Topographical Road Survey Near Belper, Derbyshire for Road Visibility Splays
- Landtech Surveys
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
If you're planning a new development, having accurate survey data from the outset is essential. Recently, we completed a topographical land survey of approximately 400 metres of highway on the outskirts of Belper, Derbyshire, to support the design of highway visibility splays for a private client.
The survey formed part of the client's planning process, providing their design team with the detailed information needed to assess visibility requirements and prepare their proposals with confidence.
Topographical Survey of a 400-Metre long stretch of Derbyshire Road
The project involved surveying around 400 metres of a national speed limit road, together with the surrounding features that could influence the visibility assessment.
Our survey captured:
Road edges and kerb lines
Footpaths and verges
Gullies and drainage features
Utility covers and surface features
Boundary fences and walls
Trees, hedges and vegetation
Changes in ground levels
Existing highway furniture
Collecting this level of detail ensures engineers and designers have an accurate representation of the existing site conditions before progressing with the planning application.
Using Drone Survey Technology Alongside GNSS
To complete the survey efficiently, we combined two complementary surveying techniques.
A DJI Matrice RTK drone was used to rapidly capture aerial imagery of the site, producing a high-resolution orthophoto and providing an excellent overview of the surrounding area.
To ensure the survey achieved the accuracy required for engineering design, we established Ground Control Points (GCPs) using a Trimble GNSS receiver. These control points provide the positional accuracy needed to accurately reference the aerial survey data.
Combining drone technology with GNSS surveying allows us to collect comprehensive site information quickly while maintaining the high levels of accuracy expected for professional topographical surveys.
Surveying Safely on Derbyshire's Roads
Although the client had previously commissioned a traffic survey which showed average vehicle speeds of around 45 mph, the road remains subject to the National Speed Limit.
Safety was therefore a key consideration throughout the project.
Our survey team wore full PPE at all times and deployed "Men at Work" warning signs before commencing work. Careful planning allowed us to collect the required survey information while minimising the amount of time spent working close to live traffic.
Safety is always our first priority, regardless of the apparent traffic conditions.
Deliverables
Following completion of the fieldwork, we supplied the client with:
A detailed topographical survey drawing in DWG format
A PDF version of the completed drawing
A georeferenced orthophoto generated from the drone survey
These deliverables provide a solid foundation for highway engineers, architects and planning consultants to progress the design work.
Why Use a Drone for Topographical Surveys?
Drone surveying has become an invaluable tool for many surveying projects.
Some of the key advantages include:
Faster site data collection
Reduced time spent working near live traffic
High-resolution aerial imagery
Accurate orthophotos
Comprehensive coverage of larger sites
Excellent visual record of existing conditions
When combined with accurately surveyed GNSS control points, drone surveys provide an efficient solution without compromising on accuracy.
Land Surveyors Covering Derbyshire and Beyond
Although this project was completed near Belper, we regularly undertake topographical surveys, measured building surveys and drone surveys throughout Derbyshire, including Derby, Chesterfield, Matlock, Ripley, Ashbourne and the surrounding areas.
We also work nationwide, supporting engineers, architects, developers and private clients with accurate, reliable survey information.
Need a Land Survey in Derbyshire?
Whether you're planning a residential development, highway improvements or require an accurate topographical survey, LandTech Surveys can help.
We combine modern GNSS equipment, RTK drone technology and experienced surveyors to deliver accurate survey data that helps projects move forward with confidence.
If you're looking for an experienced Land Surveyor in Derbyshire or anywhere across the UK, get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quotation.
Why Choose Landtech Surveys?
At Landtech Surveys we believe professional surveying should combine accuracy, efficiency and value.
Using modern land surveying 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 Derbyshire, Topographical Survey in Derbyshire or a Topographical Survey in Derby, we'd be happy to discuss your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was a topographical survey needed for this project?
A detailed topographical survey was required to support the design of highway visibility splays as part of a proposed development near Belper, Derbyshire. Accurate survey data enables engineers and planning consultants to assess existing site conditions, road levels, boundaries, drainage features and other elements that could influence the planning application.
We combined a DJI Matrice RTK drone with a Trimble GNSS receiver to achieve the best balance of efficiency and accuracy. The drone quickly captured high-resolution aerial imagery and an orthophoto of the site, while the Trimble GNSS receiver was used to establish Ground Control Points (GCPs), ensuring the survey data was accurately positioned for engineering and design purposes.
3. Is it safe to carry out land surveys on busy roads?
Yes. Safety is always our highest priority. For this survey, we were working on a national speed limit road near Belper. Our surveyors wore full personal protective equipment (PPE), installed "Men at Work" warning signs and carefully planned the survey to minimise the time spent working near live traffic while maintaining a safe working environment.
4. What information was included in the survey?
The survey captured all the key features required for the project, including road edges, kerbs, footpaths, drainage gullies, utility covers, boundaries, trees, hedges, highway furniture and changes in ground levels. The client received a detailed CAD drawing in DWG format, a PDF version for easy viewing, and a high-resolution orthophoto generated from the drone survey.
5. Do you only carry out land surveys in Derbyshire?
Although this project was completed on the outskirts of Belper, we provide land surveying services across Derbyshire, including Derby, Chesterfield, Matlock and the surrounding areas. We also undertake projects nationwide, delivering topographical surveys, measured building surveys, drone surveys and engineering surveys for private clients, developers, architects and civil engineers.
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