Geodetic Works in Construction

In construction every millimetre counts. We provide geodetic support from excavation through to handover - setting out building axes, checking structural geometry and preparing as-built documentation.

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Overview

Geodesy as quality control for construction

Every structure starts with a point marked in the right place on the ground.

A construction design exists in coordinates. The surveyor transfers those to the real site and then checks that what was built matches what was designed. That transfer and check decide whether the building ends up where it was meant to, whether the foundations sit level, and whether the project can be handed over at all.

We work as the contractor’s standing partner: on site when the next stage needs setting out, and documenting each completed stage as it goes. That means fewer interruptions to the schedule and as-built documentation that is ready at handover rather than assembled afterwards.

Coordinate system: LKS-92 TM
Instruments: Total station, GNSS RTK, level
Setting-out accuracy: Per design requirements, typically ±1–2 mm
Delivery formats: DWG, DGN, PDF and other formats

Scope

What geodetic support on site covers

We fit the scope around the construction schedule, not the other way round.

Setting out building axes and excavation outlines on site
We fix axes and outlines on the ground so earthworks can start without doubt about position.
Transferring and checking elevation marks on site
We establish the site height datum and check regularly that it has not shifted.
Setting out utility routes
We set out water, sewerage, power and heating routes before excavation begins.
As-built surveys and as-built drawings
We record the built state and prepare as-built drawings for commissioning.
Verification of structural geometry and verticality
We check the verticality of columns, walls and panels while corrections are still cheap.
Deformation and settlement monitoring of structures
Periodic measurements catch settlement in neighbouring buildings early.

Applications

When a surveyor is needed on site

The points at which a geodetic measurement is a precondition for the next stage.

When starting any construction work under a building permit
At handover - as-built surveys are mandatory for commissioning
When installing or rebuilding engineering networks
When monitoring settlement of existing buildings next to new works
In a dispute with the client over whether the build matches the design
When establishing a site control network for larger projects

Workflow

How we organise work on site

Six steps that repeat at every stage of construction.

01
Design review
We review the construction design and clarify which geodetic works are needed at each stage of the build.
02
Control network setup
We establish a network of geodetic control points on site that underpins all subsequent measurements.
03
Setting out
We transfer design axes, outlines and elevation marks onto the site with millimetre accuracy.
04
Construction control
We regularly verify that completed structures match the design and flag deviations early.
05
As-built surveys
We survey the structures and utilities as actually built and prepare the as-built drawings.
06
Documentation handover
We hand over signed as-built documentation required for commissioning the building.

Deliverables

What you receive after each stage

Documentation that is already in order at handover instead of being written from scratch.

Setting-out record with a coordinate schedule
As-built drawings in DWG and signed PDF
Deformation monitoring measurement reports
As-built documentation for the building authority

Typical duration

On site within 1–3 working days; as-built drawings 2–5 days after measurement.

Important to know

Geodetic works on site must be carried out by a certified specialist - as-built drawings without certification will not be accepted.
Building axes must be set out before construction starts, not after the foundations have been poured.
Deformation monitoring requires a baseline measurement cycle before adjacent construction work begins.

Questions

Questions about geodesy in construction

If you have a specific project in mind, call us - we will tell you exactly when we are needed.

What is an as-built survey and why is it needed?

An as-built survey records how the structure was actually built and compares it against the design. Without as-built drawings the building authority will not accept the object for commissioning.

When should a surveyor be called to the site?

First before excavation, to set out the building axes. After that a surveyor is needed at every significant stage: foundations, utilities, floor slabs and the final as-built survey.

How accurate are the measurements?

For setting out we achieve accuracy within 1–2 mm using electronic total stations. For deformation monitoring accuracy reaches 1 mm.

Do you work on small projects too?

Yes. We serve both large infrastructure projects and private house construction. Smaller projects usually need one visit for setting out and one for the as-built survey.