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Typical Elements of a Topographical Survey

Topographical surveys, often called `topo’ surveys, detail surveys, terrain surveys or contour surveys, all refer to laser-measured land surveys which gather data about existing boundaries, natural and man made features on your site to create a map.

A topographical survey will also locate exactly all relevant features such as existing buildings and structure, walkways, service cover positions, trees and tree positions, underground services, slopes and site and spot levels.Using highly specialised survey equipment such as laser scanning kit and accurate GPS equipment to enable precise land measurements, land surveyors normally present this geo-referenced data digitally, in CAD format, to create topographical drawings of the land with all site features outlined as well as additional details about features adjacent to the site.

Obtaining the correct information early from accurate drawings allows you to then adjust your plan if necessary, according to the site constraints, area boundary lines buildings, which can save time and prevent costly errors occurring.

When are Topographic Surveys needed?

While the main reason may be to help obtain planning permission for a development site, there are other reasons for instructing a topographic survey.

For example, topographic surveys can help to avoid the risk of costly mistakes by highlighting unforeseen issues with a site. A survey may reveal that the proposed development may be too close to the defined boundary line for comfort, leading to a planning application rejection.

Topographic surveys might reveal that the area of land is unsuitable, for example by identifying certain clay soils that expand and contract with rainfall and temperature changes, leading to unstable ground, possible subsidence and heave.

Obtaining a survey at an early stage in a project could alter planned drainage schemes and it could also highlight the need for a tree survey, which could save time later.

Maximise your site’s potential

In certain cases, a topographic survey can avoid plan changes and expensive errors further down the line as any works undertaken following the topographic survey will be based on that survey, giving contractors the benefit of working from accurate information.

Topographic surveys enable you to make the most of every development opportunity from your site layout, whether you are dealing with brownfield sites or greenfield. Obviously, different types of scheme have different elements, the larger or more complex the project, the greater the likely need for a topographical survey.

Ultimately, it comes down to a question of risk: a land survey can tell you everything you need to know about your site’s specific needs, giving you an accurate picture to help base decisions on from an early stage.

How will a Topographic Survey Benefit my Plan?

A topographical survey provides an accurate depiction of your site and a sound foundation for your design. The information will help inform specific project requirements and can be collated into site sections, maps, models, CAD drawings and charts to help:

• Choose the right location for any new buildings.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the value of your scheme.
• Take into account off-site or near-site risks that could pose engineering challenges.
• Avoid encroaching on or building over boundary services.
• Mitigate risk from natural and manmade features.
• Uncover unseen hazards like buried foundations.
• Identify manmade and natural topographic features that could indicate a need for re positioning elements of a projects, or for further surveys before a scheme can obtain planning consent.
• Having a topographic survey could help you to avoid going through rejections and committees with your scheme.
• It’s an advantage to be able to give building contractors comprehensive information early so that they have a clear indication of the project.
• Having precise land measurements and additional information on existing site boundaries and ground heights can save considerable time and reduce cost in the long run.
• A topographic survey will give you peace of mind that you have all the accurate data you will need to progress with your development layout.

Potential Problems that can be Highlighted by Topographical Surveys:

• Issues with site boundaries or drainage ditches.
• Construction projects planned too close to a retaining wall that could cause a structural collapse.
• Not maximising your development site fully: a topo survey may enable you to explore development options previously dismissed as unworkable.

Topographic Survey Stages:

• Firstly, an initial discussion is held with a topographical surveyor about the site to decide on the level of detail required.
• Experienced surveyors will visit the site and set up highly specialised survey equipment which might include cameras, accurate GPS kit, laser scanning equipment and handheld devices. This equipment can capture accurate land measurements and other detailed information needed to create precise drawings of the survey area.
• In the case of difficult sites to cover, for instance involving steep inclines, busy roads or collapsed structures, land surveyors can undertake drone surveys that can provide photos or laser scans. Topographical surveyors can also gather data from external sources such as Ordnance Survey or the local authority where necessary.
• With this level of spatial information, land survey teams can create CAD drawings according to your requirements. The design team can include 2D drawings resembling conventional maps or models in three dimensions.

Ready to Get Started with your Topographic Survey?

By engaging an experienced topographical survey firm that deals with a wide range of survey work, you will ensure that your development project gets off to the the best start, whether it’s residential, commercial or industrial development. Topographic survey costs will depend on the scheme’s scale and complexity.