Full 18-Hole Golf Course Topographical Survey Completed in South London
- Landtech Surveys
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
At Landtech Surveys, we recently completed a comprehensive topographical survey of a full 18-hole golf course in South London, supporting an upcoming drainage redesign project aimed at addressing persistent winter waterlogging.
Project Overview
The client required a highly detailed and accurate survey of:
All 18 holes, including tees, fairways, greens, and bunkers
Surrounding rough and out-of-play areas
Existing ponds and ditches
The clubhouse and immediate grounds
The greenkeepers’ shed area
The main car park and access routes
Due to ongoing drainage issues during the winter months, precise elevation data and surface modelling were critical to inform the new design strategy.
Survey Methodology
To ensure efficiency and accuracy across the extensive site, we deployed a combination of advanced survey technologies:
RTK Drone Surveying
Using an RTK-enabled UAS, we captured high-resolution aerial imagery across the entire course. The RTK capability allowed us to achieve survey-grade positional accuracy which significantly improved productivity while maintaining precision.
The aerial data provided:
High-density point cloud data
Detailed digital terrain models (DTMs)
Orthomosaic imagery
Accurate contour mapping
This approach was particularly effective across large open fairways and undulating terrain.
GNSS & Remote Total Station
To complement the aerial data and ensure full coverage in areas with tree cover and around built structures, we utilised:
A GNSS receiver for open-sky control and feature pickup
A remote robotic total station for detailed ground features, breaklines, and areas where satellite visibility was restricted
Laser Scanner
To add further detail we carried out a laser scan around the club house and green keepers' sheds to be sure that every detail needed was captured.
This hybrid methodology ensured that critical surface changes, drainage runs, paths, and structural features were captured with millimetre-level precision.
Overcoming Winter Survey Conditions
The survey was carried out in January, and as expected, weather conditions were variable throughout the three-day site programme. Wet ground conditions reinforced exactly why the drainage redesign is necessary.
Despite the challenges posed by:
Soft ground
Intermittent rain
Low winter light conditions
Our team maintained a structured workflow to keep data quality consistent and avoid delays. Careful planning around flight windows and ground operations ensured safe and efficient progress across the full 18-hole layout.
Deliverables & Turnaround
The onsite survey works were completed in just over three days.
Following data processing and QA checks, we delivered:
Fully detailed CAD topographical drawings
Georeferenced orthomosaic imagery
All data aligned to ordnance survey national grid
All deliverables were issued the following week, allowing the design team to move straight into the drainage redesign phase without delay.
Supporting Smarter Drainage Design
Golf courses are particularly sensitive to subtle changes in levels. Even minor variations in gradient can significantly affect water flow and surface usability, especially during the winter months.
By combining drone-based photogrammetry with traditional ground surveying techniques, we were able to provide a complete and highly accurate representation of the site. This level of detail will enable the drainage designers to:
Identify low-lying problem areas
Model water flow paths
Design effective outfall routes
Improve year-round playability
Why Integrated Survey Solutions Matter
Large-scale environments such as golf courses demand a flexible and integrated approach. Relying on a single method alone would either increase time onsite or reduce data coverage.
Our combined use of RTK drone technology, GNSS, robotic total station and laser scanning ensured:
Maximum efficiency
High positional accuracy
Minimal disruption to the course
Rapid turnaround of deliverables
If you’re planning infrastructure improvements, drainage upgrades, or redevelopment works on large open sites, Landtech Surveys can provide the detailed, reliable data you need to move forward with confidence.
Contact our team today to discuss your next project.
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