10 Reasons To Go For Basic Surveying

Surveying is the process of determining the positions of points and the distances and angles between them on the surface of the Earth or other planetary bodies. It plays a vital role in many construction and infrastructure projects. Basic surveying involves fundamental surveying techniques that are essential for any construction or development work. In this article, we will explore 10 compelling reasons why basic surveying is important and why you should consider it for your projects.

• Accurate Site Planning and Layout 

Basic surveying plays a crucial role in accurately planning and laying out a construction site before any work begins. Surveying techniques such as leveling, measuring distances between points, and establishing permanent control markers on the site are used. This allows engineers and contractors to precisely determine where buildings, roads, drainage systems etc. should be positioned as per the design. They can then clearly mark out the layout on the ground. Having an accurate site layout is important because it ensures smooth progress of construction activities according to the approved plans and prevents costly mistakes from occurring. The foundations, walls and other structures can be erected in the correct positions the first time around.

• Establish Property Boundaries

Clearly defining property boundaries is important for construction projects involving multiple land parcels. Using basic surveying techniques helps precisely establish the boundaries of each property to avoid any disputes later on. Surveyors measure the angles and distances to permanent landmarks and boundary markers installed by authorities to determine the exact boundary corners of each land plot. This ensures that no construction encroaches into a neighboring property. It clearly demarcates each parcel’s limits and facilitates smooth transfer of ownership when the land is subdivided and sold. Defining boundaries accurately with basic surveying minimizes the risks of boundary disputes during and after project completion.

• Ensure Regulatory Compliance 

Construction projects need to obtain necessary permits and approvals from local governing bodies such as municipal corporations or development authorities. These regulatory bodies mandate strict compliance with various zoning and planning laws, rules regarding minimum setbacks from plot boundaries, restrictions on maximum building heights and more. Basic surveying techniques help generate precise measurements and detailed as-built drawings of projects which can then be submitted to authorities to prove that all construction is fully compliant with the applicable regulations. This streamlines the approval process. Non-compliance on the other hand risks costly delays, heavy penalties or even demolition orders. Therefore, basic surveying is important as it helps ensure projects meet regulatory standards, minimizing such compliance risks.

• Prevent Utility Damage 

Construction projects often require excavation work like digging trenches or foundations. However, underground lies a complex network of buried utility lines for water, gas, electricity, telecommunications etc. Accidentally damaging these critical utility lines during excavation can have serious consequences like severe injuries, power outages or even explosions in some cases. It also leads to costly project delays while repairs are carried out. Basic surveying techniques help prevent such scenarios by precisely locating and mapping the position of underground utilities near excavation zones beforehand. This allows workers to excavate safely without inadvertent contact with live cables or pipes. The safety of workers is also increased as they can excavate with full knowledge of all underground obstacles and hazards.

• Monitor Construction Progress 

Periodic surveying during the construction process is important to keep track of how the project is progressing according to the planned schedule and design specifications. Surveying teams will conduct site surveys at various stages of construction to measure and record the actual “as-built” dimensions, levels, slopes and other physical parameters of the structures being erected. These measurements are then compared to the approved technical drawings to check for any deviations from the intended specifications. Any discrepancies can be identified early on so corrective actions may be implemented immediately to bring the works back on track as per the design. This ensures the project will be completed as planned without the need for expensive rework later during use of the facility.

• Post-Construction Documentation

Once a project is completed, basic surveying produces as-built or record drawings showing the final constructed state. This serves as a permanent record of the project for facility management and future renovations/additions. It documents compliance and aids in resolving disputes. As-built surveys are often required by authorities for project sign-off and change of ownership. They facilitate future maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.

• Low Cost Solution

Basic surveying relies on fundamental techniques and relatively inexpensive equipment. This makes it a very cost-effective solution for small to medium scale projects compared to advanced surveying technologies. The initial investment required is low and returns are high in terms of accuracy, compliance, and prevention of costly errors or delays down the line. Basic surveying provides good value for most construction and infrastructure projects.

• Easy to Learn and Use 

Basic surveying skills can be learned with minimal training and do not require extensive field experience. Common equipment like tapes, levels and total stations are easy to operate even for novice users after basic instruction. This makes basic surveying accessible for small contractors and site supervisors to do preliminary checks and layouts on their own. Outsourcing is not always needed, saving additional costs.

• Versatile Applications

While basic in nature, surveying techniques have diverse applications across industries beyond just construction. They are used in areas like mapping, mining, transportation, agriculture and more. For example, basic surveying is used to map farm boundaries, monitor coastal erosion, lay railway tracks, and survey mining/oil exploration sites. The versatility makes these skills universally valuable.

• Foundation for Advanced Surveying 

Basic surveying equips you with fundamental concepts, skills and field experience that are essential for learning advanced surveying technologies. It helps develop an understanding of surveying principles, measurements, instruments, calculations etc. This provides a solid foundation to specialize in areas like GPS, robotics, 3D scanning etc. Mastering basic techniques first allows you to fully leverage high-tech solutions productively.

Conclusion 

Basic surveying is a must for any construction, engineering or infrastructure project due to its many advantages in planning works accurately with trusted survey engineering in Dubai, establishing boundaries, ensuring compliance, monitoring progress, documenting projects, and more. The low costs, ease of use and versatility make it highly suitable for most applications. It also serves as an excellent starting point for those interested in surveying as a field. Overall, basic surveying skills are extremely valuable to have.