Despite being a profession that has been around for millennia, land surveying is just as fundamental to our society today as it was back then. 

The latest surveying technology is leading the industry in an exciting direction that offers innovative new techniques that increase productivity and accuracy, and potentially decrease time and cost.  

With ongoing land development (and a decreasing amount of land to work with!), combining centuries of surveying wisdom with this new technology will play a pivotal role in the growth of our country’s landscape. 

That said, no amount of technology is going to compensate for lack of knowledge and expertise. Understanding the land surveyor’s role and what to look for when choosing a surveyor for your project is a vitally important starting point. 

 

What is land surveying, and why is it important? 

In a nutshell, land surveying is the science of measuring the earth. Everything around us is three dimensional, and we need to know how and where things fit. When land is developed, we need to fit our structures and roads into the environment around us and ensure we comply with the law and council regulations.  

Using measurements, land surveyors lay out exactly where these elements go, fitting them optimally into a specific area. 

We also need to know where our legal boundaries are, and surveyors define these boundaries.  

 

When do you need a land surveyor?  

Wherever land development occurs, typically, a surveyor needs to be involved. 

Every development is built from a plan, and surveyors help create those plans according to the measurements of the land and what needs to be built. Developers or landowners need to know where their boundaries lie and where and how things can be placed within those boundaries. Land surveyors are fundamental to this process from the very early stages of a project. 

 

What should you look for when choosing a land surveyor for your development? 

The most important points to consider when choosing a surveyor for your project are: 

  • their level of qualification and understanding of Good Survey Practice; 
  • their experience, and the expertise of their wider team; and 
  • their techniques and willingness to embrace technology. 

It pays to make sure that the job is being done by an experienced, qualified professional. Ideally, that person is part of a team that offers a full range of expertise on the entire land development process or communicates extremely well with other stakeholders. This ensures that the surveyor’s work isn’t done in a vacuum, without the understanding of the project’s full scope. 

For example, an inexperienced or unqualified surveyor without the understanding of Good Survey Practice can set out a building of the right size and shape only to find it’s in the wrong place. With the tight tolerances of today’s subdivisions, even 50mm can cause costly delays and rework.   

 

Has technology removed the need for qualified surveyors? 

Technology plays a crucial role in ensuring that accurate data is collected and processed efficiently, supporting the work of the land surveyor. However, technology will never replace the training and knowledge of the qualified survey professional.  

Professional surveyors have completed a Bachelor of Surveying degree, which includes training in land development, land tenure, civil design, resource consents, and accurate measurement.  

They are also trained in Good Survey Practice, an industry code that outlines the techniques of surveying, helps eliminate errors and ensures the work is fit for purpose, so it is always advised to use a professional surveyor, or a survey technician whose work is overseen by a qualified surveyor.  

 

Embracing new technology 

Choosing a land surveyor who embraces technology isn’t just about having access to the latest ‘toys’.  

At CivilPlan, we use our expert knowledge in measurement and technology to offer our clients better quality information and increased accuracy – often much faster (and therefore more cost effective) than using traditional methods alone. 

We have invested in GPS technology for positioning and data collection, Robotic Total Stations for extreme precision, drones to collect aerial data and imagery, and advanced software to analyse and process the survey data. 

While many companies have shied away from the unfamiliar, we know the importance of embracing positive change, even if that means letting the younger generations ‘have a go’, and teach the more experienced surveyors a thing or two!  

In the hands of our qualified and professional surveyors, this technology enhances our expertise and ability to create quality neighbourhoods and communities. 

 

Partnering with CivilPlan’s Land Surveyors  

As our society continues to grow and reshape the landscape, the role of the professional land surveyor becomes increasingly crucial. They ensure that our world is measured, planned, and developed with precision and care, safeguarding the integrity of our physical spaces.  

Choosing the right surveyor, is a step towards not just a successful project but towards contributing positively to our communities and our country’s landscape. 

CivilPlan, with our commitment to embracing technology and using our decades of experience and knowledge, have a proven track record of contributing to the success of projects across Auckland. 

Need land surveying on an upcoming project? Get in touch with our team for specialist advice.  

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