hi garland, i totally understand your frustrations. i have been in land surveying , here in the big state of maine, for over 15 years. as in any other field, there are your "fly-by-nights," claiming the work can be done for such ridiculous prices. this is a serious , professional occupation, and should be respected as such. a full boundary survey includes deed research of not only the land owner, but all abutting properties. It also involves re-con (in the field foot work, looking for monuments, blazed tree lines, etc), usually more research, actual in the field location of evidence, note keeping or data entry, probably more deed research, and then the actual calcs. and map production, with notes, disclaimers, and whatever else a plan may need. $ 500.00? not ever possible. an "average" one acre lot may cost $2000.00 to survey, and nobody i know is getting rich. (except for me, for i do have Rich. thanks sot!!!) this profession is one of love, for surveyors tend to be people of passion, perfection, and purpose. so, hang in there if you love your work, and don't ever settle. best  to you, monica.....new mexico rocks, btw