In simple terms topographical surveys are measured surveys of land (as opposed to buildings). The survey will include all salient features such as site boundaries, the outline of any buildings, trees, hedges and the like. Topographical drawings, more commonly refereed to as the site survey or site layout drawings, are usually produced to 1:100 or 1:200 scale. Anything that can be seen, can be recorded including site levels.

To achieve all this, we utilize computer aided survey equipment which records all the raw data from site which is subsequently turned into hard copy on a plotter. The degree of data recorded on site will depend on the nature of the project. Whilst very small sites can be measured in this way, we would normally only use this surveying method to record large areas where the use of the conventional tape, chain and theodolite would be impractical, not cost effective and in some case virtually impossible. The data can also be downloaded direct into a computer and manipulated by the appropriate software. Where a high degree of accuracy is necessary, for example land for a housing development, then we would always use specialized equipment.

Small areas, for example a garden adjoining a proposed kitchen extension, would be recorded by conventional measuring methods.

See also Measured Building Surveys