The importance of innovation in surveying

The price of progress Surveying has evolved over centuries, but the basics of trigonometry, levels and points have remained constants in some form or another. They have been honed and developed, but the end results – such as the creation of new structures, the collection of data and the generation of topographical or underground surveys […]
3D laser scanning: capturing millions of data points in moments

3D laser scanning can also be used for heritage surveys and conservation surveys, as well as volumetric surveys, where land/material mass can be calculated to create a desired outcome – for example, providing accurate areas of volumes for cut/fill balancing, or creating a mound or depression in the land to suit your design needs. What […]
UK Geospatial Strategy 2030

The Geospatial Commission was established in 2018 by the government as an expert committee responsible for setting the UK’s geospatial strategy and coordinating public sector geospatial activity. It is part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, playing a crucial role to deliver improved public services, create new better-paid jobs and grow the economy. […]
Legends and monsters: understanding the importance of maps

Charting through history: revolutionising the process and accuracy of mapmaking Mapmaking, or cartography, has been around ever since humans walked the Earth – and needed to record features and routes through local terrain. There’s no definitive answer as to who invented mapmaking, as prehistoric examples have been present in many cultures, from the earliest examples […]
On top of it: discovering the benefits of topographical surveys

Why do you need a topographical survey? A topographical survey, often referred to as a topo, can be used for many reasons. It enables our clients to understand the boundaries of their land, the different ground levels across the site and the constraints and opportunities within it, as well as the impact of neighbouring structures. […]
Planning ahead – What’s your 10-year Estate Strategy?

For newly built structures, this plan can be engendered at the design stage, with provision made for a maintenance schedule, for example. Having a digital plan of the building from its inception can help it be better managed from the outset and ensure that all aspects of its construction remain in optimum condition. Such forward […]
Working together: the benefits of survey companies gaining professional membership certification

So, how can we be sure that we are doing all we can to maintain the high standards we set ourselves? Our membership of various professional organisations and our professional accreditations are never just for show. It means that our employees and our clients can rest assured that we keep constant vigilance when it comes […]
Redrawing the map: Why you won’t find measured survey ‘Lots’ on construction frameworks

Time and space The site data provided by a measured survey is invariably crucial to the success of the final construction – whether it’s a new commercial building, a highway or a residential scheme for private or public clients. However, many measured surveys are requested at the last minute, even though they are an integral […]
Everything starts with a measurement: the role of geospatial surveys in the built environment

Unless this is your profession or area of interest, there is a good chance you won’t have considered this. However, without well-educated and experienced surveyors, the consequences of inaccurate or no land surveys can be significant. Inaccurate measurements can lead to boundary disputes, costly errors, such as buildings being built in the wrong position or […]
Measuring the difference: looking at the difference between quality and price

Budgeting for projects Similarly, when it comes to creating budgets for civil and construction projects, you will be looking for cost effective and value for money solutions, not just the cheapest possible option. You need to be sure that your supplier is not cutting corners, as this is likely to lead to costly delays, or […]