Topographical Surveys
a key starting point for any project whether it be residential, commercial or rural
Our topographical surveys visualise the features and contours of your land before you get to work. We’ll provide you with ample information including all existing features and levels of the property, boundaries and even drainage where possible to assist with every aspect of the design stage.
In essence, we will provide you with a PDF plan as well as a 3-dimensional DWG file of the property showing all natural and man-made features and improvements. Specific information, such as location, size, height, and any changes in elevation will be surveyed and visible on the Plan and DWG file.
What do we survey?
Features are identified when a topographic survey is completed. Most features surveyed are standard, but additional features can be requested from the client (private owners, architects and/or engineers). These include:
- Boundaries (not surveyed but shown on the plan)
- Boundary walls and fence lines
- Sheds, buildings and garages
- Surfaces such as concrete, paving, seal and decking
- Spot heights
- Street furniture - such as signs, benches, traffic lights, etc.
- Drainage - if accessible otherwise we use CCTV to locate
- Streams and ponds
- Vegetation including gardens, trees and bushes
When do you need a topographic survey
Topographic surveys may be required as part of a civil engineering and architectural design and construction projects, including:
- New drainage projects / drainages upgrades
- Commercial or residential developments
- Utility designs - including electricity, fibre, gas and water
- New buildings and/or extensions
- New road designs and/or improvements
Using data from Topographic surveys
A GPS (Global Positioning System) or Total Station is used to record the measurements of a topographical survey. Each point will have a coordinate defining a certain feature on the site. The information of a topographic survey is presented as contours, lines, and symbols on a site plan.
A drone can also be used for aerial mapping especially on larger projects. The drone will take images of the site which can be converted to a 3D rich point cloud and/or surface for a detailed survey.
Once all the information is obtained after conducting a topographical survey, we can produce high-quality drawings, plans, 3D point clouds for 3D models, photographs, and attributes such as chamber inverts and pipe diameters.
Most importantly a topographic survey can help prevent any expensive issues or mistakes that can occur down the line because you will have full detail of the specific site.
Using data from Topographic surveys
A wide range of information is provided after a site has been surveyed. The information can be used to produce detailed drawings. The survey results can be used for:
- PDF plans and CAD files
- 3D Surface models
- Photographs (if requested)
- Attributes of surveyed features (generally in CAD file)
Advantages of a topographic survey:
- Minimize any future hold ups or mistakes
- Detailed and up to date features of your property
- A better understanding of the land’s topography
Frequently Asked Questions
Topographic surveys are carried out when an area is being assessed for new construction or the addition to new development.