Arek Surveying provides clients across the NYC area, including those in Brooklyn and Queens, with dependable and reliable topographical surveying. The design process of a construction project typically utilizes a topographical survey. It includes the survey of a subject parcel along with adjacent streets cross-sections, surface and underground utilities (sewer manhole inverts). Elevations are shown in relation to the local Vertical Datum and Legal Grades are computed (5 boroughs of NYC).
Upon the request of the client, we can provide contour lines. We construct current surveys on computers for pinpoint accuracy when showing land conditions. One big benefit of digital topographical surveying is that we can change them over time in order to adapt to current land conditions. The overall purpose of this type of survey is to collect survey data about natural and man-made features of the surrounding land.
A topographical survey is a survey that gathers data about the elevation of points on a piece of land and presents them as contour lines on a plot. These lines are "benchmarks" showing how and what ground contours are related with an estimate of the lawful distance between properties in a certain area. If the purpose of the given survey is to serve as a base map for the designs of a home, commercial building or roadway than it is usually necessary to show the perimeter boundary lines as well as the lines of easements. This aspect of topographical surveying shows the lines on or crossing the property. To properly set the zones and avoid any setbacks, these details need to be in order.
More About Topographical Surveying
Similar to a boundary survey, a topographic survey report displays a parcel’s property lines. But topo surveys also include more details about the plot of land, including outlines of the area’s surface features, terrain, and elevation. Therefore, the finalized reports map out a property’s contour lines, utilities, and natural attributes.
Contour lines are the main characteristics of a topographic map. A land surveyor collects data about the property, then uses the information to create a series of lines. A contour line demonstrates changes in elevation on the land, allowing users to understand the property’s terrain better. The lines are created closer or far apart from one another to show peaks, valleys, and summits on the land.
A topography report may include a variety of different contour lines, including:
While topographic surveys focus on contour lines, they also outline all manufactured utilities located throughout a parcel of land. Surveyors denote the structures using topographic map symbols.
The utilities included in a topographic report are:
On top of that, a land surveyor may cross-reference existing plans to identify any underground utilities, such as electrical boxes, gas lines, and plumbing systems.
A professional topographic survey will also display the types of vegetation throughout a parcel of land as it outlines any natural structures included in the property. This includes bodies of water, boulders, and trees. The finalized topographic report will show the height, depth, size, and location of all the property’s natural features.
Knowing the type of terrain on a site allows civil engineers and architects to develop well-suited design plans for the property. Without understanding the landscape, builders could run into severe problems that delay or prevent new construction.
Topographical surveys are versatile and serve multiple purposes across various fields. Here are some of the common uses for a topographical survey.
For any environmental projects, topographical surveys help to assess the impact of development on the natural landscape. This is a survey you can use to plan the following aspects:
A topographic survey is important for architects and engineers alike as they use it in the planning and design phase of building projects. They provide a clear understanding of the terrain, help to determine the best placement of the structures and infrastructure, and assess the need for the grading or other land modifications.
Municipalities rely on a topographic survey for any public project. So roads, bridges and utilities all require a topographic survey in order to begin. These surveys inform all of the planning and maintenance of public infrastructure and ensure that it is safe, efficient, and well-integrated with the existing environment.
Having an accurate land survey is crucial for legal boundaries and property disputes. A topographic survey ensures that the property descriptions are accurate and up-to-date, which enables real estate transactions and helps with land ownership rights.
There are various elements that set topographical surveying apart from other surveys in the field. Below are a few elements that are characteristic of topographical surveying:
The more data the survey gathers, the more detailed the topographical survey can be. In most cases, the surveyor decides on a case-by-case basis. In the end, the surveyor decides how much or little to show. Once the surveyor finishes, the maps show the elevations and grading features. Architects, engineers, and building contractors all utilize this survey type. So it is important to get these details right.
While these surveys are immensely beneficial, they do come with some challenges. Here are some of the common challenges faced during a topographic survey.
Topographical Surveying Importance
Arek Surveying has years of experience in the surveying field and provides customers with trusted and reliable topographical surveying. Similar surveys to a topographical survey we provide are plot plans and foundation layouts. And they incorporate elements of an ALTA survey. So you can have all areas covered regarding your survey needs. There are many reasons why you might need a land survey, including for real estate reasons. For more information about our surveying options, please contact us today.
When you reach out, we can discuss the pricing and benefits of this or any other type of survey. We have years of service in the industry and can provide you with trusted and reliable results. Our services extend throughout New York and Long Island, Suffolk and Nassau County included, as well as the 5 NYC boroughs, including Brooklyn and Queens. So please, do not hesitate to reach out today! When you call, we can provide you with a free consultation and estimate.
Topographical surveying is available in all New York and New Jersey Counties:
Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Westchester, Yonkers, Richmond, Rockland, Bergen, Essex, Suffolk, Nassau County, etc.