An In-Depth Guide To Topographical Surveys
At Merrett Survey, topographical surveys are an imperative part of land surveying services we offer, across the UK and internationally. We create topographical surveys for our clients that cover a huge variety of project types, from survey work to upgrade Highway One from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh (Cambodia to Vietnam) to the extension of an LNG process plant in Equatorial Guinea and now using robotic survey instrumentation. For a closer look at why these surveys matter, read about the top benefits of a topographic survey.
A topographical survey is a detailed map of the land surface which provides information on the elevation and natural features of an area. It is a vital tool for all engineers and architects, in order to determine the layout and features of a landscape. In land surveying, topographic surveys are often used to plan construction projects and to record and manage complex assets..
This article will investigate the fundamentals of topographical surveys, including the basic and more complex concepts.
What Is A Topographical Land Survey?
A topographical survey is a procedure that is traditionally performed by land surveyors, using highly specialised survey equipment and skills to accurately measure the position and height of both natural and man-made topographic land features. These land surveys provide detailed data about the specific sections of land and its surface features, including the depiction of elevation of mountains, hills and valleys.
The land data that is collected will provide an accurate representation of the area that has been surveyed, enabling our clients to gain an insight into the environmental characteristics through the mapping of these features.
What Type of Topographic Survey is Needed?
The type of topographic survey needed will depend upon the purpose for which it is being used. For instance, if the goal is to assess flooding potential, then a different type of survey may be undertaken than if it were intended solely for mapping existing features on the ground. Regardless of its use, it requires precise measurements and sophisticated techniques to generate accurate results that can be used in decision making processes related to the land in question.
Our experienced team of land surveyors will discuss in detail what our clients require, so that a bespoke specification can be developed that is site specific.
What Topographical Surveys Do We Offer?
Merrett Survey is one of the leading surveying specialists in the UK and worldwide, having carried out a range of specialist surveys within multiple countries across the globe (62 countries to date). Our topographical surveys are just a fraction of our list of services, as we also encompass specialist engineering, bathymetric, monitoring, aerial and building surveys. We have advanced equipment so that we can deploy the latest technology, in order to produce an accurate data set, and for some projects we can analyse the data too. For example looking at changes to the site over time.
Our topographical survey services can be distinguished as three distinct categories, these are:
Land Surveys Explained
At Merrett Survey, land surveys have been central to our projects and at the very heart of our services throughout the forty years of our surveying experience.
There are often a number of reasons as to why land surveys are conducted, these include when new construction projects are being prepared, ongoing works are being monitored or land and its resources are examined.
For land surveying services, we can provide the latest land surveying technology for rapid and cost-effective results. This can include laser scanning and BIM (Building Information Modelling), such as 3D BIM models of any of the surveyed area or structure.
Aerial Surveys Explained
At Merrett Survey, our endless expertise and access to first-rate technology enables us to conduct fast and reliable aerial surveys. These surveys are often carried out because they are unreachable on foot, or not as visually clear as a drone being able to gather thousands of points of information. Our aerial surveys are also able to provide high-resolution images. We can deploy UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicle), often referred to as drones or full sized – manned – fixed wing survey aircraft.
We use LiDAR technology to gain the highest quality airborne data, which is often applicable to a large variety of sectors. These include:
- Transmission and distribution line corridor surveys
- Structure mapping, such as buildings, bridges and roads
- Thermal mapping – for example for solar panel (PV) installations
- Tree mapping
- Highway and railway corridors
- Pipeline corridors – existing or planned
Our professional measured building survey team can produce measured building surveys for any building type and across multiple industries, whether this is for a shop, school, block of flats, warehouses, factory, process plant, or other building type, we can assist you further.
From using the latest laser scanning methods, we can provide 3D modelling that shows the structure of the building in much greater detail, aided by our advanced technology visualisation methods.
Merrett Survey can provide you with efficient building survey services, including:
- 3D Revit models, laser scanning and BIM
- Visualisation through VR (virtual reality) or AR (augmented reality)
What Are Our Deliverables For Topographical Surveys?
At Merrett Survey, we provide our topographical surveys in a diverse range of formats. Taking into account your particular project and its requirements, we can advise on the most appropriate format for your topographical survey. As we can provide many data deliverables, it is important that the data from your topo survey is displayed in its optimum format. Here are a few of our most popular topographical survey formats that are used:
1. GIS
Using a Geographic Information system, our surveyors can output the data as Shapefiles and other formats for GIS input. The advantage of using GIS is that it is built on a database rather than individual project files. This allows engineers and architects to easily manage, analyse and share the data, saving hassle and time in the long-run.
2. CAD
A CAD survey is produced using computer-aided design, allowing surveyors to piece together precise drawings and models of all aspects of the building, such as structural and architectural elements.
3. DTM
Digital Terrain Models represent the terrain model of the Earth, including data files containing the elevation data which is analysed in conjunction with a rectangular grid.
4. DEM
Digital Elevation Models represent the surface at the top of features such as buildings and foliage as opposed to the DTM bare ground topographic surface.
Topographical Surveys Concluded
Overall, topographical surveys can provide valuable insight into an area’s terrain and physical characteristics that can help inform decisions related to construction projects or general land management practices. Additionally, they are useful in creating maps for navigation purposes or scientific studies focusing on landforms, archaeology and geology. As such, topo surveys remain one of the most widely used tools by civil engineers, surveyors, urban planners, and other professionals who need accurate information about land and the structures upon it.
Expert Topographical Surveys With Merrett Survey
If you would like to find out more about our topo surveys and the services in which we offer, please get in touch with us through the enquiry form below. We will be happy to assist you throughout your topographical journey and advise you on the best options available.
Contact us on 01392 362161 or at info@merrettsurvey.com and speak to one of our expert topographical surveyors for a free, no-obligation quote. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Peter Merrett - Owner & CEO
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