Topography plays a key role when it comes to construction and engineering projects. It is often utilised to determine and pinpoint features that exist on a specific site. Topography also plays a vital part in recognising landform patterns, naming the recognised features, and covering all the elevation and location of landforms in specific projects.
Some of the most common landforms today are mountains, hills, valleys, lakes, oceans, rivers, cities, roads, and dams. Their elevation or height is then recorded at sea level or the ocean surface. They, alongside other determining elements on a site, are likewise pinpointed by their latitude and longitude. Latitude determines the north/south position of the determined features about the equator, while longitude gives the east/west position of a specific area or location and is evaluated in degrees from the Prime Meridian.
All these things can be determined by carrying out topographical feature surveys.
An Overview of a Topographical Feature Survey
A topographical feature survey or contour survey is a portrayal of a site like property, land area, or defined boundary by showing all the natural and manmade features. It also shows their elevation, ensuring that the report will be accurate and precise. This type of survey should always involve topological professionals to prevent errors along the way.
The main purpose of this survey is to curate spatial information related to a site. The points gathered for this survey are then exhibited in three dimensions, making it possible to produce ground modelling and visualisations essential for specific projects.
As mentioned earlier, a topographical feature survey does not only involve natural features. It can also cover manmade elements that have been constructed on-site. Some elements and features that are covered by this survey are area boundary lines, buildings, street furniture, trees and greeneries, water channels, drainage features, and ground heights.
Obtaining All the Needed Details for the Survey
When determining the elements for a specific site, experts would have to maximise a wide range of equipment for the survey to be successful. GPS equipment pieces, for instance, are utilised to survey the area and generate fixed points. These fixed points will then be utilised as reference markers and link them with the national coordinate system.
Laser scanning tools can likewise be used to identify the specifics of topographical features. They are highly effective in generating computer-aided design or CAD drawings, boasting site measurements that can be used for 3D drawings. Alternatively, drones can be used to complete laser scanning for areas that can be difficult to access or reach.
Topographical Feature Survey Primary Benefits
Since this type of survey can produce accurate measurements and descriptions of all elements present on site, contractors can effectively generate feasible plans for new building construction, repositioning existing boundaries, and many more related projects. Costly errors are likewise reduced significantly with the help of this survey. Ultimately, the survey can help engineers and architects create property designs that would fit the site’s unique features without worrying about unforeseen issues.
If you need some help with this type of survey, you can contact us at Shillong Design.
