(a) All cases affecting real estate wherein questions of boundary or of conflicting surveys may arise, the court, on application of any party, or a judge at chambers, on proof of ten days' notice to all the other parties or their attorneys of such intended applications, may appoint a registered civil engineer or professional land surveyor who, upon reasonable notice to both parties, shall survey and ascertain such boundaries and conflicts and furnish a diagram thereof describing the same, and any other circumstances material to a proper investigation of the subject, and if, on trial, or otherwise, such survey appears to have been necessary or proper, the reasonable expenses of the same shall be taxed and paid as other costs.(b) The person so appointed, before entering upon his/her duties, shall take or subscribe an oath of affirmation that he/she will impartially, to the best of his/her skill and judgment, do and perform all things enjoined and required of him/her under said appointment, which oath or affirmation shall be filed in the cause.Adopted July 19, 2004, effective 30 days after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.