A topographical survey is an essential step before beginning any construction project. It provides property owners in Portland, Northwestern Oregon, and Southwestern Washington with detailed information about the natural elevations and features of their land. Our team of experienced surveyors utilizes specialized tools to accurately establish the elevations, enabling us to provide a comprehensive survey report that can be used for legal and practical purposes.

Reasons to get a topographical survey

Property Development

Topographical surveys play a crucial role in various aspects of property development. It aids the design and planning process by providing  data of elevations, contours, and physical features. With this survey, site plans can be created by engineers and architects.

Site Planning and Design

Engineers and architects rely on the data of elevations, contours, and physical features to create accurate site plans, guiding the design and planning process. This information is particularly important when determining the optimal locations for buildings, parking lots, landscaping, and other site amenities.

Landscaping and Outdoor Design

Topographical survey data is invaluable for landscaping and outdoor design projects. Homeowners and property owners can use this information to select and place plants, hardscape features, outdoor living areas, and other landscape elements.

Floodplain Analysis

These surveys are vital for floodplain analysis. By providing elevation data, we can identify flood-prone areas and assess flood hazards, which is crucial for obtaining flood insurance, complying with regulatory requirements, and managing floodplains effectively.

Drainage and Grading

Drainage and grading are also areas where topographical surveys are indispensable. By providing detailed information on slopes, contours, and existing drainage features, our engineers can design appropriate grading plans and drainage systems. This ensures that construction projects prevent flooding, erosion, and other water-related issues.

Excavation

Topographical surveys are essential for excavation projects. By knowing the existing levels and volumes of the land, we can accurately calculate cut and fill operations, facilitating balanced earthwork and proper site preparation.

Environmental Assessments

These surveys assist in environmental assessments, as they help identify wetlands, water bodies, and other sensitive environmental features. This ensures that development projects adhere to environmental regulations and minimize ecological disturbances.

Infrastructure Projects

The survey data is instrumental in infrastructure projects such as roadways, bridges, utilities, and pipelines. It guides the construction process and ensures that these projects are implemented accurately and efficiently.

What is a topographical survey?

A topographical survey is a specialized land survey that creates a detailed map of a property’s physical features and elevations. The purpose is to understand the unique characteristics of the terrain.

Surveyors use GPS devices, laser instruments, and traditional measuring tools to gather data points. They document elevation changes such as hills and slopes, as well as water bodies, vegetation, buildings, and other significant features.

Architects and engineers rely on topographical survey maps to design buildings and structures that harmonize with the natural landscape, while city planners use them to develop roads and infrastructure that work well with the terrain.

If you are in Portland, Oregon, or Washington you can contact Portland Land Surveyors for a topographical survey of your property.