All You Need To Know About Topographical Surveys
Topographical surveys are an essential part of construction and land development projects. These surveys are conducted to create an accurate drawing, or detailed map, of the land’s surface features and its elevations. The drawing produced from the survey provides valuable information that can help identify potential hazards, plan for development and ensure compliance with building regulations.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to topographical surveys, including their purpose, how they are conducted and why they are necessary.
What is a Topographical Survey?
A topographical survey is a detailed survey that maps out the natural and man-made features of a particular piece of land. It provides precise information about the elevations, contours, and slopes of the land. The purpose of the survey is to help architects, engineers and builders plan for construction and development projects. A topographical survey will highlight any potential issues such as flood risk areas, unstable ground and steep slopes that may impact the project’s feasibility.
Why are Topographical Surveys Necessary?
Topographical surveys are necessary because they provide valuable information about the land’s features and its suitability for development. The data collected from the survey can help identify any potential hazards or obstacles that may impact the construction project. This information is crucial for architects and engineers to plan the project correctly and comply with local building regulations. A topographical survey can also provide valuable information about the land’s drainage, which is essential for mitigating flood risk and ensuring the safety of the development.
Topographical surveys are also necessary for legal purposes – if there is a dispute over land ownership or boundaries, a topographical survey can provide accurate data to resolve the issue. Additionally, topographical surveys may also be required by insurance companies as part of the risk assessment process for properties.
How is a Topographical Survey Conducted?
A topographical survey is conducted using specialised equipment that is designed to measure the land’s contours and elevations accurately. The most common equipment used is a total station which is a surveying instrument that uses a combination of electronic theodolite and electronic distance measurements. This equipment can create a 3D map of the land’s surface features and provide accurate measurements of the elevation changes. Once the survey is complete, the data collected is processed to create a set of detailed drawings that highlights all the necessary details.
Who Conducts Topographical Surveys?
Topographical surveys are typically conducted by surveyors who have the necessary skills, experience and equipment to perform the survey accurately. These surveyors have a thorough understanding of surveying techniques, equipment, and data processing which allows them to produce a high-quality map of the land’s features.
How Are Topographical Surveys Undertaken?
Typically, a land surveyor will move through the defined area of interest in a methodical manner. The surveyor is equipped with GPS and total station technology to capture accurate position data.
The first task for the surveyor is to establish a number of control points across the site as these act as known referenced positions and are needed for when the survey equipment is repositioned in and around the Area of Interest (note that these positions are critical as they permit the data to be correctly linked together).
GPS surveying equipment can also be deployed to locate and position fixed points within the parcel of land and these allow the surveyed area to be tied to the National Coordinate System – the most common coordinate system employed in topographical surveying in the UK being OSGB36 (for more information on Coordinate Systems in the UK please click here).
What Information is Included in a Topographical Survey?
A topographical survey will typically include a variety of information about the land, such as its contours, elevations, and slopes. It will also include information about any man-made features, such as buildings, roads, and drainage systems. Additionally, the survey may include information about any natural features, such as rivers, lakes, or forests. The map produced from the survey will provide a detailed and accurate representation of the land and its features.
What Features ‘Feature’ In A Topographical Survey?
A topographical survey can incorporate many geospatial elements, for example the following may all feature:
- Spot heights
- Contours
- Boundaries
- Fence Lines
- Change in Surfaces
- Pylons and Overhead Power Lines
- Building Positions
- Ridges & Eaves of Neighbouring Properties
- Structures
- Highway Markings
- Kerb positions
- Highway Assets (e.g. street furniture)
- Water features (e.g. lakes, ponds and watercourses)
- Vegetation (hedges, trees and bushes)
Conclusion
In conclusion, topographical surveys are a critical part of the planning and development process for construction and land development projects. They provide accurate data that is essential for identifying potential hazards, complying with building regulations, and ensuring the safety of the development. The information collected from the survey is also valuable for resolving land disputes and for risk assessment by insurance companies. If you are planning a construction or development project, a topographical survey should be one of the first steps you take.
Do You Need a Professional Land Surveyor in Bristol, Bath or the Southwest?
We are a Bristol based surveying company specialising in topographic surveying.
We offer coverage anywhere along the M4/M5 corridors including London, South Wales and the Midlands. In addition we are able to carry out surveys further afield in the UK and happily welcome any enquiry.
If you need to hire a professional Land Surveyor in Bristol, Bath and across the South West to carry out a topographical survey (or if you wish to discuss how we can assist you with your next project) then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today at Pinpoint Mapping.