Professional Land Surveying Services

Professional land surveys, which are often referred to as topographical surveys, are invaluable when planning new construction projects, monitoring ongoing works or for studying the optimal use of the land and associated resources.

Through the use of cutting edge land surveying techniques and the processing of both 2D and 3D data, our experienced team can help you plan, coordinate and deliver upon your visions. A concise and comprehensive land survey will help you fulfil the opportunities presented by a given area of land, regardless of the project size or scale of your development plans.

UK & International Land Surveying Experience

As a company with 40 years of experience in producing detailed land surveys, our team of professional land surveyors has delivered on a very wide variety of project types. Whether we are commissioned to undertake work here in the UK, or our services are needed in other countries, our team are able to apply their skill set and extensive knowledge as trusted land surveyors.

We have worked in over 60 countries worldwide and land surveys have been part of the very core of the services provided. Learn more about our international experience.

Comprehensive Land Survey Solutions

Here are just some of the services that our land surveys team can provide:

The application of the latest land surveying technology for quick and highly cost-effective results – including laser scanning and BIM, reliable robotic total stations and UAVs or drones for aerial surveys.
A 3D BIM model of the surveyed area of land and any structures therein. Our 3D terrain modelling services visualise landscapes with exceptional detail and accuracy. Using advanced software, we transform point cloud data into textured terrain models incorporating structures, vegetation, and surface features.
GPS survey solutions. Pinpoint precision through the application of survey quality GPS – now known as GNSS. We deliver millimetre-precise positioning for control networks and boundary determination. Our advanced receivers capture satellite signals from multiple constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) to establish accurate reference points even in challenging environments.
Digital terrain models (DTM) – the ground shape, digital elevation models (DEM) – includes top of foliage. Our DTM services create accurate three-dimensional representations of land surfaces, ideal for volumetric calculations, flood analysis, and visualisation. Tailored land survey proposals that account for your individual requirements and specifications.
Survey drawings in 2D and 3D CAD formats. We are also able to provide paper copies of the drawings if required.

Merrett Survey Limited are also able to provide additional services to help the smooth running of your entire project. Including a measured building survey, aerial inspections and utility surveys.

Ready To Get Started?

Get in touch with one of our specialists today

Leading Professional Land Surveying Company

As an established land surveying company, we have provided our services to organisations across a vast range of sectors. Our level of experience means that we’ve developed a great deal of expertise over the years. We are continually adapting as the geomatics world develops, resulting in us having an unrivalled understanding of how to get the most out of the latest technologies.

If you would like to speak to a member of our land surveys and geospatial team about your project, please contact us by calling 01392 362161 or sending an email to info@merrettsurvey.com. Alternatively, fill out the contact form below and a member of our team will respond to you shortly.

Our Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best method to complete a land survey?

The optimal survey method depends on several factors including site size, terrain complexity, required accuracy, and end-use of the data. For small urban sites with intricate details, traditional ground-based surveys using total stations provide the highest precision. Larger areas may benefit from drone photogrammetry or mobile mapping systems. Sites with dense vegetation often require a combination of LiDAR and conventional surveying. Our experts assess each project individually and recommend the most cost-effective approach to meet your specific requirements.

What information is included in a topographical land survey?

A comprehensive topographical survey includes all significant natural and man-made features visible on site, including:

Ground levels and contours at specified intervals
Buildings, structures and their threshold levels
Roads, paths and surface types
Boundary features (walls, fences, hedges)
Trees (location, trunk diameter, canopy spread)
Utility covers with level information
Water features and drainage
Street furniture and visible services
Spot heights at critical locations
Permanent survey control stations

Additional elements such as underground utilities, tree species identification, or internal building measurements can be included based on specific project requirements.

How long does a land survey take to complete?

Survey duration depends on site size, complexity, and weather conditions. A typical residential plot (0.1-0.5 hectares) can be surveyed in 1-2 days with deliverables ready within 5-7 working days. Larger commercial sites (1-10 hectares) may require 2-5 days of fieldwork with deliverables in 7-14 days. Complex sites with extensive detail or difficult access may take longer. We prioritise efficiency without compromising quality and can offer expedited services for time-critical projects at an additional cost.

What accuracy can I expect from your land surveys?

Our topographical surveys typically achieve ±10mm horizontal accuracy and ±15mm vertical accuracy for hard surfaces, exceeding the requirements for most construction and design applications. This precision is achieved through rigorous control networks, calibrated equipment, and industry best practices. For specialist applications requiring higher precision (such as monitoring or engineering setting-out), we can achieve ±3-5mm accuracy using specialised methodologies. All surveys include accuracy statements and are verified through redundant check measurements.

Do I need planning permission before commissioning a land survey?

No planning permission is required to conduct a topographical survey on land you own or have permission to access. Land surveys are non-invasive and don’t constitute development under planning legislation. However, surveying may require permission from the landowner if you’re not the owner of the property. For surveys requiring drone operations, additional considerations apply regarding airspace restrictions and Civil Aviation Authority regulations. Our team handles all necessary permissions and notifications, including access arrangements with neighboring properties if measurements need to extend beyond your boundaries.

How does the survey data integrate with BIM workflows?

Our survey deliverables are specifically formatted for seamless integration with Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes. We provide structured data that can be directly imported into design platforms like Revit, ArchiCAD, and Civil 3D. For BIM Level 2 projects, we deliver IFC-compatible models with appropriate property sets and metadata. Digital terrain models are provided in formats that maintain intelligent surfaces rather than simple geometry. Survey control information includes transformation parameters and coordinate system definitions required for accurate positioning within the BIM environment. We can also establish project-specific BIM Execution Plans (BEP) for survey data to ensure alignment with downstream design and construction requirements.