When is a Topographic Survey Needed
Many people view the start of a construction project as the moment that shovels hit the ground and heavy machinery is brought out. But, before many different types of construction and development projects can commence in Alberta, a land surveyor for Calgary, Edmonton, and elsewhere throughout Alberta and Northern Canada, such as Challenger Geomatics, first needs to create a topographic survey. Topographic surveying can play a crucial role in securing project success, so it’s important to know what a topographic survey shows and why it is needed.
Topographic surveys performed by a professional land surveyor are used to map and identify the terrain features of a land area. They accurately account for any existing objects on or near the surface, such as buildings, streets, manholes, walkways, retaining walls, utility poles, and trees. Topographic surveying in Calgary, Edmonton, or anywhere else also takes into account differences in elevation, which are marked on the survey by contour lines. Contour lines detail where the terrain meets a specific elevation value on any given site, and can be interpreted to show where there are depressions and rises in the ground.
Topographic surveys are typically carried out when an area is being assessed for new construction or the addition of new development. The survey is invaluable for showing what the land looks like now, and how it will impact design and construction. This is relevant for all kinds of projects such as road improvements, new housing, complex construction, major highway construction, grading, bridge erection, septic system installations, and drainage projects – to name a few.
Perhaps one of the most important functions of a topographic survey is to identify areas where construction may not be possible or where grading will be required in order to make it possible. A topographic survey provides architects and builders with all of the information they need to determine how the land will have to be shaped and moulded to provide a suitable base for the planned construction. After the initial project is complete, a topographic survey can also be used as the basis for a variety of subsequent plans and designs. For these reasons, it is crucial that a topographic survey is carried out by professional land surveyors who have the knowledge, tools and training to do it right. An accurate and detailed initial topographic survey will help ensure that the project is completed without costly or time-consuming surprises.
While topographic surveys are mostly used for construction and development projects, they can also be used for many other applications, such as environmental reclamation projects. Topographic surveys and the information they provide about elevation and terrain features can help in the accurate and successful reconstruction of a given landscape and be instrumental in returning it to a natural state.
Land Surveyors Providing Topographic Surveying in Calgary, Western Canada and the North
Challenger Geomatics’ Calgary land surveyors, as well as those from our other branches throughout Alberta and the North, are proud to provide multi-disciplinary surveying services, including topographic surveys, for a variety of clients in the construction, oil and gas, mining, transportation, infrastructure, utilities, and land development sectors. Whether you need topographic surveying in Calgary, elsewhere throughout Alberta, or Whitehorse and the North, you can count on our survey expertise to support the successful completion of your project. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Challenger Geomatics today.
