Construction job site surveying prepares the way for a smooth building process. A meticulous team of technicians enters the field with survey equipment to collect information about existing conditions, including topography, soil and other features. This information gives a basis for future decision-making for an efficient and cost-effective construction process. 

Tips for Surveying a Job Site

Preparation and proper tools form the basis for effective site surveys. Here are a few checklist items to effectively survey your job site.

1. Develop an In-Depth Plan

Before sending crews to survey a job site, create a schedule that accounts for the site size and data requirements. This thorough plan will ensure timely completion. A detailed plan can keep surveying tasks moving rather than having them overflow into multiple days.

2. Select the Right Equipment 

Site surveying requires a range of equipment. Your kit will include surveying technology, like:

• GPS receivers
• Drones
• Digital levels
• Total stations
• Tripods
• Prisms

Your teams may also need other tools, like branch scissors for clearing a surveying path and canned air for unburying survey markers. Remember that each project has unique equipment requirements, so you may need to adapt your selection accordingly.

3. Verify and Calibrate Equipment

Before sending surveyors into the field, ensure equipment is tested and ready to go. Proper calibration ensures accurate data and reliable results. Keep records of calibration intervals for every equipment type and educate surveyors so they know when and how to calibrate each piece of equipment. 

4. Consider Safety and PPE

A job site may have heavy equipment and weather hazards. Supply personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats, high visibility vests, gloves and safety glasses to protect your workers. 

Prepare for the weather by checking the forecast and planning for elements like cold, heat and rain with proper clothing to keep teams comfortable throughout the day. In warm weather, instruct surveyors to bring sunscreen and water. 

5. Establish Control Points

Control points provide precise references that serve as reliable benchmarks during surveying. Projects may dictate traditional or modern equipment to set these points. Take note of site features that may influence the process of setting control points. These features may include dependence on satellite signals or line-of-sight visibility, which may be affected by buildings, trees or terrain.

6. Make a Checklist Before Surveying

When surveying a site, you want to get all the necessary information on the first pass. Creating and following a checklist makes it easier to get all the data you need. A checklist also provides a structured way to report findings after gathering data. Keep a standard checklist to ensure consistency in each surveying task. A consistent checklist ensures you have the right equipment and processes to coordinate your surveying team. 

SITECH Horizon Makes Surveying a Job Site Easier

As a project manager, you handle many aspects of the construction process. Make your job easier with our site surveying services. We also offer a selection of high-quality surveying tools for purchase or rental to streamline the site surveying process. Reach out to our team online to discuss how we can support your project.