Made to measure – what is a measured building survey?

Captured for posterity Measured building surveys of existing buildings are required by developers, planners and architects, who want to document what currently exists structurally. These plans illustrate all the structural elements and architectural features of a building. This will include external elevations of the building, i.e. how the building appears from the frontage and from […]
Back to basics: How to choose your setting out partner

Choose someone who has the time to do the job when you need it done. This may sound obvious, but you don’t want to be engaging someone to carry out a contract, only to find that they make a rush job of it, or haven’t sufficient time, enthusiasm or inclination to provide a professional […]
Setting out for construction – the importance of accurate measurements

Accuracy essential in setting out With any discipline that involves dimensions, a very high degree of accuracy is essential when setting out buildings or infrastructure projects. Digital equipment and data recording allows little margin for error. Our professional site engineers ensure that all setting out is carried out with precision and efficiency, using a combination […]
Apprenticeships: Surveying your future direction

Skills for life One avenue into the profession is apprenticeships and National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a great vehicle for highlighting a multitude of careers to prospective candidates. This year’s event runs from 5-11 February and is the 17th annual celebration of apprenticeships. The week brings together everyone who is passionate about apprenticeships and celebrates […]
What are UU surveys and why are they important?

Into the unknown While surface topographical surveys will map what can be seen above ground, ground penetrating radar (GPR) is used to identify and pinpoint what is hidden from sight and buried underground. You’ll usually be looking at developing a site if you carry out an underground survey, but they can also be used for […]
Powers’ 12 posts of Christmas – a look back at 2023

January At Powers, we are committed to looking at ways in which we can reduce our carbon emissions in the ongoing journey towards net zero. To this end, we reviewed our carbon emissions in January and updated our environmental targets for 2023 https://tinyurl.com/mvpznb3f. We were also pleased to see the launch of the Save Construction […]
Understanding the first principles of surveying

What are the first principles of surveying? Accuracy and precision Geospatial and land surveying requires precise and accurate measurements to ensure reliable results. Surveyors must adhere to strict standards and use appropriate instruments and techniques to achieve accurate measurements. However, this on its own is not enough. While the equipment can provide accurate data, it […]
A level playing field – specifications and certifications

Specification vs certification Specification means we’ll work to a client’s spec, which can be tailored accordingly, simplified or spec’d up. A specification working to a RICS Code of Measuring Practice (6th Edition) spec, for example, means that we will follow a certain specification for carrying out different types of surveys. Certification means we are audited […]
Visualising future cityscapes – accurate measured viewpoints

Placed in context Urban development is always on the agenda and it’s important to be able to depict how the final results will appear when in situ, in respect to other buildings. We are very involved in this part of the urban development process. As part of our land and buildings surveying services, we offer […]
The importance of collaboration

Geospatial surveyors are key collaborators with many different professions. They can be part of many processes and also can contribute to the form and shape of projects beyond their timelines. It’s important to ensure that land surveyors become involved at as early a stage as possible, so that clients can ensure they get the team […]