Topographical Surveys
Specialists in Topographical Surveys
We specialise in topographic surveys that provide you with detailed and precise mapping of your site. Our expert surveyors use state-of-the-art technology and experience to capture accurate data, giving you a clear picture of the site’s terrain, including elevations, structures, and natural features. Whether you're planning a construction project, property development, infrastructure or highway improvement or require planning permission for any other change of land use, our topographic surveys ensure you have the insights you need to make confident decisions.
Why you need a Topographical Survey
Topographical surveys are a critical step for businesses involved in planning, designing, or developing land. Whether you're in construction, civil engineering, planning, architecture, property development, infrastructure or facility management, a topographical survey provides a detailed plan of your site’s features, helping you make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises.
If your business involves designing or altering land of any type, a topographical survey is essential. Contractors, architects, engineers, developers, and consultants of all types rely on these surveys to gain a clear understanding of the land before starting a project.
Accurate Planning
Get a clear view of the site, including all features and elevation changes, to plan your project confidently.
Identify Potential Challenges
Spot any issues early, such as uneven terrain, drainage problems, or existing structures that could impact your plans.
Meet Regulatory Requirements
Many projects require a topographical survey to comply with local planning regulations, ensuring your project is on track from the start.
Optimise Land Use
Maximise your space by understanding the natural layout of your site, allowing for efficient and effective designs.
Risk Management
Reduce the risk of unexpected delays or costs by knowing exactly what features lie within the site before you start allowing for further, utility and ecology surveys or ground investigation if necessary.
Our Topographical Survey Process
Our topographical survey process is designed to deliver precise and reliable results, ensuring your project starts on solid ground. Here’s how our streamlined approach works
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Following your initial enquiry, we start by understanding your project’s needs and objectives. During this consultation, we discuss your requirements, the site’s specifics, and any particular challenges you might be facing. This helps us tailor our survey approach to meet your exact needs. A video guide to help you at this initial stage is available in our client guides https://vimeo.com/667749854
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Our expert surveyors visit your site equipped with the latest surveying technology, which may include GPS and laser scanning equipment. We meticulously capture all relevant data, including elevations, land features, existing structures, and any potential obstacles.
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Once the fieldwork is completed, we process the data using advanced software to create an accurate and detailed plan of your site showing all visible above ground features. We provide these plans and models in a range of 2d and 3d formats including AutoCAD, MX, Revit and PDF to name but a few. This ensures all information is QA checked and, in a format, ready for integration into your project’s planning and design phases.
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For large projects or when requested we can provide you with a comprehensive survey report that details exactly how the survey has been carried out, the origins of the grid and datum, any transformations applied and any areas where survey was compromised due to access or obstructions. Our reports are designed to give you all the information you need to move the projects design development and ultimate construction forward with confidence.
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After delivering your survey, we remain on hand to answer any questions and provide additional support. Our team is always available to explain the findings, offer insights, and help you make the best decisions for your project.
Areas We Cover
Kemp Engineering proudly serves principally Devon and Cornwall and the wider South West region, offering comprehensive land and engineering surveying services tailored to meet the needs of important local and national projects.
With our deep knowledge of the area and commitment to quality, Kemp Engineering is well-positioned to support a wide range of surveying requirements, ensuring precise and reliable results every time. Whether you’re planning a development, construction project, or need detailed land insights, Kemp Engineering delivers expert solutions right where you need them.
Why are we different from other Topographic Survey Companies?
It all starts with expertise. Maybe you need a trusted Chartered Surveyor, someone regulated by RICS. Maybe you’re looking for a team with proven experience since 1988. Or perhaps you value quality assurance, continually refined since 2001. Whatever your needs, our comprehensive in-house services, commitment to innovative technology, and dedication to staff development (Investors in People since 2003) set us apart. The way we support your project can make all the difference.
Topographical Surveys FAQs
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A topographical survey maps the physical features of a land area, including natural and man-made elements, to provide a detailed representation of the terrain.
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You need a topographical survey to accurately understand the layout of your land, identify potential challenges, and plan construction or development projects effectively.
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The duration of a topographic survey depends on the site size and complexity and can range from a few hours to several months for fieldwork, followed by data processing.
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The cost of a topographic survey varies based on the size, location, and complexity of the site, but prices generally range from a few hundred to many thousands of pounds.
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Topographic surveys are conducted using advanced equipment like Total Stations, GPS, laser scanners, and drones to measure and record the site’s features accurately.
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A topographic survey is read by interpreting contour lines, symbols, and measurements on a map, which indicate elevations, structures, and natural features. A legend provides an explanation of symbols and line types, whilst CAD layering also provides descriptions of the features.
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Topographic surveys are highly accurate, and can be within a few mm, depending on the project requirements, equipment used and site conditions.
Trusted by
Our services are utilised by local authorities such as Cornwall and Devon County Councils as well as Plymouth and Exeter City Councils. Architects and Consulting Engineers such as Aecom, Arcadis, AWP, Bailey Partnership, Kendal Kingscott, Stride Treglown and Ward Williams are just a few of the consultants that rely upon our surveys. Contractors from Tier 1 such as Balfour Beatty, BAM, Costain, Kier and Tilbury Douglas through the supply chain to specialist sub-contractors such as MJL, Tecker, WBM all benefit from our personal and professional service. Facility and estate managers at locations such as Cornwall College Group, Eden Project Plymouth and Exeter Universities all have long standing relationships with us. Almost all of the main hospitals in the SW, Treliske, Derriford, Royal Devon & Exeter, Torbay have employed our surveys to facilitate their ongoing development and maintenance. Organisations that are responsible for the nations infrastructure; Environment Agency Highways England, National Grid and South West Water are regular clients that have surveys tailored to meet their requirements.
