You must have heard many people resorting to topographic land surveys before starting any significant construction project. It is a kind of survey that is commonly performed on a vacant piece of land to locate all three-dimensional surface features of a property, both artificial and natural, such as buildings, streets, maintenance holes, walkways, retaining walls, utility poles, trees, and other improvements over the state of the land.
A topographic survey helps you map out the location, size, and height of these features and determine setbacks (if any) along with the possibilities of underground utilities. The best part is that you get digital versions of these maps and evaluate gradual changes or contours in elevation easily with sophisticated programs on your computers. Engineers or architects can then use the data generated to illustrate how their planning will affect the topography.
Topographic assessments are mostly required during new constructions, remodeling of existing buildings, road developments or improvements, bridge designing, and drainage projects to understand where the work may be difficult to carry or require substantial leveling. Also, it provides valuable insight into how the residential or commercial site has changed with the gradual use, enabling better planning for the future.
Following are the key benefits of conducting a topographical land survey for your new site:
Offers Detailed Information About the Land
A professional land surveyor gives the necessary data regarding crucial features in and around the property. He tells you where the terrain meets a specific elevation value on your site and where the depressions rise. That way, you can identify areas where construction isn’t possible or where you need grading to make it possible. Besides, you can easily ascertain the land’s appearance and how its changes can impact its design and construction over the long term.
Gives Clarity Regarding Prior Changes
With the help of topographic surveys, you can discover the changes made to the land before it was used and every other change that isn’t visible from plain sight but did happen over time. This data is then further used as the basis for various subsequent land plans and the establishment of helpful notes for students, engineers, and builders to explore the regional features without visiting the site in person.
Ensures Durability of Construction
As mentioned before, topographic surveys undertaken before the construction of a project give a crystal clear picture of the land’s elevation and terrain features that can help in the accurate, successful, and durable construction/modification of a site. It prevents you from committing costly mistakes and witnessing time-consuming surprises while ensuring quality control. Moreover, it cuts down the potential risks for your service provider by mapping the precise positions of drainage, power wires, and water supply.
