoiner deeds; surveyors obtain what they need.
• Where the boundary follows water, the survey notes the measurement date and that natural changes can occur.
• The 10-foot utility requirement now applies to utility poles.

Template update checklist

• Standards reference in notes and certification updated to 2026
• Schedule B exception table with an easement status for each item
• Table A list updated to 2026 numbering, with Item 20 table style ready
• ATIMA / ISAOA wording available in the certification block
• Larger notes area on sheet 1, with standard note wording

Cadra Solutions can update your ALTA template to the 2026 standards as part of your first job. See our ALTA/NSPS drafting service.

Sources

• ALTA — ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards
• The American Surveyor — The 2026 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements
• Holland & Knight — 2026 ALTA Survey Standards Updates

Quick answers

When did the 2026 ALTA/NSPS standards take effect?+

February 23, 2026. They apply to ALTA/NSPS surveys contracted on or after that date.

Do I need to change my ALTA drawing template?+

Usually yes: update the standards reference, Table A numbering, easement status reporting in the exception table, notes area and certification wording.