Iowa Code Title IX. Local Government [Chs. 331-420] § 355.13. Surveys authorized by the United States government

1. A person employed in the execution of a survey authorized by the United States government may enter upon lands within this state for the purpose of exploring, triangulating, leveling, surveying, and doing any other work necessary to carry out the objects of laws relative to surveys, and may establish permanent station marks, and erect the necessary signals and temporary observatories, doing no unnecessary injury thereby.

2. If the parties interested cannot agree upon the amount to be paid for damages caused by entry upon lands pursuant to subsection 1, either of them may petition the district court in the county in which the land is situated and the district court shall appoint a time for a hearing. The district court shall order at least twenty days' notice to be given to all interested parties, and, with or without a view of the premises as the court may determine, hear the parties and their witnesses and assess damages.

3. The person entering upon land, pursuant to subsection 1, may tender to the injured party damages caused thereby, and if, in case of petition or complaint to the district court, the damages finally assessed do not exceed the amount tendered, the person entering shall recover costs. Otherwise, the prevailing party shall recover costs.

4. The costs to be allowed in cases taken pursuant to this section shall be the same as allowed according to the rules of the court and provisions of law relating to costs.