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Topographic Surveys

A topographic survey is performed in order to make a 3-D map or terrain model. These surveys are often required for architects and/or engineers to design grading plans for buildings, parking areas, roads, etc. The surveyor must establish a site benchmark with a known elevation. All subsequent recorded elevations will be relevant to the benchmark. Elevations can be on a known datum, such as NAVD 88, or an assumed datum, such as assigning an elevation of 100.00’ to the benchmark. Due to the advancement and relative affordability of GPS units, most surveyors will establish a benchmark with an NAVD 88 elevation. The topo area, usually provided by the client, will be surveyed to include spot elevations, significant terrain features such as ditches, swales and slopes, and any hard surfaces such as driveway, sidewalk, curbing etc. Topographic surveys in urban area can become quite detailed with additional features such as buildings, steps, ramps and retaining walls. Underground utilities are often located as part of the survey as well, especially sanitary sewer and storm drainage lines. Once the field survey is complete, a topographic map representing the 3-D information collected will be prepared. The map will usually show elevation contour lines, building finished floor elevations, located utilities and depth elevations of sanitary sewer and storm drainage lines. When contour lines are sparse, spot elevations can also be shown. We have worked for large engineering firms doing some form of topographic surveys day in and day out for years. We know what needs to be collected and we know how to represent the data across several software platforms. If you need a topographic survey for whatever reason, please don’t hesitate to contact Lucas Land Surveying, LLC.