What is a land surveyor? 

Land surveying definition: Professional land surveyors provide measurement and boundary-marking services for construction projects. Experts recommend contacting a professional surveyor before developing to ensure site accuracy and mitigate potential issues ahead of time. You may be required to enlist the services of a surveyor if you wish to subdivide.  

What is land surveying? 

Professional surveyors give landholders a clearer picture of their block. They use sophisticated tools such as total stations and surveyance software to measure, mark and confirm the site dimensions and any current or future landmarks.  

What is the purpose of land surveying? 

The purpose of land surveys is twofold – to fill in the gaps in detail concerning the site and proposed construction and to ensure compliance with council and government regulations. Some professional service providers, such as architects or engineers, may request particular surveys on sites before they commence work. They require this because the information gathered is specific, and allows them to advise confidently. 

Why might I need a land surveyor? 

You should consider contacting a surveyor before you buy or commence any construction or development project. There are different types of land survey, each of which serves a particular means. They all provide valuable site detail – some of which may be required by your council or any hired professionals. Land surveyance is sometimes known as an ‘insurance policy’, as it ensures greater accuracy and may help mitigate issues ahead of time.   

What does a land surveyor do?

The various kinds of site survey include: 

• Identification surveys 

Identification surveys involve marking out any structures or improvements that already exist on-site. Often conducted before the sale or purchase, the survey collates detailed information, including the property lot number, street number, encroachments, and existing fencing.  

• Detail and level surveys 

Often required for a Council Development Application (CDA), a ‘detail and level survey’ provides you with information such as the levels of the land, adjoining structures, trees, rocks and more. Your architect or designer may request a residential land survey to provide the data required. 

• Boundary marking surveys 

Boundary marking and construction set-out surveys define the physical boundaries of the block and proposed structures. This process assures all parties involved, including the council, that construction will begin per the approved plans.  

• Building surveys 

Building compliance surveys help ensure that proposed structures and buildings match in height and position (relative to boundaries) to council-approved designs.  

• ‘Plan of Subdivision’ survey 

A registered surveyor may be qualified to sign off on preliminary subdivision plans – assuming they adhere to council and government guidelines and requirements.  

• Site surveying, scanning and modelling  

Leveraging new technology, including 3d printers and terrestrial laser scanning, surveyors can now create detailed and complex site models. These may include proposed buildings and features to help visualise a project.  

What happens when you hire a land surveyor? 

All legal land surveyance services in Australia must be conducted by a professional land surveyor, with recognised qualifications and a Certificate of Competency. After attending the site with specialised equipment, they will provide the landholder with a report detailing the outcome of surveys completed, including any models or site drawings.  

The time taken for property surveying may vary according to several factors, including block size, number of encroachments, development proposal and council requirements. Consider contacting a professional surveyor well before development to mitigate timing issues. 

What are the benefits of hiring a professional land surveyor? 

Hiring a professional land surveyor creates accuracy and clarity. Without their services, you are more susceptible to errors, mismeasurements and delays, as you may only give an amateur assessment of the land. Hiring these qualified providers offers landholders the detail required for high-level decision-making informed by accurate data and reporting. While the law does not require surveyance for all construction projects, you should consider engaging such service providers regardless to fill in the information gaps.  

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