▌Topographical surveys

The level of detail surveyed varies depending on the client’s specification. This can range from a basic boundary & level survey (to give the basic “lie-of-the land” – very often used for initial feasibility studies), to fully detailed topographical surveys which includes all significant visible above ground features.

Currently we generally use Civil 3D as topographical survey processing software. Our surveyors have many years of experience of using this and have finely honed its use to achieve maximum productivity on site.

The principle we follow is to carry out thorough accurate coding on site, to minimize later editing required in the office. For example, every point surveyed can be assigned a level, but in some cases this is not required to be shown on the drawing, so the feature coding can be set to automatically exclude the level from the drawing when the point is surveyed; which saves time later switching the levels off in the office, (individual levels can be switched back-on later if required).

The policy of McLaughlin Ireland is for project surveyors to process their own data; and not for it to be passed to a CAD department to be edited by someone who has never seen the site!

We understand the importance of a comprehensive survey drawing, and if required can include significant features adjacent to the site being surveyed; e.g. overlooking window positions, ridge & eaves heights etc.. This additional information can be included on the plan drawings, and also supplemented by annotated digital photographs.

Rather than surveying the site in isolation, this additional surrounding information gives a more complete picture of the site situation. If surveys are related to Ordnance Datum & National Grid co-ordinates, they can be added to Ordnance Survey digital backgrou nd mapping as composite drawings, if
required; which shows further surrounding detail.

We can provide the survey data as 2D contoured plans, and also as 3D computer digital terrain models (DTMs). With the inclusion of proposed design information from the client, volumes of site material can be calculated, and also rendered site visualization exercises can be carried out.