A building cannot be designed on a “blank sheet.” Topographic surveys are an indispensable prerequisite for the preparation of a construction design or a spatial plan.
This work is known by many informal names in everyday language, such as topogeodesy, topo, geo base, base plan, topo base, digital base, or geo survey. None of these terms is terminologically correct; however, in the context of design, they all refer to topographic survey works carried out by surveyors prior to the design and planning of structures.
The output of a topographic survey is a survey report together with a digital site plan, which the designer or planner uses as the basis for their work. In addition to surveying the area, the survey also collects other data required for design purposes—primarily information on underground utility networks, as well as other features present on the site.
The geodetic base plan must not be confused with a cadastral (plot) plan. A geodetic base plan, as it includes utility networks and elevations of the ground surface and other elements, is significantly more accurate and detailed than a cadastral plan. Furthermore, the geodetic base plan must be sufficiently up to date (outdated plans may lack a great deal of essential information), digitally available in DWG or DGN formats, and compliant with the requirements of the Procedure for Carrying Out Construction Geodetic Surveys. In most cases, geodetic base plans are prepared at a scale of 1:500.
Local authorities also monitor the existence and reliability of the geodetic base plan. The absence of proper topographic surveys may cause difficulties in obtaining project approvals from these authorities.
At REIB, topographic surveys are one of our core services. We have extensive experience and expertise in performing this work professionally. Our specialists have participated in the development of the currently valid procedures, and therefore we know exactly which requirements a proper geodetic base plan must meet.
To accept an order for a topographic survey, it is necessary to know the area to be surveyed, the required scale of the plan, and the required format of the digital data. It is also important to determine whether any special requirements apply. While these issues may be complex for a typical client, we assist in finding the most appropriate solution.
The designer is the competent party to define the terms of reference. Often, topographic surveying is included as part of the design or planning contract with the client.
