Survey applications by industry
How surveying and geospatial methods are typically applied in each sector, and which survey types are relevant.
Infrastructure
Large infrastructure programmes need a consistent coordinate framework from feasibility to handover. Control surveys, topographical surveys and GIS data management support planning and design, while GPR can help reduce uncertainty about buried features before construction.
Applicable survey types: DGPS Survey, Total Station Survey, Topographical Survey, GIS Survey and Mapping, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey, LiDAR Survey
Roads and highways
Alignment design, widening and maintenance rely on accurate corridor terrain models, carriageway features and level data. LiDAR corridor capture, DGPS control, topographical surveys and setting-out are typical methods; GPR is commonly used to investigate pavement layers and buried services.
Applicable survey types: DGPS Survey, Topographical Survey, LiDAR Survey, Total Station Survey, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey
Construction
Construction sites need a reliable base survey before design and accurate setting-out and level control during building. Total station control and setting-out, topographical surveys and as-built checks are the core survey activities.
Applicable survey types: Total Station Survey, Topographical Survey, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey
Utilities
Utility owners and contractors need to know where buried and above-ground assets are. GPR investigation, combined with records and verification, helps indicate buried features, while GIS mapping organises asset data for operations and planning.
Applicable survey types: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey, GIS Survey and Mapping, Topographical Survey
Telecom
Fibre and duct routes cross roads, footpaths and existing services. Route surveys, GPR investigation before trenching or directional drilling, and GIS records of the installed network are typical requirements.
Applicable survey types: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey, GIS Survey and Mapping, Topographical Survey
Power
Substations, transmission lines and solar sites need terrain data, clearance information and accurate layouts. LiDAR is widely used for line corridors, DGPS for tower and alignment coordinates, topographical surveys for sites, and GIS for asset records.
Applicable survey types: DGPS Survey, LiDAR Survey, Topographical Survey, GIS Survey and Mapping, Total Station Survey
Rail and metro
Rail and metro projects work to tight geometric tolerances. Control networks established with DGPS and total stations, track and structure surveys, corridor LiDAR and subsurface investigation of station and depot areas are common survey activities.
Applicable survey types: DGPS Survey, Total Station Survey, LiDAR Survey, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey, Topographical Survey
Industrial
Industrial facilities need surveys for plant layout, expansions, foundations and drainage. Topographical and detail surveys, setting-out, concrete scanning and as-built records support safe modifications.
Applicable survey types: Total Station Survey, Topographical Survey, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey, LiDAR Survey
Water and sewerage
Gravity networks depend on accurate levels. Level surveys, topographical surveys of routes and treatment sites, GIS asset mapping and investigation of buried services all support design and maintenance.
Applicable survey types: Topographical Survey, Total Station Survey, GIS Survey and Mapping, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey
Government
Public works departments and development authorities need base mapping, asset inventories and survey data for planning. Topographical surveys, GIS data structuring and LiDAR-derived terrain models are typical inputs.
Applicable survey types: GIS Survey and Mapping, DGPS Survey, Topographical Survey, LiDAR Survey
Engineering consultants
Design consultants need survey data delivered in formats their teams can use directly, with documented control and accuracy. Topographical surveys, control, GIS data and subsurface information feed design and reporting.
Applicable survey types: Topographical Survey, DGPS Survey, Total Station Survey, GIS Survey and Mapping, LiDAR Survey, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey