General

Why do I need a survey? 

A survey is an integral part of any construction project regardless of size. A survey provides your architect or engineer with the essential data to be able to progress through the planning, design, and construction phases of your project.

What sort of survey do I need? 

This depends on your individual requirements, however, every type of survey we provide can be integrated or progressed as a standalone service. It is always best to start a discussion with one of our specialist surveyors as they have many years’ experience and can always recommend the best solution for you.

What data will you send me for my survey?

The standard issue will be an AutoCAD and PDF file with 3D data embedded in the CAD file. We can however offer multiple data delivery options which we are happy to discuss with you.

What is the difference between 2D and 3D surveys?

2D surveys typically contain lines acquired orthogonally and allow line-to-line editing. Details are shown in plan, such as a floor plan or elevation of a building. 3D surveys aim to produce a representation of a surface or object in a three-dimensional space. 3D topographical data can be used for flood risk analysis and 3D building survey data can be used to produce 3D CAD drawings and/or REVIT models.

Working with us

What is your insurance level?

Our insurance level is £5,000,000 for both public liability and professional indemnity.

What are your safety procedures?

Survey Solutions have detailed Risk Assessments and Method Statements to cover all our team members for all types of work we undertake along with regular updates and training.

What is your normal lead time?

Due to our nationwide coverage we usually operate a one-week lead time however please speak to us should you have an urgent project and we will assist where possible.

What information do you need from me to start the survey?

Once the quotation is issued, we would require written confirmation from the invoice payer and all access information. 

There are so many survey companies, why should I choose Survey Solutions? 

It is not just what we do that we think sets us apart but how we deliver our projects which is one of the main reasons we enjoy high levels of client satisfaction. Our UK coverage across several locations means we are truly nationwide. Not only does this mean that wherever your project you are close to a Survey Solutions office but that we can be on site quickly to meet your project deadlines. We have over 150 surveyors and engineers, so their level of experience and expertise means we deliver a survey which often goes above and beyond expectations.

What sort of projects do you work on?

We work on any type of development project in various sectors, ranging from schools, hospitals, MOD sites, highways, hotels, national developers, and regional residential developers.

My survey is only small, can you still do this? 

We are equally at home working on a small private project or a national infrastructure scheme. We have a very diverse client base, ranging from architects, consulting engineers, planners, local authorities, multi nationals, garden designers and private clients.

Site Engineering

What is Site Engineering?

Our Site Engineering division supports the scheme by managing the project’s building and survey data and are on-hand to provide further detailed advice, measurement and checking when required. The types of services we provide include setting out, survey control, cut and fill calculations, volume calculations as well as site support and quality control.

Why is Site Engineering different to the other services you offer?

Site Engineering is different in that it comes at the other end of the construction phase compared to our other survey services. We become involved when a project has started the construction phase. Site Engineering should be seen as a complementary service as we can now offer a whole start to finish solution by using one supplier to work on the early stage surveys such as topographical and underground utilities and then be involved later on when the project starts to come to life.

Drone Surveys

What are the advantages of drone surveys?

There are numerous advantages of drone surveys. They can capture data more quickly and more effectively than traditional methods as they are ideal for large land spaces and for inaccessible areas. The amount and variety of data that comes from drone surveys is also a big advantage. This includes point clouds and flyover imagery. Overall, they are a safe and cost-efficient method when looking to minimise the amount of survey time on site.

BIM and REVIT

What is BIM? 

BIM stands for Building Information Model, which is a process whereby construction industry professionals collaborate in a team environment on a range of data that comes together in a federated digital space. This data base is accessible by and can be updated in real time by all with interests in the project. One of the key outputs of this process is the Building Information Model, the digital description of every aspect of the built asset which is usually created using a measured survey as the start point. BIM extends to post project handover as a tool for planned and reactive maintenance and management.

What is a Revit model? 

Revit is a popular software that can be used as part of the BIM process. A Revit file is a 3D digital model made up of components that have measurable attributes. It should be noted that Revit is not the only modelling software available for use within BIM.

How does survey data work with BIM? 

A measured survey is the starting point for any BIM model, a true to scale “existing model” is produced by the surveyor which is then added to by the design team.

How does survey data work with Revit? 

Our surveys can be issued as fully-modelled 3D Revit models, or imported into Revit as 2D or 3D CAD drawings and as TIN meshes. 

What is the difference between BIM and a Revit model?

BIM itself is more than just the visible model, it is a database of every facet of every component within the project. Revit is one of a few software packages than can be used to create the digital model that is used as the visible tool within the BIM model.

Underground Surveying

Are your Utility surveys compliant with the PAS128 specification?

Yes, we can provide you with a full specification detailing the various levels of survey, along with our recommendations, from which you can select your specific requirements.

What size pipework can you survey with CCTV?

70mm (0.07m) – 2000mm (2m)

Can you detect plastic pipes and fibre optic cables?

Yes, utilising the latest ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology we can detect and map both conductive and non-conductive utilities.

How deep can you detect utilities underground?

This varies depending on the type and size of the utility present and the type of ground it is within. Typically, utilities are laid within the first 2.5m of ground.

Can you tell us the depths and if so, how accurate is this?

Wherever a utility is detected, its approximate depth can be indicated. Accuracy depends on the method(s) used to locate.

Can you locate ring beams, pile caps and building foundations?

Yes, we have specialised radar systems for concrete detection and mapping.

Can you detect and measure the reinforcement within floor slabs, columns, and ground beams?

Yes, this can be assessed using a non-intrusive radar survey.

Can you locate unmarked graves, tree roots and badger sets?

This will vary depending on your exact requirements, please contact us to discuss further.

Can you use a topographical survey supplied by a third party as a base for a utilities or CCTV drainage survey?

Yes, as long as it is in a CAD format and a current representation of the site conditions.