Topographical surveys guides
Practical guides and free tools on topographical surveys, written by the surveyors who do the work.
Need the work done? See our topographical surveys service.
- GuideConnecting a Leica Viva CS controller to a mobile Wi-Fi hotspotHow to connect a Leica Viva CS controller to a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, step by step, so it keeps working after the 3G switch-off.
- ToolConvert survey data (PXYZ) to AutoCAD quicklyFree tool to turn a P,X,Y,Z point list into an AutoCAD script, so surveyed coordinates import as points with labels in seconds.
- GuideHow much does a topographical survey cost in 2026?What a topographical survey costs in the UK: prices from £600 + VAT, worked examples by site size, and what changes the price.
- CalculatorHow to calculate a gradient for drainage, wheelchair ramps and moreFree slope and gradient calculator. Work out a gradient as a ratio (1 in X), a percentage or a fall, with worked examples for drains and ramps.
- CalculatorHow to calculate bulking spoil volumeBulking factors for clay, sand and gravel, and a free calculator for the bulked volume of excavated soil and the skip or lorry trips to remove it.
- GuideHow to design a French drainHow to design a French drain: common uses, trench size, gravel type and flow rates for your construction project.
- GuideHow to measure land using tapes or Google EarthMeasure an area of land yourself with a tape or the free Google Earth tools, step by step, and know when you need a topographical survey instead.
- GuideHow to use a surveying dumpy levelStep by step guide to setting up a dumpy level, reading the staff and taking levels across a site, plus how to check it with a two peg test.
- GuidePreparations to consider before you build your new homeBuilding your own home? The key things to plan before you start so the project runs as smoothly as possible.
- CalculatorRoot protection area calculator (BS 5837)Work out a tree's root protection area to BS 5837:2012 for single and multi-stemmed trees, with the 707 m² cap and the veteran tree buffer.
- GuideTwo peg test guide and calculatorHow to check your dumpy level is accurate with a two peg test, step by step, plus a free two peg test calculator.
- GuideWhat is a topographical survey? 2026 guideWhat a topographical survey is, what it shows, how it is carried out and why it is a crucial first step for any building project.
Need topographical surveys?
Send a location, a rough brief and your deadline. We reply with a fixed quote within 24 hours.