Topographical Survey

A topographical survey (aka topo survey) is an accurate depiction of a site (property, area of land, defined boundary) which is scaled and detailed to show all the natural and manmade features and their levels. A topographical survey is highly detailed and requires the involvement of topographic survey professionals to ensure the accuracy and level of detail of the reports provided.

Here at Indigo Surveys, we can advise on a range of topographic survey, topological survey and land survey matters, including:

• the best survey option for your site
• typical topographic survey costs
• key questions about how the survey works

When it comes to booking a specialist topographic survey, you’ll want to have full confidence in the expertise of your chosen contractor. We will gladly answer your questions on matters relating to topographical surveys so you have a full idea of what is involved in the process.

What is a Topographical Land Survey for?

The purpose of a topographic survey is to gather spatial information relating to the site and its natural and man-made land features. This can often be related to the national Ordnance Survey grid and datum information (often using GPS) and is surveyed by point.

It is typically accepted that points are positioned in three dimensions which facilitates ground modelling and visualisations from the topographical survey.

Additional Information

Additional information can often be integrated into topographical surveys which assists a design team in taking account of the necessary and relevant site constraints. This can include:

• site sections through particularly diverse gradient transects
• spot heights of surrounding land and site features, i.e. neighbouring properties to assess overlooking
• underground utility information (from radar tracing and integrating utility records data)

Get a topographic survey today.

What is likely to be surveyed in a topographical survey?

The different elements included in a survey will depend on the requirements of the client. Typical elements that may be part of a topographic survey include the following: 

• Area boundary lines 
• Buildings and structures
• Street furniture (such as benches, bollards, post boxes, phone boxes, street lamps, traffic lights and signs, public transport stops, public lavatories, memorials, public sculptures, and waste bins).
• Trees, bushes and vegetation positions
• Water channels (such as brooks, streams, ponds and lakes)
• Ground heights, contours and surfaces
• Drainage features
• Water levels
• Features adjacent to the site

The Highly Specialised Survey Equipment Used During Topographical Surveys

A wide range of different equipment will be used in a survey to make precise measurements of the features of a site. Accurate GPS equipment will survey the area and produce fixed points of an area of land which can be used as reference markers that tie in accurate data with the national coordinate system.

Using laser scanning equipment, we can produce accurate computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, with all site measurements displayed and fully scaled 3D drawings to give you a true oversight of the site features.

For difficult-to-reach areas, we can make use of drone technology to complete laser scanning and get accurate detail of an area.

What are the benefits of a Topographic Survey for my site?

Obtaining the correct information early on at the design stage of a project – whether a topographic land surveyor, topological survey or any other land survey – can save considerable time and reduce cost.

The fact that we only use highly trained topographic land surveyors ensures you get the exact best fit for your site.

Collaboration with suitable individuals can also advise you on the range of most suitable information to be collected during the site survey, i.e. a Suitable Tree Consultant for tree data advice and an Ecological Consultant for advice on on-site features for an Ecology Survey.

How Topographical Surveys Allow For an Effective Planning Application

A topographic survey will provide you with accurate land measurements and give you a clear indication of how an existing site is arranged. It will help guide decisions when it comes to the planning of new buildings, the repositioning of existing boundaries, and the design of drainage schemes for a site. 

A topographical survey brings greater certainty to any planned development by reducing the risk of costly errors which could be made without an accurate picture of a full development site beforehand.

A survey can reveal information that at first sight may not have been obvious, such as changes that may have occurred to land over time.

Through a measured survey and a proper understanding of the land’s topography, those looking to build on-site will have a better idea of the condition of the land and its potential impact on the type of construction that could be built there. This ensures that any construction is on a sound footing.

[ Example of topographic survey contour lines]

How do I find the right Topographical Specialist?

Indigo Surveys

Here at Indigo Surveys, we have a team of specialists in the field of topographical surveys. Whether you have questions regarding what is a topographical survey, or you’re ready to book a survey and want to pin down your exact requirements, we are more than happy to speak to you by phone or email.

We understand that there are a variety of factors to consider, including a budget, so questions such as how much a topographic survey costs, or more in-depth specifics around topographical survey costs for different sites, are always encouraged here at Indigo Surveys. We always seek to help our clients find the ideal option for their project in terms of quality, cost and timescale. Direct all your queries and questions to info@indigosurveys.co.uk

Considering how vital a topographical survey is, you need a professional team you can trust to get the job done right the first time. At Indigo Surveys, we have highly skilled professionals with a wealth of experience across multiple different types of topographic surveys.

Since 2009, we have assisted many looking to learn about the features of a site or property, including:

• homeowners
• architects
• developers
• estate managers
• retailers
• engineers

A properly conducted topographic survey will enable those who are interested in investing in a site or property to learn much about the proposed site. This is the sort of service we can offer to you here at Indigo Surveys Ltd.

A Trusted Option

Due to the financial risks that are associated with site planning and investing in construction projects, you need specialists in this field who can protect your interests. We can work on any site, regardless of its specific features and requirements.

We will provide a service that will fit your specific needs. Our well-established land survey company has offices in Chester, London, and Birmingham, but we can provide our elite topographical survey options to clients all over the UK.

Our specialists operate with swiftness and efficiency to get your survey report to you promptly. At Indigo Surveys, we’ll ensure you are free from any related risks by offering the right land survey choice for your site. We have a flexible service that can suit your specific project requirements.

Tailored Solutions

We completely understand every one of our client’s needs, providing tailored topographical surveys to your site. From the experience we’ve had in over a dozen years operating in this field, we have learned how to work with different clients, their sites and their varying conditions and needs.

Our topographical surveys may involve the use of AutoCAD drawing to come up with detailed plans for your site. This can work ideally with the land coordinates, OS, national grid system or data already in existence. We can factor in elements such as:

• the Ordnance Survey boundary plan
• Land Registry plan
• aerial photographs
• contours, levels and GPS
• cross-sections and site features

We always listen to our client’s needs and requests. Our finished drawings can be delivered in many soft copy formats like .pdf and .dwg, as well as hard copy formats. We have a team of specialists who combine detailed skill sets to get you a high-quality topographical survey.

The collaborative approach we have enables us to provide reliable advice to any client, helping you to take on the right measures early enough. We have a team of dedicated professionals, who guarantee you excellent services from our highly qualified and experienced surveyors.

We can provide insight into every stage of the topographical survey, including advice about natural topographic features and survey costs. Our team can assist with details of the charges for the different types of sites we assess, all at very competitive prices.

Get in touch for topographic surveys

Contact our very friendly team here at Indigo Surveys Ltd by phone, email or web chat. We are available to assist you regarding topographic and similar surveys.

If you want to know more about topographical surveys, or discuss your specific land survey needs, get in touch with us today at 0333 123 7080, or by email.

If you need a reliable topographical survey, we can provide exactly what you require promptly.