Topographical Surveys

Merrett Survey Limited is called upon to create topographical surveys for a huge variety of project types, sectors and for a wide variety of clients, and at all scales. Typical amongst these would be Architects and Engineers who require a topographic survey, defining the topography and site features across a location that is to be developed or changed in some way.

Whilst we often describe ourselves as topographical surveyors, our survey work extends to the sea bed and even underground. Data can be gathered by remote sensing from the air and also from satellites. Our profession is now generally described as ‘Geospatial’ to encompass all of these aspects but also to emphasise that we can provide data management, analysis and many other value-added services over and above the traditional topographical survey plan.

We keep ahead of the field with the application of new technologies to ensure we collect data in the most efficient and accurate manner, therefore providing the most detailed land surveys. Read on to discover the extensive range of methods that we use to conduct our topo surveys and the technologies we utilise to present the data extracted from our land surveys and measured building surveys.

Topographical Surveys & Consultancy

As well as working as topographical survey ‘contractors’ tendering for work based on quality and cost, we also provide advice and can act as topo survey supervisors and survey advisers, helping our clients to define project requirements, matching their needs to the latest technical capabilities of the geospatial supply sector.

The Highest Standards

As a company of Land Surveyors we work to the technical and ethical standards laid down by the RICS – Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. As such, our land and measured building survey team are held to the highest standard. These standards are adhered to at all times, whether we are carrying out ground-based projects, aerial surveys or any other type of work.

Our Services – Topographical Surveys

We can present the findings of your topographic survey in a variety of formats. Depending on your individual requirements, we can advise on the best course of action for your particular project when it comes to data deliverables. The data deliverables that can be provided from our topo surveys are as follows:

GIS – We can output our data as Shapefiles and any other format for GIS input. If the project requires the creation of a GIS then we can provide this. Merrett Survey has staff trained to MSc level in GIS creation and application.
CAD – Autocad formats such as DWG and DXF are standard outputs. Let us know if you also require data for Revit, Navisworks and many other CAD and BIM formats.
DTM – Digital terrain models can be delivered in triangulated irregular network (TIN), gridded formats and can also be generated from our conventional topo survey methods, from our ground-based laser scanning or aerial lidar or photogrammetry.
DEM – Digital Elevation Models are generally created from aerial lidar and are effectively a map of the top of the tree/foliage and building coverage over the land. DSM – Digital Surface Model is a phrase sometimes used to replace either DTM or DEM.
MX / PLS-CADD and others – MX has evolved from the MOSS software that is often required as a ‘standard’ for highway design work.
3D Models for topo surveys – Revit models for BIM have become a standard but we can work in a variety of 3D formats.
VR – Virtual reality – providing an immersion into real-world environments from remote locations, or into designed environments that don’t exist yet.
AR – Augmented reality – where an overlay is added to your real world view – for example adding a 3D layer/view on to your mobile phone camera screen so you can ‘see’ the buried services in front of you. These technologies are available here and now.
Imagery – Most of our clients request photographs of the surveyed locations and we can provide these in high definition and HDR (high dynamic range) so that the exposures are even and not ‘burnt out’, plus as 360 bubble imagery. The camera data can be used to colourise our laser scanned point cloud deliverables as well.
Terrestrial and drone-based photogrammetry has advanced in quality and speed enormously in recent years and, can often be used as an alternative or an addition to laser scanning topo surveys. Digital orthophotos is another deliverable we are often called upon to supply. Call us for advice on the best approach for your project.
EA formats – We have completed many projects for the UK’s Environment Agency who require specialist formats for entry to flood modelling software. Formats we provide include ISIS, EACSD.

Fast, Reliable Topographical Surveys

Contact us to learn more about our topo surveys or get in touch using the enquiry form below. Our experienced team will be happy to talk through the creation of a land survey or measured building survey to benefit you.

What Topographical survey services do we provide?

Our expert team are able to provide a range of topographic surveys using the latest industry technology, this includes: Land surveys, aerial surveys, LIDAR surveying and hydrographic surveys. All of which Merrett Survey are able to support with professional knowledge.

Why would I get a Topographical survey?

A reason to get a topographical survey would be to collect accurate data of the land’s features such as the elevation of different areas and the features which the land possesses.

How accurate are topographical surveys?

Depending on the methods used to collect the data the survey can provide an accuracy of +/- 5mm.

How long does a topographical survey take?

The time which a topographical survey takes is very dependent on the size of land and how complex the land is. It may also be affected by how difficult the land is to access.