In construction industry, topographical surveys are dubbed as the foundation as they provide detailed information about the land’s surface. This details information includes contours, elevations, and any other existing feature. And who would know it better than you that how important is this data for planning, design, and decision-making process.
Therefore, by conducting a topographical survey through a top-rated topographical survey company, you can save both time and money in numerous ways. This article delves into the significance of topographic surveys and how they can benefit your construction project.
Understanding Topographic Surveys
A topographical survey is a type of survey that provides you detailed study of the surface of the earth. It captures both natural and man-made features of the surveying area. To successfully carry out these surveys, companies deploy state-of-the-art machinery such as drones, GPS, and total stations to create accurate maps and models. Topographical surveys collect this data:
- Elevations
- Contours
- Location Features such as trees, buildings, and utilities
Professionals associated with AEC (architectural, engineering, and construction) industry use this information in various stages of the project including planning and design.
Now, let’s find out how topographical surveys save time and cost:
Early Identification of Potential Issues
Unarguably, the biggest benefit offered by topographical survey is their capacity to identify potential issues of the initial stage of the project. Topographical surveys enable project planners to understand land’s terrain and existing features. Using this information, project planners identify challenges that might arise during construction. For instance, these surveys might reveal unstable oil, hidden underground utilities or areas prone to flooding; identification of such issues in the initial stage allows for better planning by preventing costly delays. Similarly, project managers use such information for risk mitigation.
Accurate Planning and Design
There’s no need to stress on the point how vital are accurate planning and design for the success of any construction project. As mentioned above, topographical surveys provide stakeholders with detailed and accurate representation of the land. This empowers architects and engineers to design structures that seamlessly fit into the landscape. Bingo! Such precision likelihood of errors and reworks, reducing cost and time-related issues.
Fun-fact (or not): In US alone, construction industry suffers a mammoth loss of $177 billion because of reworks, errors, and related issues.
Additionally, having a clear understanding of the land’s topography allows for more efficient site layout, optimizing the use of space and resources.
Improved Cost Estimation
When you have access to detailed information about land’s features and conditions, stakeholders can make more accurate cost estimation. Leveraging this information, construction project managers make informed decisions when it comes to material, labor, and equipment. Let us explain with this an example: if you are working on a project and know exact slope of the land, it will greatly influence decisions on grading and drainage; the same will significantly impact costs in your favor. Thus, you can reduce the risk of budget overruns and ensure project remains financially viable by harnessing the immense power of topographical surveys.
Not-so fun fact (again): On average, construction projects in the UK exceed their budgets by approximately 16% to 28%, with nine out of ten projects experiencing some level of cost overrun.
Enhanced Communication and Collaboration
When the project is complex and involves multiple teams and stakeholders, effective communication and collaboration becomes a necessity. In such projects, a topographical survey acts as a common reference points for design, architectural, engineering teams and contractors. Topographical surveys improve communication by providing a detailed picture and clear understanding of the characteristics of the site. Is there any need to say that improved collaboration leads to smoother and more efficient construction processes? Guess not!
Compliance with Regulations
Adherence to compliance is not a luxury but a necessity for the construction industry. Any unintentional and the tiniest of the irregularity has potential to transform into costly reworks and hefty fines. Therefore, the construction projects must adhere to various regulations and standards, including zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations.
Using topographical surveys, you can get essential data to ensure compliance with complex and ever-evolving legal requirements. Consider this: if you know the exact boundaries of the property, you can save yourself from encroachment on neighboring land. This will help you avoid legal disputes and hefty fines. Similarly, you can easily get the necessary permits and approvals from regulatory authorities if you have ample knowledge about the land’s drainage patterns and its natural features.
Long-term Benefits
What makes topographical surveys so vital for the construction industry is that the benefits of it extend way beyond the immediate construction phase. With detailed data at your disposal, you can carry out maintenance, renovations, and expansion activities with ease. For example, if you want to carry out a future work on the site and have exact knowledge about eh underground utilities, there will be no accidental damage; the same will save you time and costs.
Conclusion
With the continuous evolution and digitization of the AEC industry, topographical surveys have become an indispensable tool. By providing detailed and accurate information, it empowers stakeholders in early identification of potential issues. Likewise, compliance and enhanced communication are other two perks that are extremely valuable for the success of any complex project.
