Topographic & Land Surveys
Observation to the prism
The total station measures horizontal and vertical angles and the distance to the prism, and the data collector converts every shot straight into coordinates and a level on the required coordinate system.
Points on the ground
Ground levels are taken on a regular grid and at every change of slope, together with every feature on site: road and kerb edges, walls, manholes and lamp posts. Each point is stored with its coordinates, level and type.
From points to a surface
The points are joined into a triangulated network that respects road and kerb edges, forming a digital terrain model of the site as it is on the ground; contours, sections and quantities are all taken from it.
Levels and contours
The model is coloured by level so high and low ground read at a glance, and contour lines are drawn at the interval that suits the terrain and the purpose of the design.
From field measurements to maps ready for design
Examples of the sheets we deliver on a topographic survey; each sheet serves a different stage of design and construction.
01of 06Site layout on an aerial image
Shows the surveyed boundary over a georeferenced aerial image, with neighbouring plots, streets and control points, a coordinate table of the boundary corners with the area, and site photos recording conditions on the survey day.
Used forView sheet at full resolution ↗- Checking boundaries and area
- Understanding the site context
02of 06Detail and utilities plan
Shows the boundary lengths as measured on site, street widths, and the position of every visible utility fitting such as manholes, lamp posts, electrical and telecom boxes, with a legend explaining each symbol.
Used forView sheet at full resolution ↗- Planning access and connections
- Avoiding clashes with utilities
03of 06Spot heights plan
Shows ground levels on a regular grid over the site and its surroundings, so the difference between the land and the surrounding streets is clear. It is the basis for setting the building level and the grading works.
Used forView sheet at full resolution ↗- Setting the building level
- Estimating grading works
04of 06Elevation band map
Divides the land into coloured bands by level, with a table giving the range and area of each band, so high and low ground, and where cut or fill is needed, can be read at a glance.
Used forView sheet at full resolution ↗- Reading the terrain quickly
- Planning cut and fill
05of 06Contour lines plan
Lines joining points of equal level: close lines mean steep ground and wide spacing means flat ground. It is the standard way designers read the shape of the land.
Used forView sheet at full resolution ↗- Site master planning
- Road and drainage design
06of 06Slope direction map
Arrows show which way the ground falls in every part of the site, coloured by gradient, to make the path of rainwater and the best grading direction clear.
Used forView sheet at full resolution ↗- Storm-water drainage planning
- Choosing the grading direction
What is a topographic survey
A topographic survey measures the ground surface and every natural and built feature on it, fixes the position and level of each point, and turns those measurements into maps and a digital terrain model that describe the site exactly as it is.
Most stages of a project depend on it: designers use it to set building, road and drainage levels, contractors use it to calculate cut and fill, owners use it to know the boundaries and condition of their land before starting, and authorities ask for it as part of permit requirements.
Fieldwork
Control points tied to the national geodetic reference, then ground levels and features measured with total stations and GNSS receivers, and with drones on large areas.
Processing
Building the digital terrain model, extracting contours, elevation bands, slopes and sections, and preparing the sheets on a standard frame and legend.
Review and delivery
Data reviewed by a survey engineer before the sheets are issued, and files delivered in the formats your design team works with.
Survey deliverables
- Site layout on an aerial image with boundary coordinates and area
- Detail and utilities plan
- Spot heights plan
- Elevation band map
- Contour lines plan
- Slope direction map
- Longitudinal and cross sections, cut and fill quantities
- DWG files, PDF sheets and a point coordinates file
How the survey is used
Frequently asked questions
Which coordinate system do you use?
Surveys are tied to the national geodetic reference and delivered in the coordinate system required by the client or the authority.
How is the contour interval chosen?
By the terrain and the purpose of the survey: flat ground needs a smaller interval than rolling ground, and the interval is agreed with the designer before fieldwork starts.
Can you survey large areas?
Yes, from a single plot to large developments and road corridors; on large areas we combine ground survey with drone photogrammetry.
What do you need to prepare a quotation?
The site location or a KML file, the approximate area, the purpose of the survey and the required deliverables.
Request a topographic survey
Send us the site location, the approximate area and the deliverables you need, and we will reply with the scope, duration and fee.
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