Topographic Surveying

A topographic plan is the foundation of every construction project. We accurately record surface relief, site features and engineering utilities, producing a document valid for design work and municipal approval.

Write to us

Overview

What a topographic plan is, and why nothing starts without one

The document almost every construction process in Latvia begins with.

A topographic plan is a scaled, accurate representation of a site: its relief, every surface feature and the underground utility network. The designer places the building, the access roads and the connection points on top of it, which is why an inaccuracy in the plan costs many times more later than the survey itself.

Only a certified surveyor may produce the plan, and before handover it must be agreed with every utility operator and registered in the municipal database. We take on that whole chain of processes - from the site visit to a registered plan in your hands.

Coordinate system: LKS-92 TM
Height system: LAS-2000,5
Survey accuracy: ±1 cm horizontally, ±2 cm vertically
Delivery formats: DWG, DGN, DXF, PDF, JPG, RDI and more
Instruments: Electronic total station, GNSS RTK

Scope

What a topographic survey covers

The standard scope, which we adjust to the specific site before work begins.

Topographic plan at 1:250, 1:500, 1:1000 or 1:2000 scale
We select the scale according to site size and the requirements of the design work.
Survey of underground and above-ground utilities
We survey visible utility access points and supplement them with operator archive data.
Plan approval with utility network owners and the municipality
We handle correspondence with every utility network owner and file the plan in the municipal database.
Survey of buildings, structures and landscaping features
We record building outlines, surfaces, fences, lighting and other site features.
Relief and elevation marks in the LAS-2000,5 height system
Height marks make it possible to design stormwater drainage and site levelling.
Vegetation and tree survey with species and diameter noted
Required for tree-felling permits and green-area planning.

Applications

When a topographic survey becomes mandatory

The situations where a project cannot move forward without a valid plan.

Before preparing a building design for a house or production facility
When connecting to water, sewerage or electricity networks
For landscaping and road design projects
When preparing a detailed plan or land development project
When submitting a construction proposal to the building authority
When refreshing an outdated plan before design approval

Workflow

How a topographic plan is produced

Six steps from enquiry to a plan registered in the municipal database.

01
Enquiry and site visit
We clarify the survey area, purpose and deadline, then prepare a quote.
02
Archive data request
We request existing topographic and utility data from the municipality and network operators.
03
Field measurements
Using GNSS receivers and a total station we survey the relief, features and utility access points.
04
Office processing
We process the measurements and produce the topographic plan in digital format (DWG/DGN).
05
Approval
We obtain approval from all utility network operators and submit the plan to the municipal database.
06
Handover
You receive the approved plan digitally and on paper, together with proof of registration.

Deliverables

What you receive at the end

A deliverable your designer can start working from the next day.

Approved topographic plan in DWG and DGN format
PDF print carrying the surveyor’s signature and stamp
Confirmation of registration in the municipal database
Copies of the utility operators’ approvals

Typical duration

Fieldwork 1–2 days; the full cycle including approvals 2–4 weeks.

Important to know

A topographic plan is normally valid for 1-2 years from approval, depending on the requirements of the municipality, provided nothing on site has changed.
The work may only be carried out by a certified surveyor - our certificate is No. AC0271.
Access to the entire site is required during the survey, including any fenced-off areas.

Questions

Questions about topographic surveying

If the answer is not here, call us - we will answer over the phone at no cost.

How long does it take to prepare a topographic plan?

For a site up to 1 ha the field work takes 1–2 days, but the full process including approvals usually takes 2–4 weeks. The timeline mostly depends on how quickly utility operators respond.

How long is a topographic plan valid?

Depending on the requirements of the municipality, the plan is valid for 1-2 years. If construction work has been carried out or new utilities installed in the meantime, the plan must be updated.

Does the plan show underground utilities as well?

Yes. We survey visible utility access points and request data from every utility network owner, so that all existing engineering networks appear on the plan.

What scale is the plan prepared at?

Most commonly 1:500, which is the standard for construction design. For larger areas we use 1:1000 or 1:2000, and for highly detailed sites 1:250.