10 things you need to know about

Surveying in Urban Areas

City landscapes are constantly shifting, with new buildings, roadworks, and changing infrastructure. Our urban topographical surveys capture every essential detail, from elevation changes to structural boundaries. By using laser scanning and mobile mapping, we can gather comprehensive data quickly, even in high-traffic areas. This rapid data collection helps clients understand the lay of the land with up-to-date, accurate information—essential for any city-based construction project.

In urban settings, access is often limited and space tight, making it a challenge to gather detailed building measurements. We employ Total Stations and advanced laser scanners to create dependable survey drawings and 3D BIM models, even in hard-to-reach places. This allows architects and planners to make informed decisions without costly rework, keeping project timelines on track.

Urban areas are densely packed with underground utilities, including water, gas, electricity, and telecom lines. In busy settings, we utilise advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic Location (EML) to map these utilities without excavation, minimising risk and maintaining continuity. For highways, we deploy vehicle-mounted GPR array systems, enabling efficient surveying without the need for traffic management. When cover lifting in the highway is required, we can also arrange traffic management, typically at night, to reduce disruption. This flexible, non-intrusive approach safeguards critical infrastructure and ensures projects proceed smoothly.

Safety is paramount, especially when working near busy roads. We arrange all necessary road-space permits and frequently conduct surveys during off-peak or nighttime hours to minimise disruption. Using a range of vehicle-mounted survey equipment, from laser scanners to GPR array systems, enables us to collect precise data while keeping our surveyors away from the dangers of traffic. Additionally, we deploy mobile scanning units, including handheld and remote laser scanners, allowing us to capture measurements from outside the highway, minimising the need for personnel to enter high-traffic areas. For situations where direct access to the highway is unavoidable, we implement traffic management, typically conducted out of hours, to ensure both safety and efficiency. This approach reduces risks and delivers accurate survey data with minimal impact on surrounding traffic.

Urban environments are rich in details, both above and below ground. From surface features to underground utilities, capturing this high-density information is crucial. Laser Surveys utilises the latest survey methods to collect this data efficiently, even in the busiest areas. This technology not only ensures detailed results but also reduces the need for physical presence, allowing our teams to work swiftly and safely.

One of the unique risks of working in busy urban areas is the higher likelihood of equipment theft. To mitigate this, we frequently hire security for our equipment, safeguarding our resources and ensuring our teams can focus on their work. Protecting valuable tools is critical, as it allows us to maintain project timelines and minimise unexpected delays.

To avoid the bustling daytime activity of urban spaces, we often conduct surveys at night. This approach not only minimises disruption to public and vehicular traffic but also allows our team to operate more freely and efficiently. Night-time work enables us to deliver dependable results without contributing to the city’s daytime congestion, keeping projects on track and on budget.

In city projects, time is of the essence. Delays can lead to significant costs and logistical issues. With high-speed laser scanners and mobile data capture solutions, we gather information quickly and process it efficiently. This approach means our clients receive accurate results faster, enabling them to move forward confidently with their projects.

When communicating project details, visualisation is invaluable. We provide 3D models and interactive views of survey data, allowing clients to better understand complex urban spaces. These models help clients anticipate and address potential challenges before they arise, making for smoother project execution.

Navigating urban regulations requires experience and local knowledge. From obtaining necessary permits to coordinating with local authorities, Laser Surveys ensures that every project complies with relevant standards. We manage the administrative side of urban surveying so our clients can focus on project development, knowing all legal requirements are covered.