Working to grid: What happens when contractors use different control grids?
The control grid – a single version of truth This single version of truth is generally a control grid. This is a network of horizontal and vertical lines superimposed over a map or building plan and used for locating points within a construction site. The control points are reference points with known coordinates and are […]
Using space wisely – surveying, car parks and EV innovation
Points of contact One area, for instance, is the need for consideration being given to the ability to recharge vehicles, to facilitate long journeys and lengthy battery timespans. This has led to a great deal of investment in infrastructure projects that have allowed far greater use of these vehicles on a national scale. EVs are […]
Exploring new dimensions – 3D ground modelling and volumetrics
Modelling landscapes Ground modelling turns a topographical survey – with plotted levels and heights – into a 3D contoured or triangulated map. This provides a visual representation of the shape of the site measured. Before any work begins on site, an initial level survey of the area should be completed, in order to obtain accurate […]
Benefits of an as-built survey
The finished article One of the aspects of our work that comes at the end of the construction project is an as-built survey. Also known as ‘as constructed’. This type of survey is usually produced when construction has been completed. They are used to illustrate where buildings, pavements, roads and other features have been built. […]
Drone surveying VS topographical surveys
What is drone surveying? The method of gathering data from an airborne vantage point is drone surveying. By using a high-resolution image, the photos can be stitched together. These images each carry a set of 3D coordinates, which enables further processing to assemble them into a sketch. Autonomous drone mapping is the use of a […]
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 […]
Modelling behaviour – Revit models
What is a Revit model? Revit is 3D building information modelling (BIM) software, widely used by architects, engineers, and contractors to create a digital single version of truth. This can then be used by all disciplines and trades throughout the project, to help complete their work. Revit was created to support BIM and not to […]
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 […]
A few ground rules on Underground Utilities Surveys
Why do I need an Underground Utilities Survey? You’ll most likely need an underground utilities survey if you are looking at developing a site for construction. It doesn’t matter if a site has been built on before – a brownfield site – or if it is undeveloped prior to the project – a greenfield site. […]
Why do I need a Boundary Survey?
Degrees of accuracy It can be useful in unclear cases to have a Boundary Survey carried out. If you are involved in a boundary dispute, for example, having irrefutable proof will that be recognised legally will go a long way to proving your case. Boundary disputes can be messy affairs that can be very difficult […]