Topographic Survey

A topographic survey is a detailed mapping of a site’s natural and artificial features, including elevation, terrain, vegetation, structures, visible utilities, and drainage patterns. Unlike a boundary survey, which focuses solely on property lines, a topographic survey captures the physical characteristics of the land, providing a three-dimensional representation of the site that can be interpreted from a 2D drawing.

Topographic surveys are created using a combination of traditional surveying equipment and techniques, modern hybrid methods, and aerial drone-based laser scanning and photogrammetry to create highly accurate elevation models and feature maps. These surveys are commonly used in architectural, engineering, and environmental planning to ensure that developments are designed in harmony with the existing landform.

    • Architects and engineers designing buildings, infrastructure, or drainage systems

    • Construction firms preparing for excavation or land grading

    • Environmental consultants assessing flood risks or land suitability

    • Government agencies performing land management and zoning studies

  • These surveys are curated to the client’s requirements, however some standard deliverables include:

    ✔ Contour maps depicting land slopes, inclines, and elevation variations

    ✔ Digital Terrain Models (DTM) and Digital Elevation Models (DEM)

    ✔ 2D or 3D CAD drawings showing site features such as trees, buildings, roads, and likely drainage paths

    ✔ High-resolution, orthorectified 2D aerial imagery aligned with real-world coordinates

    ✔ Existing infrastructure and utility mapping

    ✔ GIS-compatible spatial data files for use in engineering, planning, and further analytics

    ✔ 3D point clouds and digital twin models

  • ✔ To understand the existing grade of land before major excavation works

    ✔ Before designing new structures to align with the land’s topography

    ✔ For environmental and flood risk assessments

    ✔ Before land development or landscaping projects

    ✔ To understand the impact to neighbouring properties resulting from soil grade modifications