Land Surveyor Chesterfield: Combining Laser Scanning, GNSS and RTK Drone Technology for a Planning Survey.
- Landtech Surveys
- 23 hours ago
- 6 min read
When architects begin designing a proposed development, everything starts with accurate survey information. Without a reliable topographical survey, design decisions are often based on assumptions rather than precise measurements.
At Landtech Surveys, we recently completed a detailed topographical land survey in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, combining laser scanning, GNSS surveying and RTK drone mapping to capture every aspect of a private property, its gardens and an adjoining field.
The survey covered just over 7,000 square metres and was commissioned to support an architect preparing design proposals for a potential future development. By using three complementary surveying technologies, we were able to complete the fieldwork in a single day while providing a comprehensive dataset for the design team.
If you're looking for an experienced Land Surveyor in Chesterfield, this project demonstrates how modern surveying technology can deliver accurate results quickly and efficiently.
Supporting a Planning and Design Project
The property sits on the edge of a field with the potential for future development. Before any design work could begin, the architect required a detailed topographical survey showing not only the existing property but also the surrounding land and neighbouring features that could influence the design.
The finished survey provides an accurate representation of the site's existing conditions, allowing architects and planning consultants to develop proposals with confidence.
Why We Used Three Different Survey Technologies
No single piece of equipment is ideal for every situation. One of the advantages of modern land surveying is being able to select the right technology for each part of the site.
For this project, we combined the strengths of three different survey methods to produce a highly accurate and comprehensive survey.
Trimble X7 Laser Scanner
The Trimble X7 laser scanner was used throughout the property, gardens and adjoining field.
Unlike a traditional survey, where individual points are selected and measured, laser scanning captures millions of measurements in every direction, creating a highly detailed three-dimensional record of the site.
One of the biggest advantages of this approach is that the data can be revisited back in the office. If the architect later requires additional measurements from an area that was scanned, these can often be extracted directly from the point cloud without needing another site visit. This saves valuable time and provides greater confidence that nothing has been overlooked.
DJI Matrice RTK Drone
The DJI Matrice RTK drone complemented the laser scanning by capturing the entire survey area from above.
The aerial imagery provided valuable context beyond the site itself, including surrounding land, neighbouring properties and roof heights. This wider perspective is particularly useful during the early planning stages, where understanding how a development fits within its surroundings is just as important as accurately measuring the site.
The drone survey also produced a high-resolution orthophoto, giving the client and architect a detailed aerial image that could be referenced alongside the CAD drawings.
Using photogrammetry software, we were able to determine levels around neighbouring properties without requiring access to every garden, providing additional information while keeping disruption to neighbouring residents to a minimum.
Trimble R12 GNSS Receiver
Our Trimble R12 GNSS receiver played a vital role in bringing the entire survey together.
The GNSS equipment was used to establish accurate survey control and georeference both the laser scan and drone datasets. It was also used to survey features that were more difficult for the drone or scanner to capture, such as areas hidden behind sheds, sections of longer grass and locations where direct line of sight was restricted.
By combining all three datasets, we produced a seamless and highly accurate topographical survey.
Capturing Every Feature That Matters
The completed survey included all of the information required by the architect for the design stage, including:
Existing buildings
Ridge and eaves heights
Trees and hedgerows
Boundary walls and fences
Roads and kerb lines
Driveways and footpaths
Hardstanding and soft landscaping
Manholes, gullies and inspection covers
Spot levels and contours
Ground features across the property and adjoining field
Recording this level of detail ensures the design team has an accurate understanding of the existing site before progressing with planning proposals.
Efficient Surveying Without Compromising Accuracy
Although the site itself was relatively straightforward, there were still areas where different survey methods offered clear advantages.
Some of the grass within the adjoining field had become slightly overgrown, making it less suitable for extracting accurate ground levels from aerial imagery alone. These areas were surveyed using GNSS equipment to ensure the final terrain model remained reliable.
Similarly, neighbouring ground levels that would have been difficult to measure using traditional surveying methods were efficiently captured using the drone and processed through photogrammetry software.
By allowing each technology to do what it does best, we achieved a more complete and accurate survey than would have been possible using a single surveying method alone.
Delivering Results Quickly
The entire field survey was completed in just one day.
After processing and carrying out quality checks, the client received:
A detailed topographical survey in DWG format
A PDF drawing for easy viewing and sharing
A downloadable high-resolution orthophoto
Providing accurate survey information within a few days helps architects maintain project momentum and begin developing design proposals without unnecessary delays.
Why Modern Survey Technology Makes a Difference
Many people assume that all land surveys are carried out in the same way. In reality, modern surveying technology allows us to work faster, capture significantly more information and provide greater confidence in the finished data.
By combining laser scanning, GNSS surveying and RTK drone mapping, we can:
Capture millions of accurate survey points.
Reduce the likelihood of return site visits.
Produce detailed orthophotos for planning and design.
Accurately measure neighbouring ground levels and roof heights.
Deliver comprehensive topographical surveys efficiently.
Provide architects and engineers with reliable data from the outset.
Choosing the right combination of technology ultimately saves both time and money while improving the quality of the final survey.
Land Surveyors Covering Chesterfield and Derbyshire
Although this project was completed in Chesterfield, Landtech Surveys provides professional land surveying services throughout Derbyshire, including Derby, Belper, Matlock, Bakewell, Ripley, Ashbourne and the surrounding areas.
We also undertake projects nationwide for architects, developers, engineers, planning consultants, local authorities and private landowners.
Whether you require a small residential survey or a large-scale development survey, we use the latest surveying technology to provide accurate information tailored to your project.
Looking for a Land Surveyor in Chesterfield?
If you're planning a new development, extending an existing property or simply need an accurate topographical survey, we'd be delighted to help.
Using the Trimble X7 laser scanner, Trimble R12 GNSS receiver and DJI Matrice RTK drone, we provide fast, accurate and reliable survey data that gives architects, engineers and developers the confidence to move projects forward.
To discuss your project or request a free, no-obligation quotation, visit www.landtechsurveys.co.uk or contact our friendly team today.
FAQs
1. Why was laser scanning used for this survey?The Trimble X7 laser scanner captured millions of measurements across the property, garden and adjoining field. This creates a highly detailed point cloud that can be revisited later if additional measurements are required, reducing the likelihood of return site visits.
2. Why combine a laser scanner, drone and GNSS receiver?Each technology has its strengths. The laser scanner captures detailed ground and building information, the RTK drone records the wider site and neighbouring context, while the Trimble R12 GNSS receiver establishes accurate survey control and measures areas that are difficult for the other technologies to access.
3. What information was included in the topographical survey?The survey included buildings, ridge and eaves heights, trees, hedgerows, fences, walls, roads, paths, driveways, contours, spot levels, manholes, gullies, inspection covers, hardstanding and soft landscaping.
4. How long did the survey take?The fieldwork was completed in a single day, with the processed DWG drawing, PDF and downloadable orthophoto delivered to the client within a few days.
5. Do you only provide land surveys in Chesterfield?No. While this project was completed in Chesterfield, we undertake topographical surveys, laser scanning, drone surveys and measured surveys throughout Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and across the UK.
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