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Surveying · Essex · London · South East

Topographical Surveys

Accurate existing-site information for construction, engineering and design.

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Service overview

Topographical survey scope and deliverables

Topographical surveys provide coordinated existing-site information for construction, engineering, development and design projects. Survey content, control and deliverables are defined from the site, project brief and required outputs.

Site and engineering teams commonly require coordinated 3D survey data, levels, breaklines and surfaces for direct use in engineering workflows. Architectural and multidisciplinary design teams may require a detailed existing-site record with the features, annotations and plotted information relevant to the design brief.

Existing ground & levelsTerrain, level changes, breaklines and agreed natural or constructed features.
Working 3D survey dataCoordinated points, 3D linework and surfaces where engineering use requires them.
Design survey informationDetailed existing-site records and CAD drawings prepared to the agreed feature schedule.
Topographical Surveys example
Survey deliverables

Survey content tailored to the project brief.

Topographical survey information can be prepared as working 3D data, detailed survey drawings, terrain surfaces and other agreed outputs.

Topographical survey levels and coordinated site data

Working data for construction teams

Coordinated levels, 3D linework, breaklines and surfaces can be supplied for construction, earthworks and engineering workflows.

Detailed topographical survey drawing for design use

Detailed survey information for design teams

Existing-site survey drawings can include the features, annotations and plotted information required for architectural, civil and multidisciplinary design.

Typical applications

Where this service is used

Common applications within construction, earthworks, development and survey workflows.

Earthworks & tender information

Earthworks & tender information

Current ground and terrain data for quantities, tender assessment and earthworks planning.

Large-area site mapping

Large-area site mapping

Drone photogrammetry can supplement terrestrial survey on suitable open sites.

Topographical Surveys deliverable example
Deliverables

Typical outputs

DWG / DXF survey data2D or 3D CAD geometry prepared to the agreed survey scope.
Survey points & breaklinesCoordinated level information and terrain-defining geometry where required.
Terrain / TIN surfaceProcessed ground or visible-surface information for compatible engineering workflows.
LandXML / XYZExchange formats for compatible civil-engineering and surface workflows.
PDF survey drawingPlotted survey information prepared to the agreed drawing scope.
Orthomosaic / point cloudPhotogrammetric outputs where aerial capture forms part of the survey.

Compatible workflows may include: Autodesk Civil 3D · Trimble Business Center · LSS · Virtual Surveyor · QGIS.

Workflow

Typical project workflow

The exact sequence is adjusted to the project brief, programme and required deliverables.

01

Project brief

Confirm survey extents, intended use, required features, coordinate/level framework and deliverables.

02

Survey planning

Select total station, GNSS and aerial photogrammetry as appropriate to access, visibility and required detail.

03

Field survey

Capture the agreed site information with suitable control and checks.

04

Processing

Prepare linework, levels, breaklines, surfaces and interpreted survey information.

05

QA

Review the survey against the agreed scope, control and deliverable requirements.

06

Delivery

Issue the required CAD, surface, point-cloud, orthomosaic or plotted outputs.

Topographical Surveys project example
Questions

Topographical Surveys FAQ

What is normally included in a topographical survey?

The content is agreed for the project and can include terrain, spot levels, breaklines, roads, kerbs, buildings, walls, fences, drainage features, trees, visible services, structures and other natural or constructed features relevant to the brief.

Can a topographical survey be supplied as 3D working data?

Yes. Where required, deliverables can include coordinated 3D linework, survey points, breaklines, terrain surfaces, LandXML and XYZ data in addition to DWG, DXF and PDF drawings.

Can drones be used for topographical surveys?

Yes, on suitable sites. Photogrammetry can add dense visible-surface information across open areas. Terrestrial observations are used where detail is hidden, inaccessible from the air or better measured from the ground.

Which coordinate system can the survey use?

The survey can be referenced to an agreed project grid, local control or an appropriate national coordinate and level framework, depending on the project information and intended use.

Related services

Related survey services

Drone Surveying & MappingAerial photogrammetry for site mapping, earthworks measurement, stockpiles, progress records, orthomosaics, point clouds and terrain data.Earthworks & Volume SurveysCurrent-ground surveys, earthworks quantities, stockpiles, cut/fill, phase records and 3D surface data for active construction projects.Survey Control & Site GridsProject control points, benchmarks and coordinate frameworks for consistent surveying, setting out, mapping and machine-control workflows.Measured Building SurveysMeasured existing-building information for refurbishment, design coordination and property projects to an agreed drawing and detail scope.
Project enquiry

Discuss your topographical surveys requirement.

Send the site location, drawings, specification or a short description of the work required.

Request a QuoteCall 07429 446769