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
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
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.
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.
I am a Mechanical Engineer turned into a Piping Engineer. Currently, I work in a reputed MNC as a Senior Piping Stress Engineer. I am very much passionate about blogging and always tried to do unique things. This website is my first venture into the world of blogging with the aim of connecting with other piping engineers around the world.
4 thoughts on “What is a Topographic Survey? | Cost of Topographic Survey”
Topographical survey company in bangalore Topographic map surveys are carried out to measure land surface features and levels at the project site for various purposes such as urban and regional planning, design of road and utility lines projects, site preparation (leveling), volumes and quantities calculations. This is for topographic maps of various sizes, scales, and formats according to the purpose for which the maps are used.Topographic data collection can be done using traditional survey systems or satellite positioning systems. The details, accuracy, and location conditions and limitations of the project schedule often determine the type of system and the spatial technology used, and both methods (conventional or satellite positioning systems) have nearly identical results and can therefore be used.We at Scon design Survey Company realize the importance of topographic data for our clients, as this data is considered as one of the vital inputs in the various stages of designing and planning the project. Supervising it by a team of specialists in charting and site surveys, and most importantly, ensuring accuracy and quality throughout the project. All outputs undergo various tests according to the highest recognized professional standards.Company has a balance of an area of many survey projects Tabgrave and topographic mapping for various engineering and planning purposes. Our list of featured projects includes some examples from the topographic mapping work we have done.
Contour Survey Company In Marathahalli. The company produces from survey works and data, the contour maps of the site that show the terrain gradient of the site and show the heights and depressions and the level of their gradation, with any contour interval starting from 25 cm and extending to several meters according to the customer’s request, and the contour map can be used with the aerial image and thus the image appears as a background to the map Contouring as a confirmation of the contour lines on the ground. Scondesign pvt ltd known for providing Contour Survey to the clients. This Contour survey service is accomplished by our team of professionals. Contours are used to accurately represent the topography of the a terrain. S’CON SURVEYS. is one of the best construction company in Bangalore. The goal is to provide a professional touch to construction services that exceeds customer expectations.
Topographic map surveys are carried out to measure land surface features and levels at the project site for various purposes such as urban and regional planning, design of road and utility lines projects, site preparation (leveling), volumes, and quantities calculations. This is for topographic maps of various sizes, scales, and formats according to the purpose for which the maps are used. Topographic data collection can be done using traditional survey systems or satellite positioning systems. The details, accuracy, location conditions, and limitations of the project schedule often determine the type of system and the spatial technology used, and both methods (conventional or satellite positioning systems) have nearly identical results and can therefore be used.
Thank you for sharing this informative article about the Topographical survey. I hope there are a lot of surveyors who could read this and be guided accordingly.
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Topographical survey company in bangalore Topographic map surveys are carried out to measure land surface features and levels at the project site for various purposes such as urban and regional planning, design of road and utility lines projects, site preparation (leveling), volumes and quantities calculations. This is for topographic maps of various sizes, scales, and formats according to the purpose for which the maps are used.Topographic data collection can be done using traditional survey systems or satellite positioning systems. The details, accuracy, and location conditions and limitations of the project schedule often determine the type of system and the spatial technology used, and both methods (conventional or satellite positioning systems) have nearly identical results and can therefore be used.We at Scon design Survey Company realize the importance of topographic data for our clients, as this data is considered as one of the vital inputs in the various stages of designing and planning the project. Supervising it by a team of specialists in charting and site surveys, and most importantly, ensuring accuracy and quality throughout the project. All outputs undergo various tests according to the highest recognized professional standards.Company has a balance of an area of many survey projects Tabgrave and topographic mapping for various engineering and planning purposes. Our list of featured projects includes some examples from the topographic mapping work we have done.
Contour Survey Company In Marathahalli. The company produces from survey works and data, the contour maps of the site that show the terrain gradient of the site and show the heights and depressions and the level of their gradation, with any contour interval starting from 25 cm and extending to several meters according to the customer’s request, and the contour map can be used with the aerial image and thus the image appears as a background to the map Contouring as a confirmation of the contour lines on the ground. Scondesign pvt ltd known for providing Contour Survey to the clients. This Contour survey service is accomplished by our team of professionals. Contours are used to accurately represent the topography of the a terrain. S’CON SURVEYS. is one of the best construction company in Bangalore. The goal is to provide a professional touch to construction services that exceeds customer expectations.
Topographic map surveys are carried out to measure land surface features and levels at the project site for various purposes such as urban and regional planning, design of road and utility lines projects, site preparation (leveling), volumes, and quantities calculations. This is for topographic maps of various sizes, scales, and formats according to the purpose for which the maps are used. Topographic data collection can be done using traditional survey systems or satellite positioning systems. The details, accuracy, location conditions, and limitations of the project schedule often determine the type of system and the spatial technology used, and both methods (conventional or satellite positioning systems) have nearly identical results and can therefore be used.
Thank you for sharing this informative article about the Topographical survey. I hope there are a lot of surveyors who could read this and be guided accordingly.