Our Capabilities

APS researches surface and mineral ownership at any stage of a project, from early feasibility through active negotiation and acquisition. Preliminary research can reveal who controls the surface and minerals, how ownership is divided, where access may be difficult, and how many interests need to be addressed. That information helps define project scope, negotiation strategy, staffing, and cost before significant resources are committed.

Ownership records can quickly become complicated. Surface and mineral estates may have separated generations ago, interests may be divided among multiple heirs, and federal, state, or tribal lands can involve separate records and approval requirements. APS traces and reconciles chains of title through public records, courthouses, and government archives, then maintains that information for use throughout GIS mapping, negotiations, acquisition, and field operations.

APS builds comprehensive project maps and databases that connect ownership and title information to the land itself. Surface and mineral ownership, leases, legal descriptions, topography, crops, infrastructure, project boundaries, and other relevant data are compiled and organized geographically for planning, negotiating use agreements, acquisition, and field use.

Surface and mineral interests do not always follow the same boundaries. Historical legal descriptions may not align cleanly with current parcels, and changes in project alignment can introduce an entirely different set of affected properties. APS reconciles those differences across the project mapping and supporting data, keeping the information organized and current as the work develops.

Seismic permitting has been at the core of APS’s work for more than 45 years. We manage the land access and permitting required for 2D, 3D and 4D seismic surveys, microseismic, VSP, CCUS, solar arrays, data centers, and other complex field projects.

Every property presents unique conditions. Access routes, crops and livestock, hunting seasons, fences, water wells, existing infrastructure, environmental restrictions, compensation, and potential damages can all affect where and how field operations are conducted. APS personally contacts landowners to explain who we represent, what the project involves, what access is being requested, and how the property will be used. We negotiate and document those conditions, then oversee compliance in the field to protect all parties and the client’s reputation.

APS secures linear property rights for pipelines, electric transmission, utilities, telecommunications, roads, and other critical infrastructure. We verify corridor ownership and existing rights, identify affected tracts and encumbrances, personally contact landowners, negotiate compensation and property terms, and execute easement and access agreements.

ROW acquisition develops alongside the route itself. Requirements vary tract by tract, and a rejected agreement, divided interest, existing easement, utility conflict, or physical constraint can change an alignment after acquisition is underway. A reroute can introduce new parcels, owners, title, mapping, and negotiations. APS identifies these conflicts early and keeps ownership, GIS, acquisition status, and route changes synchronized as the corridor develops.