7 Industries that Surveyors work with

Lucion Group

3rd July, 2018

In this article, Landform Surveys introduces you to seven different industries that use surveyors to function effectively.

Rail

There are 10,072 miles of operational train track in the UK, which the National Rail Service uses to ferry passengers up and down the country, nearly 24 hours a day. Surveying this network of track is imperative to ensuring the UK’s public transport system stays functional. High-end surveying technology is used to remotely capture data from various lengths of rail, minimising the need for closures and inconvenience caused to passengers. Surveyors can gauge track proximity, run full scans of tunnels, measure lengths of track down to the millimetre, and provide important insight into construction pitches where geo-environmental data is needed prior to the design stage.

Civils

The civil engineering sector works closely with surveyors to execute a variety of projects. For example, infrastructure planning requires data collected and presented by surveyors to inform decisions made by civil architects and engineers. This data goes beyond measurements and proxemics - surveyors collect geospatial and “additional” data such as population density, traffic flows, and patterns in pedestrian activity to help city planners decide where best to construct new features. Civil surveying projects will often require geosocial data capture using methods such as noise assessments, ecology surveys, tree surveys, structural testing, and utility mapping. The more holistic the view a planning committee has of their city, the better they can serve it.

Construction

Construction companies work with surveyors to help measure, secure, and investigate their sites. Using technology such as 3D laser scanning, surveyors can undertake extensive structural testing, ground investigations, and topographic surveys. This gives house-building companies and contractors the information they need to effectively and accurately plan building sites, as well as provide important social data regarding the chosen area. It is the responsibility of a surveyor working with a construction company to ensure that the survey methods in use are the aptest for the situation. Being able to adapt working processes to suit the individual requirements of a project means the surveying company can form a more cohesive and integrated relationship with the client.

Highways

Perhaps the most important type of UK infrastructure; highway maintenance and planning is necessary to help the nation’s drivers get from A to B in the most efficient way possible. Surveying companies work with highways agencies and planning councils to offer services like utility mapping and non-destructive scanning of motorway structures. Precision data captured on-site is delivered to clients’ projects in a measurable way, adding value to their decisions and informing the management and development of new highways, as well as increasing understanding of existing roads.

Structures

Maintaining structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure is a responsibility that falls to their owners, but the work involved is best carried out by a contracted surveyor. Using technology specific to the surveying industry, surveyors can monitor, investigate, and scan existing structures. This means they can deliver comprehensive analytical reports which help advise on remediation and ongoing maintenance.

Geo-environmental

In the UK, we aim to conserve and protect the environment in a variety of ways, whether that be by recycling certain materials, preserving the habitats of endangered wildlife, or routing infrastructure away from green spaces. Surveyors understand the geo-environmental legislation that building projects must adhere to, which is why they’re contracted to ensure that all prospective constructions meet environmental obligations. Environmental surveys should be undertaken efficiently and with a holistic understanding of the project in question. This will mean the right survey methods are employed, whether they are ground investigations; geotechnical engineering assessments; badger, bat and newt surveys; or tree counts.

Architecture

Architectural projects range from single tower blocks in busy cities to 500 unit housing plans in suburban midland counties. They can also involve renovation of historic structures, as well as considerations where modern and listed buildings face aggregation. Professional surveyors will conduct initial topographic surveys, and work with architects to use BIM technology - this helps all involved parties visualise the finished development. 3D walk-throughs and utility mapping services use GIS data to enhance the virtual reality experience for clients and designers alike. Get in touch! If you’re looking for a quality surveyor versatile enough to work with any of the above industries, get in touch. Landform Surveys is looking forward to working with you.