topographic survey cost – What Is Piping

What is a Topographic Survey? A topographic survey identifies and measures the exact location, shapes, arrangements, and features of all-natural and manmade features on a specified land surface. It gathers data on land contours, the elevation of the terrain, etc required by engineers, architects, local government bodies, and contractors for accurate visualization for development/updation work. The topographic survey encompasses a broad range of surveying and mapping products, ranging from ground to aerial mapping and underground surveys. Depending on the client's requirement, a topographical survey picks up several different elements like Man-made Structures and features Buildings & structures Boundaries and fence lines Surfaces such as paving, tarmac, concrete, etc Services such as power lines, telephone lines Natural features Drainage features such as inspection chambers Street furniture like benches, bins, lamp posts, etc Trees, bushes, and vegetation Changes in surfaces Ponds, lakes, watercourses Ground heights/contours Water levels After the topographic survey, the collected information is compiled into an electronic CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file (AutoCAD, Microstation) to prepare a 2D plan drawing. Which can be printed as required. A topographic survey is also known as a contour survey. Requirements of Topographic Survey To correctly plan and execute any project with safety, a topographic survey provides accurate measurements explaining how the existing site is arranged. Hence, a Topographic survey is the starting point for the design and construction work of various projects like: New buildings/structures/construction/architecture Civil engineering projects like road design, bridge design, tunnel design, or improvements. Land repurposing/environment restoration/land development Utility design Grading or drainage projects Pipeline projects for pipe routing The regulatory requirement for construction work Re-positioning of boundaries Geology, petroleum, and forestry A topographic survey helps in preparing alignment drawings, preparing cross-sectional profiles, identifying existing structures, controlling locations, establishing elevation differences, and finding the presence of underground utilities like pipelines, electrical cables, etc. Process of Topographic Survey A topographic survey process consists of various steps like: Receiving the client specification on the topographic survey that includes levels of survey details and information they are looking for. Planning the time schedule with the client and negotiating the price. Gathering Site data from the topographic survey. Processing the data and preparing it as per the agreed format. Quality assurance Final handover of the report to the client. Gathering survey data is the most important step. The time required for a topographic survey is dependent on The size of the area to be surveyed and The complexity of the terrain The level or detail and accuracy required Equipment /Tools for Topographic Survey A topographic survey is conducted using various survey equipment and tools that measure distances and angles with extreme accuracy. Typical tools are GPS survey equipment Laser Scanning Tool to accurately record position points in plan and elevation. Tripod-mounted robotic total station with appropriate software Digital Levels Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) Wireless computer unit 3D Scanners Electronic distance measurement (EDM) reflectors Range poles, Pegs, Nails, Measuring tapes, Level Rods, Digging Tools, etc Outputs from Topographic Survey A wide range of information can be produced from topographic surveys. This information is used for producing topographic survey drawings. Some of the outputs from the topographical survey are: Drawings – Plan and elevation drawings, sectional drawings, and lighting plans 3D Point Clouds for producing 3D site models. Photographs to get actual site information and feel Schedules – Including chamber inverts and pipe/pipeline diameters. A detailed topographical survey report mentioning major details. Advantages of Topographic Survey The main advantages of conducting a topographic survey are: Reduction of risk from costly mistakes due to the absence of accurate site details. A deeper understanding of land topography helps in the proper planning and cost estimation of the project. The topographic survey includes recent changes and hidden information, thus making the design and construction work easier. When shared in a GIS system, the topographical survey can serve as the ‘base map’ for multiple parties to share their design work, construction planning, and cadastral / land ownership information. Governmental agencies use topographical surveys for enforcing construction and zoning regulations and evaluating existing infrastructure. Cost of Topographic Survey The cost of a topographic survey depends on various factors like plot area size plot location how overgrown the area is details required in topographic survey specification accuracy required specific requirements of equipment used. The cost of a typical topographic survey ranges from $500 to $1,000 per day. So, the total topographical survey cost will add up as per the days required for completing the survey and generating the final report. Also, the topographic survey cost varies from one geographic region to the other. Topographic Surveys by Drone A topographic survey by drone technology or drone surveys has become quite popular in recent times. Increasingly clients are asking for ‘drone surveys’. The use of UAV (unmanned airborne vehicles) technology to provide rapid and thorough topographical surveys has increased to a large extent because: Drone Topographic Survey A topographic survey using a drone is cheap and fast. The method is accurate and repeatable with exhaustive data. Surveying becomes easy and provides a good return on investment Better insight from rich visual datasets captured by highly effective sensors. Drones reduce the workload on topographic survey specialists Easily map inaccessible areas. However, note that there could be governmental restrictions on flying a drone over a specified area. So clearances must be obtained before conducting a topographical drone survey in those areas. To learn more about the subject, a few online-courses can be accessed by clicking here. Further Studies on topographic Survey: Manual of Topographic Survey: report.pdf (usgs.gov)