Topographical Surveys For Engineers
Topographical surveys are fundamental procedures to undertake before any area of work commences upon an area of land. Within the engineering sector, it is important that all individuals show compliance and adhere to the rules and regulations, in order to accurately execute their project safely and securely. They also aid the advancement of a project and help direct engineers throughout the different stages of each project. For a full breakdown of what a topographic survey involves and why it’s worth commissioning, take a look at our dedicated guide.
This article will explore how topographical surveys are used within engineering, why they are so important and how engineers use them to fulfil their design projects.
What Is Engineering Surveying?
Defined as the tasks which are involved in the planning and implementation of surveys for engineering projects, these activities are used at all stages of a project including:
- Design
- Construction
- Operations
- Maintenance
The term engineering surveying generally refers to survey work where measurement of a man made object is involved (as opposed to survey on a green field site), and would fir example include survey of process plant, engineered structures such as bridges, towers, jetties and piers. Engineering surveys often require measurements in the millimetre range so of a higher accuracy than topographic surveys.
What Is a Topographical Survey?
A topographical survey is where our surveyors gather data about the natural and man-made features of the land, with an emphasis on the terrain to accurately map the different parts of the property.
This can be enhanced with a three-dimensional map that locates all the surface features of a property and depicts all natural features and elevations. This is able to be depicted from the land contours and spot levels, taken from specific measurements that are able to provide engineers with the data they need for design work…
What Are The Uses of Engineering Surveys?
Used to acquire the required data for the planning, design and execution of engineering projects like roads, bridges, canals, dams, railways, buildings etc, engineers can be informed as to the status of the surroundings through the accurate mapping and monitoring of these assets.
Benefits of An Engineering Survey
There are many benefits of an engineering survey, including:
- Gaining highly accurate measurements and analysis
- Safety is key – the most important aspect of an engineering survey.
- Essential for the immediate budgeting of any infrastructure project and the designed lifespan of the construction, affecting future budgeting concerns for repair and eventual replacement of the infrastructure.
- Monitoring movement of a structure
By conducting a survey at the earliest possible opportunity, it enables any potential issues to be addressed early on and engineers can look at the data to ensure that their work will be safe and secure. Keep on reading to find out more about engineering surveying.
How Is an Engineering Survey Carried Out?
Land Based Methods
In order for engineering and topographical surveys to acquire rich, reliable data, our professional team at Merrett Survey use the latest laser scanning technology to carry out in-depth surveys. This brings the benefits of high accuracy, speed and complete coverage of a site or structure.
Aerial Surveys
These can be conducted using full size fixed wing aircraft, but for the accuracies needed in an engineering survey, the ability of a UAVs (or drones), is generally preferred. The high quality of digital cameras can be used to match the accuracy of land based methods in many instances and of course to access areas that other methods cannot reach.
Who Carries Out A Topographical Survey?
Undertaken by a professional land surveyor, using specialist equipment to gather precision results. These results are then passed on to engineers and architects who will use the measurements and data to ensure that planned structures are safe.
There are many people now able to fly a drone and take photos, and to even input those images to automated software. But without professional geodetic knowledge we have seen projects go very wrong. We recommend only using professional land survey companies for your work.
Why Do Engineers Need An Engineering Survey?
- To visualise a site – in 3D
- To obtain very high accuracy measurements
- Without surveying, the placement, security and safety of projects cannot be guaranteed
- To identify, early on, any design or practicality issues
- To ensure objects built offsite will fit correctly when brought on site
Engineering Surveys at Merrett Surveys
We have been conducting surveys since the very state of our surveying experience. Take a look at some of our main engineering projects below:
Kuwait
We applied laser scanning methods to survey the partly constructed roof of a new Ministry building. The steel upstands were designed to secure roof panels (built offsite), for a complex curved roof design. Our survey was used to check if the profile of the upstands would match the shape of the panels. They didn’t, so subtle adjustments to the upstands needed to be made. This work avoided the costly delays that would have occurred.
London Olympic Stadium
After the London Olympics in 2012, the iconic athletics stadium became the home ground for West Ham football club. The seating has been designed to be moveable and partly dismantled so that the ground can be configured for football (seating moved back) or athletics (seating moved forward).
But to make it all fit together, movement of the seating has to be done to millimetric precision and Merrett Survey were engaged to apply our precise engineering survey skills to ensure each transition occurs to the correct precision.
Book Your Specialist Survey For Your Next Engineering Project
With over forty years of worldwide surveying experience, why not ensure the safe functioning of your engineering project by getting in touch with our professional team at Merrett Survey today. Contact our knowledgeable team today.
Peter Merrett - Owner & CEO
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