Feature Surveys

Feature Surveys

Feature (Topographic) Surveys

A Feature Survey is a scaled diagram of your land and its features, measured scientifically and mapped accurately so you can rely on it.

A Feature Survey (aka Topographic or Land Detail Survey) tells you the exact height and location of significant natural and manufactured features, plus ground levels and contours.

Our qualified team of Licensed Land Surveyors measure and map your property using specialist technology and equipment. We present your survey data on a detailed plan or map. Designers, builders and councils rely on the map’s information during initial design/planning stages of development.

Why do I need one?

So you know for sure what’s where. Whether you’re an individual or a developer, a Feature Survey provides certainty about the position of the features on your land. When you know where you stand, you can plan with confidence, manage your risks and protect your investment.

Not all Feature Surveys are created equal.

Each has its own purpose and elements. Your project or planning permit application may call for a specific type of Feature Survey. Our qualified team of Licensed Land Surveyors is experienced in the full range of Feature Surveys including:

  • Level and Feature Surveys
  • Existing Conditions (ResCode/Site Context) Surveys
  • Site Analysis Surveys
  • Australian Height Datum (AHD) Surveys
  • Internal Surveys

Need boundaries shown on your plan or marked on site?

Our Licensed Land Surveyors are qualified to help you with that, too. A Title Re-Establishment Survey will legally define your boundaries. We can save you time and money by completing both surveys while on site.

We tailor Feature Surveys to match your project needs. Submit your Quote Request Form today to receive a detailed fee proposal. Or contact us to discuss your project requirements.

Level and Feature Survey – your property, your features

When do I need one?

Are you looking to build, renovate or extend on your property? You may need a Level and Feature Survey to give your architect/builder/building designer a baseline map of the current details on your land.

What does a Level and Feature Survey include?

Geodetic location and heights of your property’s features including:

Significant natural features (for example, trees and waterways)

Significant manufactured features (for example, dwellings, service pits, fences and structures)

Ground level

Contours at a suitable interval

Temporary Bench Mark (TBM) placed on site

Need boundaries shown on your plan or marked on site, too?

You need a Title Re-Establishment Survey to legally define your boundaries. To save time and money, ask our Licensed Land Surveyors to complete both surveys during the one site visit.

Existing Conditions (ResCode/Site Context) Survey – your property and your neighbours

When do I need one?

When you need to know more. Perhaps council asked you to submit an Existing Conditions Survey (aka ResCode or Site Context Survey) with your planning permit application.

What does an Existing Conditions Survey include?

Geodetic location and heights of your property’s features including:

Significant natural features (for example, trees and waterways)

Significant manufactured features (for example, dwellings, service pits, fences and structures)

Ground levels

Contours at a suitable interval

Temporary Bench Mark (TBM) placed on site

PLUS

Additional survey data on neighbouring dwellings and structures located within 9 metres of your property, including location of buildings, parapets, eaves, ridges, private open spaces and habitable room windows. We can include other features on request.

Do you also need boundaries shown on your plan or marked on site?

Then you need a Title Re-Establishment Survey to legally re-define your boundaries. Our Licensed Land Surveyors are qualified to help you with that, too. To save you time and money, we can complete both surveys during a single site visit.

Site Analysis Survey – your property, your neighbours and your streetscape

When do I need one?

If your project requires a planning permit for a subdivision or development, council will likely ask for a Site Analysis Survey to provide them with a sound understanding of your site and the characteristics of your surrounding area. Councils also call these a Neighbourhood and Site Description (NSD) and Subdivision and Site Context Plan in one.

What does a Site Analysis Survey include?

Geodetic location and heights of your property’s features including:

Significant natural features (for example, trees and waterways)

Significant manufactured features (for example, dwellings, service pits, fences and structures)

Ground level

Contours at a suitable interval

Temporary Bench Mark (TBM) placed on site

PLUS

Additional survey data on neighbouring structures and dwellings located within 9 metres of your property including location of buildings, eaves, parapets, ridges, habitable room windows and private open spaces and. Other features can be included on request.

PLUS

An additional survey within a 50-metre radius of your property to locate buildings, setbacks from roads and driveway entrances.

Looking to have boundaries shown on your plan or marked on site?

Ask us about a Title Re-Establishment Survey to legally re-define your boundaries. When our Licensed Land Surveyors carry out both surveys while on site, you save time and money.

Australian Height Datum (AHD) Surveys – high and dry

When do I need one?

If your project is in a flood-prone area, your planning permit could require your Feature Survey to be carried out to Australian Height Datum (AHD).

What does an AHD Survey include?

AHD refers to the height above mean sea level – a benchmark for height measurement across Australia. Only Licensed Land Surveyors can perform AHD Surveys.

At Smith Land Surveyors, our experienced Licensed Land Surveyors can carry out any of our Feature Surveys to AHD to:

Give you important information on your land’s elevation

Help with subdivision design

Ensure you build above flood levels

Determine the height of your land relative to assets belonging to Referral Authorities to meet council requirements

We also perform AHD Level transfers for pre- and post-construction purposes.

Show me the boundaries.

If you need boundaries shown on your plan or marked on site, our Licensed Land Surveyors are qualified to help you with that, too. A Title Re-Establishment Survey, carried out while our team is already on site, can save you money and time.

Internal Surveys – the inside story

When do I need one?

When you need to eliminate the guesswork with an accurate, verified floor plan.

What does an Internal Survey include?

Our experienced team of Licensed Land Surveyors uses the latest digital measurement technology to survey your internal floor plans, utilities and equipment to help you with:

Planning permits

Architectural designs

Lease areas

Checking measurements prior to property purchase

What about the boundaries?

Do you also need your property boundaries shown on your plan or marked on site? If so, you’ll need a Title Re-Establishment Survey to legally re-define your boundaries. Save time and money by requesting our Licensed Land Surveyors to do both surveys in one visit.