Mapping & Design Data
Topographic Surveys
How does the land slope, and what is already there?
Also called: topo survey, contour survey, site survey, or grading survey.
Understanding the work
Topographic surveys measure ground elevations and the visible features your design team needs, at an agreed level of detail and accuracy. The result is the base map engineers and architects design on for grading, drainage, and site layout.
- Site & drainage design
- Home, pool & driveway plans
- Engineering base maps
Who it’s for
- Civil engineers and architects
- Grading and drainage designers
- Owners planning site improvements
Typical work involved
- Ground elevations and breaklines
- Buildings, pavement, trees, and other visible features
- Survey control and quality checks
The result
What you’ll receive
- Contoured topographic map
- CAD-ready digital files
- Spot elevations & site features
Common questions
What clients ask about this work
Do I need both a boundary and topographic survey?
Often for development. Boundary work defines property limits; topographic work measures terrain and site features. The design team should confirm its needs.
What is a topographic survey?
It measures ground elevations and selected existing features for engineering, site design, drainage or other planning.
Does a topographic survey show property lines?
Not always. Topographic and boundary work have different purposes; ask for both when the project needs both.
What are contours?
Contour lines connect locations at the same elevation. They help readers understand slopes and landforms.
Scope, applicable standards, accuracy, deliverables, timing, and price are confirmed in writing for each project.