Detailed Topographical Surveys

Topographical mapping is the core of our business and we are geared up to carry out this line of work quickly and efficiently using the latest survey equipment and techniques. Our trained staff backed up by years of experience are able to overcome any problems in carrying out a survey. This mapping can be provided to a wide variety of scales to suit your requirements.

Typically our topographical survey data is used for:

• Land acquired for development
• Asset management
• Verification of existing survey data or control
• As built surveys for highways and drainage adoption
• Coastal erosion and management studies
• Detailed 3D design work for road improvements.
• Slope stability analysis
• Flood risk assessment
• Sight line verification
• Volumetric analysis
• Boundary demarcation and confirmation

Our mapping is carried out based on the guidelines supplied in the RICS specification (surveys of land, buildings and utility services at scales of 1:500 or larger). A good specification for the work to be carried out is essential if the client is to receive what they require. We can work to your supplied specification or based on the above guidelines, we can supply our own, taking into account your specific site requirements.

The specification can be complemented with site-specific risk assessments and method statements as the health and safety of our staff and those in the vicinity of the survey are of paramount importance to us.

Drainage manholes can be lifted, except in the public highway, and invert levels and pipe sizes can be taken, and drainage routes established by visual inspection. The results can be used in conjunction with water authority information to provide a picture of foul and storm water drainage. If you require more detailed services or information we can arrange for CCTV surveys of drainage routes or the tracing of other utility services by a third party.

Trees are usually shown with girth and spread to scale, and an indication of height and species. (For a more definitive tree species identification please consult an arboriculturalist.) This information can be added directly to the survey drawing or provided as a separate schedule. Mapping of large open sites is carried out using GPS equipment which allows for efficient data collection. Where the area is built up, overgrown or wooded, we revert to more traditional survey methods using Total Stations to measure angles and distances to features. A combination of both methods allows us to effectively survey the site.

The GPS equipment also allows us to place the site quickly and accurately onto Ordnance Survey National Grid and level datum. This enables the site to be placed in its appropriate setting within the national framework which in turn helps the planning and visualisation stage of a project.

Using the latest Leica Total Station, we can take remote measurements without the use of a reflector. This process can be used to ascertain the position and level of detail in and around the survey area. It is especially useful for observing adjoining building detail, such as ridges, eaves and window levels. These can be added to the survey drawing and/or annotated on photographs. Additionally, we can provide a complete 'street scene' to enable the visualisation of how a new structure would fit into its surroundings.

We can also be brought in on a project to verify existing survey data or control and provide a report on the accuracy, or otherwise, of the data.