The 4 Types of Surveys

Whether you’re buying a property, planning a development, or renovating your home, land surveys are essential. Also known as cadastral surveys, these services define property boundaries, features, and terrain.

This information is crucial for obtaining council approvals and guiding construction. While cadastral surveyors offer various services, this article focuses on the four main types of surveys and their role in project execution.

Key Takeaways

• Essential for Planning: Land surveys provide critical information that helps in the accurate planning and execution of construction, development, and renovation projects.

• Vital for Council Approvals: Detailed land surveys are often required for obtaining council approvals, ensuring that projects comply with local regulations and avoid legal issues.

• Enhances Project Accuracy: By identifying property boundaries, features, and terrain, land surveys help prevent costly errors and improve the overall precision and success of construction efforts.

 

1. Boundary Surveys

Also known as identification surveys – are a type of cadastral survey that’s used to locate the exact borders of a property. Boundary surveys are a critical part of all construction and development projects.

The features along the boundaries of a block shift slowly over time. Changes to fences, movement in the land and new construction projects can all confuse the exact boundaries of a property. Boundary surveys are designed to clear up these issues. During a boundary survey, a professional team will perform historical research into the original property title.

They will then use precise measuring equipment to mark out the boundary lines, location and size of a property. The results of boundary surveys play an important role in construction, development and subdivision projects.

 

2. Feature Surveys

The size and location of a property aren’t the only things that matter to construction projects. Other features of the site also play a role. Feature surveys are designed to provide detailed information about major details of the property, such as:

• Existing buildings and structures
• Vegetation and trees
• Retaining walls
• Fences
• Utility and service runs
• Neighbouring properties and structures

This information is especially useful in larger-scale developments. The details of a feature survey can be used to improve the accuracy of timelines and trade estimates, and it helps to avoid costly mistakes like damaging utilities.

 

 

3. Topographic Surveys

The contours and terrain of a block play a major role in the design and planning of development projects. Simple issues such as gentle slopes can complicate the building process, so topographic surveys are designed to provide detailed information to aid planning.

Modern cadastral surveyors often use sophisticated LiDAR sensors and drones to capture terrain information. Depending on your needs, a surveyor can even use aerial surveying to produce a 3D render of the site that can be used for modelling the project using CAD technology.

 

4. Construction and Engineering Surveys

Many types of cadastral surveying are conducted as part of the planning and approvals process. Beyond that, surveyors are often required throughout construction to ensure the accuracy of the work being performed.

Construction and engineering surveys are conducted before, during and after the work is completed. Some of the most common construction and engineering surveys include:

• Preconstruction surveys. Before work can begin, preconstruction surveys are used to identify existing defects and damage to sites that are adjacent to construction work.
• Set-out surveys. Surveyors use precise measuring equipment to mark out the exact location of any structures being built according to the approved plans.
• Site monitoring. Monitoring surveys can identify small movements on construction sites and structures. This requires making multiple visits to the site to take measurements that can then be compared to detect movement.
• As constructed surveys. Once construction is complete, builders are usually required to produce an as constructed survey/ADAC to show the final result of the building work.

 

Power Your Business with Cadastral Surveys by Sunrise Surveying!

Cadastral surveying is a core part of planning, approvals and construction projects. Whether you’re building a major development or looking to add a retaining wall to your property, a cadastral surveyor can provide the information you need to make the project a success.

Sunrise Surveying is an experienced cadastral surveyor working throughout Brisbane, Toowoomba, Rockhampton and Yeppoon. We provide a comprehensive range of cadastral surveying services.

Whatever information you need for your next project, we have an experienced team and state-of-the-art tools to provide reliable, precise data. Contact us today and make an appointment if you’d like to discuss your project with our team.