Surveying for construction sites
From the pre-design base map to the as-built survey: setting out, earthworks volumes and progress mapping for your site.
Site progress orthophoto
Surveying matters three times on a construction project: before design, during construction and at handover. Design needs an accurate base map, construction needs error-free setting out, and handover needs an as-built survey showing what was actually built.
Using drones and GNSS together, we run all three stages, so every survey sits on the same coordinate system and the same control points.
- Pre-design base map and site levels
- Building, grid line and pile setting out
- Cut-and-fill volumes for progress payments
- Periodic drone progress orthophotos
- As-built survey and design comparison
Before design
Architectural and structural design is drawn on a base map of existing conditions. Missing or outdated levels affect everything from excavation quantities to how the building sits on the plot — especially on sloping sites.
During construction
Foundations, grid lines and piles are set out from design coordinates, with every session verified on a known point. As earthworks progress, drone surface models document cut and fill; recurring surveys on the same control give an indisputable basis for progress payments.
At handover
An as-built survey compares what was built with the design: building corners, kerbs, utility lines and levels are surveyed, drawn and deviations reported. It is the record used at acceptance and for every later alteration.
What you receive
| Deliverable | Format | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Base map | DWG / NCZ | Design and permit base |
| Setting-out record | XLSX / PDF | Points marked on site |
| Volume report | PDF + XLSX | Cut-and-fill, progress payments |
| Progress orthophoto | GeoTIFF / ECW | Periodic site record |
| As-built drawing | DWG / DXF | Design comparison, acceptance |
Methods we use for this work
Frequently asked questions
How often should a site be surveyed?
Setting out happens as needed. Earthworks and progress tracking are usually monthly or tied to payment periods, fortnightly during heavy earthworks.
Does a drone flight stop work on site?
No. Plant can keep working; only the take-off and landing point is agreed for safety.
Why is an as-built survey needed?
It is the only record proving the work matches the design, and it is what everyone relies on to find buried services and plan later changes.
Get a quote for your project today
Tell us what you need and our survey engineers will propose the best solution.
