What is a Topographic Survey?

A topographic survey is very important in land development, architecture and engineering. But what exactly is a topographic survey? In simple terms, a topographic survey is a map that shows all the details including the physical characteristics of an area drawn accurately. These may be natural such as mountains, rivers, as well as artificial like houses.

With accurate measurements, a topographic survey follows the shape of the land and also uses some special equipment and techniques. Some of these equipment and techniques include aerial photography, satellite images, laser scanners, and GPS. Through the integration of these components, a topographic survey can contain the different elevations and other particulars of the land over which it is done.

It is important to note that a topographic survey covers not only the surface but also some parts a little higher or lower than the surface. As such the survey considers features like vegetation, storm water drains, cables, and underground structures among others. This information is critical in planning and developing land as it helps in understanding what is already there!

What information is included in a topographic survey?

Every construction or development project must have topographic surveys. They offer crucial data about the natural aspects and features of land so that architects, engineers, and builders can plan properly. So, what exactly is included in a topographic survey? Let’s break it down.

• Firstly, the survey will extend to the surrounding area including a section of the nearside pavement of any adjoining road(s). This part outlines where the boundaries are and how the entry points have been determined.
• In addition to this, there will be information regarding property lines, descriptions and heights of different types of walls and/or fences, visible plans of construction like eaves and ridge heights.
• Another crucial element that is analyzed during a topographical survey are trees; whether single or in cluster within the site. This involves recording the trees’ trunk diameter, crown size, and tree height, which are essential data for the tree protection plan.

• The survey will also note which way does the water course go and does it have any features blocking it. This data will be particularly crucial in relation to projects located near water bodies.
• The study will also note down any other vegetation like fences, hedges, etc., with their respective descriptions and heights. Other structures such as sheds or retaining walls will also be taken into account.
• Details of street furniture will form part of the survey, including manhole covers and other such structure. This will be done alongside taking cross levels at 10m intervals and any changes in natural or artificial level occurring thereon, and also noting floor and threshold levels of buildings, if any, within the surveyed area.
• Lastly, drainage covers might be lifted to collect data on pipe dimensions, position, flow direction, and condition. However, this should only happen when it has been specified by the client.

It is important to mention that every detail in the topographical survey is approximated. Normally, the final submission will comprise CAD files that can be easily utilized by the project team.

To sum up, it can be said that a topographic survey gives an in-depth knowledge of the land which is fundamental in construction or development. Those are some of the details that should form part and parcel of such surveys to ensure that there are proper plans, designs and executions of projects.

Get in touch with our surveyors

Ever come across the saying “measure twice, cut once?” This is a saying that we at Architect7 take seriously while doing any land surveying. The team of experienced surveyors knows very well that accuracy and being keen on details are key in coming up with a good survey plan.

By choosing us for your survey requirements, you can be confident that you will receive top-quality work from our team. We employ the most advanced technologies and approaches for gathering and processing information to make sure that our end products are precise and dependable.

We also recognize how crucial it is to follow schedules and budgets. Therefore, we prioritize timely and within-budget completion of tasks so that you do not experience unforeseen delays or costs on your project timeline.

Additionally, we know planning problems and regulations that allow us to offer expert advice and extra data to clients. Architect7 will attend to all details concerning your property assessment requirements promptly and professionally; hence you don’t have to worry about anything.

So, if you need trustworthy and qualified land surveyors then Architect7 is the best choice. Contact us today and get to know more about how we can be of help in your upcoming project!