Surveys

A measured building survey is a comprehensive process where detailed and precise dimensions of a building are collected and converted into CAD drawings.

Typically, this would include creating the following:

Floor Plans - Depicts each floor of the building from a top-down view, showing walls, doors, windows, and other fixtures.

Elevations - Side views that show the external appearance of the building, including details like doors, windows, and architectural features.

Sections - Cross-sectional views that show the interior layout and structural elements.

The duration of measured building surveys can differ significantly based on factors such as the required drawings, the building's size, type, and the level of detail needed in the survey.

***A typical 3 bedroom house would be measured in a day and floor plans drawn in 2.****

Measured building surveys are renowned for their accuracy, which is vital for the diverse purposes they fulfil.

Utilising the latest reality capture methods, including 3D laser scanning technologies, dimensions can be recorded, and drawings created with a typical accuracy of within +/- 10mm.

The fundamentals of measured surveys revolve around precise, detailed, and accurate documentation of physical spaces.

Building surveys are fundamental in ensuring that any subsequent work on the building is based on accurate, reliable data, minimising errors and unforeseen issues.

Accuracy - Essential for ensuring that the measurements reflect the true dimensions of the building or site.

Data Collection - Comprehensive measurements are taken, including dimensions of floors, walls, windows, doors, and other structural elements. If required, even finer details, like fixtures, fittings and architectural details.

Documentation - The collected data is translated into detailed drawings, such as floor plans, elevations, sections, and specific detail drawings. This helps in visualising and understanding the structure. 

Technology - Modern measured surveys use advanced tools like 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry, which provide a highly accurate and detailed point cloud of the building or site.

Standards and Protocols - Adhering to industry standards ensures that the surveys are consistent, reliable, and useful for various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and conservationists.

Purpose - The ultimate goal is to provide a precise and reliable representation of the existing structure, whether for renovation, legal documentation, historical preservation, or new construction.

Methods of conducting a survey are typically combined at the surveyor's discretion.

This helps speed up data collection and improve accuracy when necessary.

Total Station - Uses electronic and optical instruments to measure angles and distances accurately.

GPS - Utilises satellites to determine precise locations, especially useful for large areas.

Aerial photogrammetry - Uses photographs to create detailed 3D models of the terrain.

Aerial LIDAR - Uses laser pulses to create detailed 3D models of the terrain.

Terrestrial LIDAR - Uses laser pulses to create highly accurate, detailed 3D models of the terrain.

Topographic surveys are known for their high degree of accuracy, which is necessary for the various applications they serve.

Accuracy varies depending on the equipment used to conduct the survey.

Total Station - High accuracy, with precision measurements within a few millimetres.

GPS - Accuracy within a few centimetres

Aerial Lidar/Photogrammetry - Accuracy within a few centimetres

Terrestrial LIDAR - High accuracy, with precision measurements within a few millimetres.

Surveys requiring high accuracy, such as road and rail will take longer; overall accuracies can be achieved within 10mm-20mm.

Surveys requiring standard accuracy such as earthworks are faster; overall accuracies can be achieved within 10mm-100mm.   

A topographical survey provides a comprehensive understanding of the land's physical features, which is crucial for informed decision-making and successful project execution.

Topographical surveys are used for a wide range of projects and purposes:

Site Analysis - Provides detailed information about the land, helping architects and engineers understand the site's conditions before designing buildings.

Earthworks - Helps in planning excavation, grading, and other site preparation activities.

Urban Planning - Essential for planning the layout of new residential, commercial, or industrial developments.

Infrastructure - Assists in designing roads, bridges, and utility networks.

Flood Risk Assessment - Identifies areas prone to flooding and helps in designing flood defences.

Habitat Mapping - Helps in studying the natural habitat and planning conservation efforts.

Property Boundaries - Clarifies legal property lines and helps resolve disputes between property owners.

Land Valuation - Provides detailed information for appraisals and real estate transactions.

Resource Management - Assists in planning extraction operations and managing resources effectively.

Environmental Impact - Helps in assessing the environmental impact of mining activities.

Site Documentation - Records and preserves the layout of historical sites and monuments.

Water Flow Analysis - Helps in understanding water flow patterns and designing drainage systems.

A contour survey specifically maps the elevation points on the land to create contour lines.

These lines connect points of equal elevation, giving a clear view of the slope and gradient of the land.

The primary focus is on:

Elevation - Shows the height and variation of the land.

Slope and Gradient - Indicates how steep the land is.

Landform Shapes - Helps in understanding the shape and layout of the terrain.

Hydrology - Useful in identifying water flow and drainage patterns.

A topographic survey is more comprehensive.

It includes all the features of the land, not just the elevation like a contour survey.

A detailed map is created, which includes all the features of a contour survey, but also:

Natural Features - Such as trees, rivers and hills.

Man-made Features - Including buildings, roads, bridges, and utilities.

Boundaries - Property lines and other legal boundaries.