A topographical survey involves the gathering of coordinates and elevation data for man-made and natural environment features within a specified survey area of land. Surface features, boundary and ridge and eaves details, underground services, and elevation changes are all recorded in the survey. All the data generates a three-dimensional map of the recorded site features. Architects, engineers, building contractors, and others use a topographical survey to have an accurate picture of their sites.
Why is a topographic survey required?
Topographic surveys are required for projects in order to gain a better understanding of the land and all of its manmade features and natural topographic features. You’ll most likely need a site survey if you’re buying a plot of land or want to confirm the exact boundaries of the land your property is on. Topographical surveys are typically performed when a site is being evaluated for new constructions (such as new buildings) or the addition of new development on the existing land. A topographic land survey will serve as the basis for the planning and design of the proposed construction.
How to do a topographic survey
A topographical survey is typically performed by a land surveyor. A land survey company such as Wharton, uses highly specialised survey equipment such as GPS devices embedded in the ground (control stations), reflective prisms, and 3D laser scanning to have an accurate picture of the surveyed area. The survey measures one point at a considerable time, with control stations used to lay out or mark the positions of buildings, roads, or site boundaries on the ground.
To maintain standards of our Topographic land surveys and achieve project high accuracy, we use the ISO9001:2015 quality assurance system, in which provisional data is field checked, computational and redundancy checks are performed, with final quality checks performed on every project.
How much does a topographical survey cost
A Topographical land survey cost includes locating, describing, and mapping the boundaries and corners of a plot or area of land. In some cases, it may also include the topography of the land, as well as the location of any buildings on the plot. Land surveyors have traditionally performed standard topographical or land surveys. The land survey results are then turned into official accurate drawings to document the findings.
In Birmingham and throughout the UK, a land or Topographical survey is typically divided into two parts: the survey itself and the preparation of the Topographical survey drawings. Given the wide range of sites we work on, each with its own set of requirements and complexities, these are typically charged on a per-day basis. The average topographical land survey cost can range between £300 and £1,000 per day for the land surveyor’s time. A typical land survey cost estimate for accurate drawings of survey findings using computer-aided software design is between £300 and £600 per day.
When you request a quote from us for your site survey, our price will be based on a number of factors. Here are some of the major factors that can influence the cost of a land survey:
- The size of the land
- The land’s topography
- The land’s accessibility
- The level of detail required for your project
- The individual land surveyor’s experience
