Design and construction projects take serious planning—whether you’re updating a home or building something from the ground up. To get it right, you need accurate data from the start.
Good data helps you make better decisions, stay compliant, and keep things moving on time and on budget. It supports every stage, from design and engineering to council approvals and construction.
One of the most important tools for this is the detail survey.
In this article, we’ll break down what a detail survey is, why it matters, and how it supports smarter, more efficient projects.
TL;DR
- They’re essential for planning and approvals — Detail surveys give you the site data you need for design, compliance, and getting council approvals sorted.
- They show what’s really on the ground — You’ll get a clear picture of all visible features like buildings, trees, driveways, and services—so your team can design with confidence.
- They help keep construction on track — When combined with other surveys, such as cadastral and construction surveys, detail surveys reduce the risk of delays, mistakes, or costly rework later on.
What is a Detail Survey?
A detail survey is used to locate and map the major features of a piece of land for planning and construction purposes. This includes things such as man-made structures, vegetation, visible utilities and more. Detail surveys also identify the contours of the land and can be used to generate 3D terrain models.
Detail surveys are typically combined with other services – such as cadastral surveys and construction surveys. This gives you full insight into how a piece of land is being used, how it can be used, and any restrictions over the property.
When is a Detail Survey Required?
Detail surveys are a requirement when lodging planning applications with the local council. You will need a detail survey when:
- Constructing new buildings on a property
- Extending or carrying out major renovations to an existing building
- Planning major works, such as residential and commercial development
- Assessing drainage issues
- Plotting known flood levels
Beyond this, detail surveys are also used to accurately value a property, and they’re highly useful throughout the planning process. Having a property boundary survey that has information that is accurate and up to date about a property allows designers, architects and engineers to understand the parcel of land they’re working with.
Combined with other types of survey data – such as underground utility surveys – this can support the entire building process, from planning through to approvals, engineering, construction and verification.
What Information is Included in a Detail Survey?
A detail survey shows the major visible features of a property, including:
- Existing structures on the land
- Major trees and vegetation
- Terrain and contours
- Retaining walls
- Fences
- Spot levels
- Floor levels of existing structures
- Ridge and gutter heights
- Existing visible services (such as power poles)
- Outlines of structures on neighbouring properties
- Details about neighbouring structures
- Australian Height Datum (AHD) reference
This information will be compiled into a detail map showing the major features of a property. The corners and boundaries of the property will also be included in the map, however these will be drawn from existing title data. If boundaries have shifted, or if boundaries need to be marked for design or construction work, you will also need to conduct boundary surveys.
Detail surveys are limited to providing information about the subject property. However, a detail survey may include some information about neighbouring properties and structures, especially if these affect the design process. For example, the survey might show the positioning of windows on a neighbouring building so that an architect can account for privacy.
Accompanying Types of Survey
Development, design, renovation and construction projects require a wide range data, and detail surveys are just one piece of the puzzle. Most new projects are also supported by cadastral surveys, which provide information about the exact location of property corners and boundaries.
Depending on the survey information available from the titles office, most development projects also require an up to date cadastral survey. A cadastral survey gives you a full picture of the property by researching, mapping and marking:
- Property boundaries and corners
- Property size and layout
- Easements, restrictions and covenants over the land
This information plays a critical role in the design and approvals process. Once a project reaches the construction phase, surveyors will also provide construction and engineering surveys. These surveys are used to establish the site and mark out the location of new structures, ensuring works are carried out with a high degree of accuracy.
Get the Right Data With Sunrise Surveying, Queensland’s Leading Surveyors.
Construction projects are a big job, and having the right data from the start makes everything run smoother. A detail survey from Sunrise Surveying gives you the clear, accurate information you need to plan with confidence and avoid costly setbacks.
We provide fast, reliable surveying services across Brisbane, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, and Yeppoon—supporting residential, commercial, and civil projects of all sizes.
So if you need an accurate detail survey for your next job, get in touch today! Our experienced team will tailor a package to suit your site, your timeline, and your goals to make sure it’s exactly what you need.
