To plan the layout of a city block, subdivision, or infill project, you need to know what is already there. As urban growth and infrastructure become more complex, planners and developers need to remain aware of the land and boundaries where they plan to build. Land surveys are the foundation of every successful urban planning project.
At Meridian Surveys, we want to emphasize that land surveys for urban planning provide more than a layout of boundaries. We deliver topographic data, which informs drainage flow and indicates safe build zones. In this post, we’ll explore how land surveys for urban planning ensure smart and sustainable development from start to finish.
What Is A Land Survey For Urban Planning?
A land survey specifically for urban development collects accurate geographic and legal information about a property or site. Land surveying is important to support legal, safe and efficient developments in urban spaces. Typically, we use the following types of surveys for planning:
Legal Cadastral Survey: Confirms legal lot lines, boundaries and easements
Topographic Survey: Maps the surface features and elevations
UAV Drone Survey: fly over large areas for high-resolution imaging
Utility Line-Locating: locates buried utility infrastructure
During this stage of planning, nothing can move forward without accurate legal and current data in the form of a certified survey. Surveyors use zoning bylaws, title documents and municipal standards to help inform decisions on developments.
How UAV and Topographic Surveys Support Planning?
Legal surveys and utility surveys are significant for understanding placements for your construction projects. UAV and topographic surveys focus on mapping the terrain to inform proper drainage and prevent future problems.
UAV Drone Surveys
UAV mapping is one of the fastest, safest ways to gather detailed site data, especially on large projects. UAVs fly over your site to capture high-resolution aerial images and accurate geographical data without the need for boots on the ground in all places. Using a UAV reduces field time, increases safety, and makes it possible to survey large or hard to access areas faster.
Topographic Surveys
The data collected from a topographic survey informs precise planning from the start. Using LiDAR UAV sensors and conventional surveying, surveyors record elevation points to create a digital map of the terrain. The map shows slopes, grades and drainage patterns for a site. Topography surveys are integral for proper design planning.
Urban Planning Needs
Unlike many rural builds, urban projects need to account for existing structures, set backs from lot lines, and underground utilities squeezed into a dense area. Land surveys for urban planning don’t just confirm boundaries; they reveal conflicts and constraints that can affect your whole design. An accurate survey helps your team catch problems before they turn into construction delays.
The Benefits Of Land Surveys For Planning
Surveys benefit urban planning at every stage. Before construction, they assess the project’s feasibility by identifying boundaries and encroachments. A land survey helps evaluate zoning compliance and the layout. With this information, engineers and architects use the survey data to draft layout plans and footprints.
During construction, surveyors mark out the utilities, roads, and locations based on approved plans. Using the UAVs, they can track progress and changes in real time and ensure they match the design.
After construction, the final surveys will reconfirm that the construction is up to standard and submit as-builts for city records. This step is essential for approvals and reduces future property disputes.
A reliable and competent land surveyor will assist in your project running smoothly. When you work with Meridian Surveys for your urban planning land surveys, you can expect these benefits:
- Avoid costly delays
- Have local knowledge and insights
- Protect your investment
- Build with confidence
- Support smart and sustainable designs
Land surveys are essential to the design, permits, construction, and maintenance of urban spaces. Planning urban developments isn’t easy, but clear survey data can give you peace of mind and the confidence to move forward.
If you’re planning a subdivision or infill in an urban area, start with all the right facts. Meridian Surveys offers full-service UAV and land surveys for urban planning projects across all of Western Canada. Book a quote or call us to get your project started.