Land Surveyor Derbyshire: 5.5-Acre Topographical Survey in Ashbourne
- Landtech Surveys
- 10 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Topographical Land Survey for Planning in Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Landtech Surveys recently completed a topographical land survey of approximately 5.5 acres of grazing land near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, for a private landowner preparing plans for a new agricultural building.
The client had initially contacted us after being advised by the local planning authority that a topographical survey was required before his planning application could proceed. Having never commissioned a topographical survey before, he was unsure exactly what was involved or what information would be required.
This is something we regularly encounter. For many landowners, homeowners and developers, being told that a topographical survey is required is the first time they have come across the term. Our role is not simply to collect survey data, but to understand what the client needs and produce the appropriate information in a format that can be used by their architect, planning consultant or local authority.
A 5.5-Acre Agricultural Site
The survey covered approximately 5.5 acres of predominantly open grazing land. The site was relatively open, although the ground was undulating and included a number of sloping areas.
The land is currently used for grazing, with the owner keeping sheep and emus on the site. The proposed development involved a new agricultural building/barn, with the topographical survey forming part of the information required for the planning process.
The survey included the collection of:
Ground levels across the site
Field boundaries, fences and hedges
Trees
Banks and changes in ground level
Ditches and drainage features
Access tracks
Overhead cables
Electricity poles
The highway kerb line
Pavement and road detail
Other features relevant to the proposed development
Capturing this information provides the designer and planning team with an accurate picture of the existing site and its relationship with the surrounding highway and land.
Combining DJI RTK Drone Mapping with Trimble GNSS
For a site of this size, using a combination of drone mapping and GNSS surveying allowed us to collect a large amount of information efficiently while still capturing the detailed ground information required for the planning survey.
Landtech Surveys used a DJI Matrice 4E RTK drone to capture aerial imagery and survey data across the site. An orthophoto was also produced, providing a useful aerial representation of the existing land and surrounding features.
Ground control and check points were established using our Trimble R12 GNSS receiver. The GNSS was also used to survey areas where additional ground-level detail was required, including sections of the highway kerb line and specific fence positions.
The combination of the two technologies is particularly useful on larger open sites. The drone can efficiently capture extensive areas and provide detailed surface information, while GNSS surveying can be used to establish accurate control and collect specific features that require direct ground measurement.
All survey information was referenced to Ordnance Survey National Grid and Ordnance Datum, providing the client and their design team with a properly coordinated survey suitable for use within the planning process.
Four Hours on Site
One of the main advantages of combining modern drone surveying with high-precision GNSS equipment is the efficiency it provides.
The complete site survey was carried out in approximately four hours on site.
Rather than spending an extended period manually collecting levels across 5.5 acres, the DJI Matrice 4E was able to efficiently capture the wider site while the Trimble R12 was used for survey control and the areas where more detailed ground information was required.
Following the site visit, the survey drawing was completed within approximately two days.
The final survey was supplied to the client in both DWG and PDF formats, giving them the information required to progress their planning application and allowing the data to be incorporated into their design drawings.
The client was particularly pleased with the turnaround, having initially been unsure what was involved in obtaining a topographical survey.
Even the Emus Took an Interest!
There was one unexpected challenge during the survey.
During the main automated drone flight, the emus appeared largely uninterested in what was happening above them. However, when additional aerial imagery was required at a much lower altitude to capture more detail around some of the trees, the birds suddenly took notice.
The emus gathered underneath the drone and watched it closely as it flew only a few metres above the ground.
This meant taking extra care when operating the drone at low level. As with any drone survey, the safety of people, animals and the surrounding environment has to remain a priority, so the flight was adjusted to avoid unnecessarily disturbing the birds.
It was certainly a slightly different experience from the usual surveying challenges!
Why Use a Professional Land Surveyor for Planning?
A topographical survey provides an accurate representation of the existing site before design or construction work begins.
For a planning application, the information can be used by architects and designers to understand the existing ground levels, boundaries, access, drainage, vegetation and surrounding features. It can also help establish how a proposed building or development will relate to the existing ground.
The important point is that not every topographical survey is the same.
The information required will depend on the site, the proposed development and what the planning authority or design team needs. At Landtech Surveys, we discuss the project with the client before attending site so that we can establish what information is likely to be required.
In this Ashbourne project, the client initially knew only that he had been told he needed a topographical survey. We were able to explain what the survey involved, establish the appropriate survey requirements and produce the completed drawing for him to use as part of his planning application.
Land Surveyor Derbyshire
Landtech Surveys provides professional land surveying and topographical survey services throughout Derbyshire and the East Midlands.
Based in Derbyshire, we regularly undertake surveys for private landowners, farmers, architects, developers, planning consultants and construction professionals.
Our survey work combines traditional surveying techniques with modern technology, including:
Trimble R12 GNSS surveying
DJI RTK drone mapping
High-precision topographical surveying
Orthophoto production
CAD drawing production
Land and site surveys
Setting out
Volume and earthwork calculations
For larger areas of open land, the combination of RTK drone mapping and ground-based GNSS surveying can provide an efficient way of collecting comprehensive survey information while maintaining the accuracy and control required for professional surveying.
Whether you already know exactly what survey you need or have simply been told by your architect or planning authority that a survey is required, we can discuss the project with you and advise on the most appropriate approach.
Need a Land Surveyor in Derbyshire?
If you need a land surveyor in Derbyshire for a planning application, development project or agricultural site, Landtech Surveys can provide a professional survey tailored to the requirements of your project.
From smaller residential sites to large areas of agricultural or development land, we can combine GNSS surveying, RTK drone mapping and CAD production to provide accurate, properly coordinated survey information.
If you have been asked to provide a topographical or land survey and aren't sure exactly what you need, get in touch with Landtech Surveys to discuss your project.
Landtech Surveys covers Ashbourne, Derby, Belper, Chesterfield, Nottingham and throughout Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands, as well as undertaking surveying projects across the UK.
FAQs
1. What is a topographical survey?
A topographical survey records the existing features and levels across a site. This can include ground levels, boundaries, buildings, trees, hedges, fences, drainage, roads, kerbs, utility poles and other features relevant to a proposed development. The resulting survey drawing can then be used by architects, planning consultants and engineers when preparing designs and planning applications.
2. Do I need a topographical survey for a planning application?
This depends on the requirements of your proposed development and the local planning authority. A topographical survey is often required where accurate information about existing ground levels, boundaries, access and surrounding features is needed. If your architect or planning authority has told you that you need a topographical survey, Landtech Surveys can discuss the project with you and help establish what information should be included.
3. How long does a land survey take?
The time required depends on the size and complexity of the site. For the 5.5-acre Ashbourne survey featured in this case study, the field survey was completed in approximately four hours using a combination of a DJI Matrice 4E RTK drone and Trimble R12 GNSS receiver. The completed DWG and PDF drawings were supplied within approximately two days of the site visit.
4. Can a drone be used for a topographical land survey?
Yes. RTK drones can be particularly effective for surveying larger areas of open land. The drone can rapidly capture aerial imagery and surface data across the site, while ground-based GNSS surveying can be used to establish survey control and capture features requiring additional detail. At Landtech Surveys, we combine both methods where appropriate to provide an efficient and comprehensive survey.
5. Do you provide land surveys in Ashbourne and throughout Derbyshire?
Yes. Landtech Surveys is based in Derbyshire and provides professional land surveying and topographical survey services throughout Ashbourne, Derby, Belper, Chesterfield, Nottingham and the wider Derbyshire and East Midlands area. We also undertake surveying projects throughout the UK.
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