Topographic surveys is, in it’s simplest terms, the recording of data (coordinates relating to the ground and it’s various heights) for a defined survey area.This information is invaluable as it can be used to create more complex or specific maps or models if required.
General principles include recording the boundaries of the survey area and assigning data points (or ID’s) to any existing features on or slightly above or below the ground surface, for example buildings, trees, roads/streets, paths, manholes, utility posts, retaining walls or drainage points.
Topographic surveys also highlights topographic features including elevations, embankments, water courses, drainage ditches and access points.
Topographic surveys utilise GPS surveying technology, may be commissioned by residential home owners or those working in the construction or environmental sectors. A topographical survey is one of the only methods of fully understanding a piece of land at the start of a project. The topographical survey is the starting point, or ‘Existing Canvas’ from where a project commences.
The survey data (and any further maps or plans produced from it) is used by architects and engineers during the design stage of a new building project (or planned improvements to an existing building) as the topography of a piece of land can influence the decisions made by the project team, for example where to site a building (or additional extension) within the site due to the levels, drainage/run off points or existing features (for example pylons or posts).
It has been known for the design of a building or position of a building within the chosen site to require reconsideration following a topographical survey as, for example, the survey will reveal slopes and inclines, which is important to know when planning a construction project as an 8 degree slope is approaching the limit for economically building on a hillside. Anything steeper is usually not economically viable to build on due to the increased associated costs relating to remedial works, for example foundations.
Topographic surveys can also uncover recent changes to the site if it has been used or developed previously, for example if previous buildings have been demolished, or if the land was used for mining, quarrying or landfill.
Alan Wood & Partners have a dedicated team of experienced and qualified land surveyors available to undertake topographical surveys, producing accurate surveys using the latest in GPS surveying technology to a very high standard. The survey can be delivered in various formats, both paper and digital, to help ensure there are no issues, (for example specification oversights) throughout the duration of any project.
General principles include recording the boundaries of the survey area and assigning data points (or ID’s) to any existing features on or slightly above or below the ground surface, for example buildings, trees, roads/streets, paths, manholes, utility posts, retaining walls or drainage points.
Topographic surveys also highlights topographic features including elevations, embankments, water courses, drainage ditches and access points.
Topographic surveys utilise GPS surveying technology, may be commissioned by residential home owners or those working in the construction or environmental sectors. A topographical survey is one of the only methods of fully understanding a piece of land at the start of a project. The topographical survey is the starting point, or ‘Existing Canvas’ from where a project commences.
The survey data (and any further maps or plans produced from it) is used by architects and engineers during the design stage of a new building project (or planned improvements to an existing building) as the topography of a piece of land can influence the decisions made by the project team, for example where to site a building (or additional extension) within the site due to the levels, drainage/run off points or existing features (for example pylons or posts).
It has been known for the design of a building or position of a building within the chosen site to require reconsideration following a topographical survey as, for example, the survey will reveal slopes and inclines, which is important to know when planning a construction project as an 8 degree slope is approaching the limit for economically building on a hillside. Anything steeper is usually not economically viable to build on due to the increased associated costs relating to remedial works, for example foundations.
Topographic surveys can also uncover recent changes to the site if it has been used or developed previously, for example if previous buildings have been demolished, or if the land was used for mining, quarrying or landfill.
Alan Wood & Partners have a dedicated team of experienced and qualified land surveyors available to undertake topographical surveys, producing accurate surveys using the latest in GPS surveying technology to a very high standard. The survey can be delivered in various formats, both paper and digital, to help ensure there are no issues, (for example specification oversights) throughout the duration of any project.