A topographic survey (also known as a land or measured survey) collects intrinsic data about a piece of land based on the natural and man-made features that are present. The survey covers key details about the elevation, terrain and structures. This information can then be compiled into a highly accurate and detailed plan. 

As for why such information would be required, the primary reason is to guide those involved in the development of land so that costly errors can be avoided.

That’s because understanding the land’s topography ensures those looking to build on the site can gain a much better idea of the condition of the land. For instance, the survey may reveal details that were not previously known including changes that have occurred to the land over time. In response, the applicable parties can make any necessary adjustments to mitigate risks and ensure regulatory compliance. 

Furthermore, topographic surveys also play an important role in environmental assessments and conservation. 

Topographic surveys are carried out by our land surveyors who are regulated by RICS. 

As qualified and highly experienced surveyors, we possess both the knowledge and the specialist tools required to produce the most insightful data to aid your commercial interests and ensure regulatory compliance. 

Depending on the purpose of a topographic survey, we may alter our approach to ensure we include the most relevant details. 

However, the most common aspects that will feature within our subsequent reports include elevation data, contour data, natural features, man-made features, utility locations, property boundaries, benchmarks and reference points.

Topographic surveys are critical for environmental assessments, as they provide important details about the site that often cannot be obtained by other means.

In particular, a 3D topographical survey can visually identify natural habitats and environmentally sensitive zones. As well as ensuring regulatory compliance, topographic surveys can be instrumental in supporting sustainable land planning. 

When planning any road or infrastructure project, a topographic survey provides essential information that helps architects, contractors and engineers to best understand the terrain. As a result, this allows all those involved in the project to make informed decisions based on the natural and man-made features that are present on the land.

Absolutely.  In the North West of the UK where the Anderton Gables team is based, the cost of flooding has increased by 199% in the last 5 years. 

Therefore, when planning any new construction, land development, road or infrastructure project, a topographic survey can arm all applicable parties with the information needed to ensure proper drainage systems are put in place to mitigate the risk of flooding. 
A geotechnical and topographical survey identifies natural water patterns, assists flood risk assessments, supports erosion control and aids in regulatory compliance.

Both topographic surveys and boundary surveys involve land measurements. However, the key difference is that while topographic surveys provide information about the physical characteristics of the land, boundary surveys focus on outlining clear legal boundaries.

Topographic surveys use tools including total stations, GPS, LiDAR, drones and contour mapping. This makes them useful for projects such as land development or drainage planning. 

However, to determine the boundary, our surveyors use total stations and GPS while also consulting historical property records. Such information can often be required to resolve disputes or to facilitate the sale of land. 

Unsure whether you require a topographic survey or a boundary survey? The team here at Anderton Gables can advise you further based on the information you require and your overall commercial interests.

At Anderton Gables, our topographic surveys are conducted by our RICS-regulated surveyors, who use industry-leading technology to collect the required data. 
We follow an extremely diligent approach when conducting a topo land survey. This includes ensuring the proper calibration of equipment and conducting multiple measurements to verify the accuracy of the data recorded.

Topographic surveys use lines to represent the shape and elevation of the land. As a result, this helps to visualise the terrain including any slopes, valleys or hills. 

When a topographic survey is requested, we will also compile our findings into a tangible report. This will include a visual and written explanation of our findings. 

So whether the survey is required for the likes of development projects, flood risk assessments, planned infrastructure or boundary disputes, we will ensure the survey conclusions are made abundantly clear as part of a highly detailed topographic survey.

Topographic land surveys are not legally required, though the information they reveal including the boundaries of a property or piece of land can be used as a legal document. 

Also, the data can be useful in remaining compliant with various laws such as height restrictions or environmental protections. 

Overall, if you want to ensure that your proposed project meets all necessary requirements including from a legal standpoint, a topographic survey is well worth the investment to protect your business or organisation.

Topographic surveys aren’t strictly necessary when looking to obtain planning permission, as a title plan or ordnance survey extract will normally suffice. 

However, with the various challenges that can occur around planning permissions, it is also true that an aerial topographic survey can streamline the application process. This is due to the ability to produce a detailed site analysis including the likes of 3D visualisations, slope and gradient analysis, drainage systems and any potential site constraints. 

Furthermore, the level of detail provided by a topographic survey can be useful in avoiding disputes relating to a proposed project. 

If you are proposing a new development in the North West, our surveyors can certainly advise whether a topographic survey would be of benefit in your particular case.

Yes, a topographic survey is one of the various methods our surveyors can use to settle property disputes. 

When looking to settle a boundary dispute, it is important that both parties obtain information about the boundary. If an agreement cannot be reached, then our surveyors can conduct a topographic survey in conjunction with a boundary survey to produce the required answers. 

Our commercial services in this area include land development concerns, encroachment issues and other legal property disputes which require survey evidence.