Recently Completed Land Surveys in Leicestershire Using Laser Scanning

Topographical Survey in Leicestershire being captured by Laser Scanning Technology

Over the past few days, we've completed two residential land surveys in Coalville, Leicestershire, providing architects with the accurate site information they need to progress their designs.

Although both properties were typical residential plots, they demonstrated why a professional topographical survey is such an important first step before any design work begins. Existing features, changes in level, boundaries, buildings and garden features all need to be recorded accurately to ensure proposed designs fit the site as intended.

For both projects we combined high-accuracy laser scanning and GNSS technology to capture the properties quickly and efficiently before producing detailed 3D CAD drawings and PDF survey plans for the client's architect.

Whether you're planning a home extension, replacement dwelling or redevelopment project, investing in an accurate Land Survey in Leicestershire can save considerable time later in the design process.

Why These Surveys Were Required

The architect required accurate existing site information before preparing design proposals for the homeowners.

Many residential properties have no reliable survey information available. Architects are often forced to work from outdated drawings or Ordnance Survey mapping, neither of which provides the level of detail needed for accurate design work.

A professional topographical survey records the site exactly as it exists on the day of survey, including:

• Building footprints

• Ground levels

• Boundary features

• Walls and fences

• Trees and vegetation

• Driveways and hardstanding

• Inspection covers

• Utility features visible at surface level

• Changes in level across the site

Having this information from the outset allows the design team to work with confidence and significantly reduces the likelihood of errors later in the project.

Using Laser Scanning to Capture Every Detail

For both surveys we used high-accuracy laser scanning alongside GNSS positioning technology.

Rather than recording individual points one at a time, the laser scanner captures millions of measurements from multiple locations around the property. These measurements create a detailed three-dimensional point cloud which provides a complete digital record of the site.

Even on relatively straightforward residential properties, laser scanning offers significant advantages.

Mature gardens, changes in ground level, boundary walls, planting beds and building elevations can all be captured simultaneously. This reduces the risk of missing important features while also reducing the amount of time spent on site.

The point cloud also provides a permanent record that can be revisited during processing if additional information is required, meaning there is often no need for repeat site visits.

As the images below demonstrate, the density of information collected allows every visible feature to be accurately modelled within the survey drawings.

Laser scan point cloud captured during the Coalville survey.

Accurate Positioning with GNSS

Alongside the laser scanner, GNSS technology was used to establish accurate survey control.

By combining terrestrial laser scanning with GNSS observations, the survey data can be referenced accurately, providing a robust framework for producing precise CAD drawings.

This combination of technologies has become the preferred approach for many residential surveys, allowing us to work efficiently while maintaining the high level of accuracy architects expect.

Typical Residential Surveys Still Require Careful Attention

At first glance, these two properties appeared fairly straightforward.

Both were standard residential plots with detached dwellings, driveways and established gardens.

However, as with many homes across Leicestershire, mature planting and landscaping meant careful planning was required to ensure all important features were captured.

Laser scanning proved particularly useful around shrubs, boundary fencing and changes in level, where conventional surveying methods can become more time-consuming.

Multiple scan positions ensured the site was captured from every angle, eliminating hidden areas and providing complete coverage of each property.

Point cloud showing the level of detail captured during the survey.

From Field Survey to CAD Drawing

Once the fieldwork had been completed, the survey data was processed back in the office.

The laser scans were registered together before being combined with the GNSS control to create a single accurate survey dataset.

From this information we produced:

• A detailed 3D CAD topographical survey

• PDF survey drawings for the architect

• Survey information suitable for future design work

This workflow provides architects with accurate existing site information while retaining the point cloud should additional detail ever be required.

Why Accuracy Matters

It can be tempting to assume that a residential extension or redevelopment only requires approximate dimensions.

In reality, even small inaccuracies can create problems later.

Boundary positions, finished floor levels, retaining walls, drainage covers and existing structures all influence the final design.

An accurate topographical survey allows architects to design with confidence, helping avoid unexpected issues once work reaches planning or construction.

For homeowners, this often means fewer delays and fewer costly design revisions.

Providing Land Surveys Across Leicestershire

Although these recent surveys were completed in Coalville, Landtech Surveys regularly undertakes projects throughout Leicester, Loughborough, Hinckley, Melton Mowbray, Ashby-de-la-Zouch and across the wider East Midlands.

We also work nationwide, providing survey services for architects, developers, engineers and private homeowners.

Every project is approached in exactly the same way, regardless of size.

By combining modern surveying technology with careful fieldwork and thorough processing, we provide accurate survey information that can be relied upon throughout the design and construction process.

Why Choose Landtech Surveys?

At Landtech Surveys we believe professional surveying should combine accuracy, efficiency and value.

Using modern laser scanning and GNSS equipment allows us to collect detailed survey information quickly while maintaining the high standards required for architectural and engineering projects.

Whether we're surveying a single residential property or a much larger development site, our aim is always the same: to provide accurate surveys at affordable prices.

If you're looking for a Land Survey in Leicestershire, Topographical Survey in Leicestershire or a Topographical Survey in Leicester, we'd be happy to discuss your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a topographical survey?

A topographical survey records the natural and man-made features of a site, including buildings, boundaries, trees, levels, drainage features and other visible objects. Architects use this information as the basis for planning and design.

Do I need a topographical survey for a house extension?

In most cases, yes. An accurate survey allows your architect to design around the existing property and site features, helping avoid problems during planning and construction.

How long does a residential survey take?

Most residential surveys can be completed in a single visit, although processing the survey data into accurate CAD drawings generally takes considerably longer than the fieldwork itself.

What areas do you cover?

Landtech Surveys carries out land surveys throughout Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, the East Midlands and across the UK.

How accurate is a laser scanning survey?

Modern terrestrial laser scanners can achieve millimetre-level accuracy, making them one of the most reliable methods for capturing existing land & building information.