How does terrain affect topographical survey accuracy?

How does terrain affect topographical survey accuracy?
How does terrain affect topographical survey accuracy?

Topographical surveys are a surveying process that involves fieldwork. This survey provides you with valuable information on the topography of your plot of land. It involves making observations, taking measurements, recording data, and then returning that data to a computer for computation and compilation.

There are numerous factors our surveyors need to overcome that impacts their working conditions, constantly monitoring certain factors, including:

Terrain and Weather

Terrain and current weather conditions can negatively affect the on-site survey process. Some of the technology we use can be severely reduced due to ground haze, fog, mist, and smog. GPS signals require a straight line of sight to the sky. Forested and urban areas can make it harder to get the direct signal needed to provide accuracy. Proper planning and being flexible regarding the state of the art tools we use can ensure your survey goes ahead accurately and efficiently.

Experience

Training and experience also plays an important role when it comes to the accuracy of topographical surveys. Our team of surveyors are all experienced in topographical surveys, working with any terrain and weather conditions. They have trained and experienced numerous factors that adversely affect the outcomes of the survey, as a result, they are prepared and know what equipment must be used, along with how to use it, when dealing with difficult terrain or poor visibility.

Equipment

As mentioned above, at MB Survey Solutions, we have invested heavily in the purchase of state of the art equipment from 3D laser scanners to drone technology. Our equipment is regularly maintained and calibrated to ensure accurate results. This helps us ensure precision and accuracy when dealing with any terrain issues during a topography survey.

Common Challenges in Topographical Surveying

As experienced surveyors, we face numerous challenges when carrying out accurate topographical surveys. The most common challenges include:

Adverse Weather

The weather conditions in the UK are unpredictable at the best of times, but this also negatively impacts our surveying operations, as mentioned above. In order to ensure safety, our surveyors are cautions when working in adverse weather, ensuring their safety, along with ensuring they provide you with accurate data regarding your piece of land.

Our surveyors always have a back-up plan, a plan B. This can includes rescheduling surveyors to ensure we have favourable weather conditions, while keeping an eye on weather forecasts, reducing the risk of any disruptions.

Land Access

A common challenge we are faced with as professional land surveyors is restricted access to private properties, and in some cases, obtaining permission from land owners. Gaining access to the land is essential to collect accurate data. Without proper permissions, our surveyors may face legal consequences and be unable to access the property to carry out your topographical survey.

Backed by our years of experience, we are able to discuss the importance of the survey to land owners, gaining their cooperation and trust. It can be useful if you are buying a property, to secure the approval for access from the existing owners, helping our surveyors carry out their duties with ease.

Challenging Terrains

Surveying challenging terrains can be difficult, and this is where you need an experienced and professional land surveyor. These terrains present obstacles. Steep or uneven terrains, inaccessible locations, and dense forests are just some of the obstacles we need to overcome when creating your survey. It is not easy to take measurements to establish survey markers. If the land doesn't have man-made structures or any infrastructure, it can be make this a complicated process.

We use the latest equipment and tools, using advanced surveying techniques that helps us provide accurate topographical data, even in hard to reach areas. If your land has a challenging terrain and you want a topographical survey, give MB Survey Solutions a call today.