Construction
Construction and industrial sites
A topographic base for masterplanning, grading and landscaping, and for preparing survey data for design.
Topographic survey for a topographic plan
TOPODRONE delivers topographic surveys at scales 1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000 and 1:5000. Before we start, we agree the scale, layer content, accuracy requirements, horizontal and vertical datums, the list of deliverables and the programme—so the outputs fit straight into your CAD, GIS or BIM workflow.
Survey methodology, quality control and deliverables are defined upfront in the scope of work to match your project requirements.
Suitable applications
Sites, areas and linear assets—when you need measurable outputs and a clear, usable deliverables set.
Linear assets
Routes and corridors
Extended sections (roads, access tracks, corridors)—deliverables tailored to your needs: plan, spot levels, layers and, where required, profiles/sections. Mobile laser scanning can be used where appropriate.
Challenging environments
Relief, woodland and built-up areas
Where GNSS is unavailable or restricted, we use SLAM. This approach works well in complex terrain and constrained environments.
When a topographic survey is needed
Typical scenarios where a reliable topographic base, accurate terrain model and a structured layer set are required.
Use cases
- Base data for design and detailed design, masterplans and grading.
- Materials for approvals and client requirements (to the agreed scope of work).
- Pre-construction site assessment: terrain, levels and existing features.
- Creation and update of the topographic base when the site changes.
- Refinement of linear-asset corridors and adjacent features.
- “Before/after” comparisons using orthomosaics/models from repeat surveys.
What we deliver
Data capture and production of topographic-plan materials: terrain, features, spot levels and digital base data.
Topographic plan
Vector layers to your scope of work
- Topographic plan at 1:500 / 1:1000 / 1:2000 / 1:5000—layout and layer structure tailored to your project.
- Terrain (contours/spot heights), features (assets) and any additional items from the agreed list.
- Prepared so the data can be used immediately in CAD/GIS/BIM.
Digital base data
3D models and orthomosaic
- High-resolution orthomosaic as a base for review, analysis and referencing.
- DTM/DSM for measurements, profiles/sections and terrain control.
- Repeat surveys—change detection using an agreed methodology (if required).
Engineering assets
A topographic plan can include a range of assets (e.g. overhead lines, buildings, roads and others) as vector features. We confirm the layer set and feature list in advance in the scope of work, so the final plan matches your project requirements.
Survey methods
We select equipment and methodology based on area, site conditions and the required outputs (topographic plan).
UAV
Photogrammetry + LiDAR
Primary area-wide data capture: photogrammetry provides a detailed orthomosaic, while LiDAR delivers dense terrain/surface geometry. We choose the method—or a combination—based on your requirements and site conditions.
MLS
Mobile laser scanning
Ground-based detail for local areas: infrastructure, access routes, platforms, tie-ins and zones, where you need higher point density at asset level.
SLAM
SLAM-based laser scanning
For areas with complex geometry and constrained conditions (for example under canopies, in dense urban areas, or where access is limited). QA methodology and deliverables are agreed in advance.
The final product is a topographic plan and supporting digital deliverables. We select the method to meet the required layer set and output quality.
What’s included
A turnkey workflow: brief → data capture → processing → drafting → delivery.
Scope
- Scope definition: scale, layer/feature list, accuracy requirements, horizontal/vertical datums, formats and programme.
- Work plan: UAV flight missions + MLS/SLAM coverage plan (if required), site requirements and H&S constraints.
- Data capture: UAV (imagery and/or LiDAR), plus MLS or SLAM for local areas if needed.
- Office processing: orthomosaic, models (DTM/DSM), layer preparation and topographic plan drafting.
- Quality assurance: internal checks and control procedures to an agreed methodology.
- Export and delivery in formats suitable for CAD/GIS/BIM.
Deliverables
A package for design, measurements and CAD/GIS workflows.
Topographic plan
Vector plan
Topographic plan at the agreed scale (1:500–1:5000), with layers and features to the scope of work.
Orthomosaic
Visual verification
High-detail orthomosaic for referencing, analysis and cross-checking existing features.
Models
DTM/DSM
Digital terrain/surface models for measurements, profiles and analysis.
Export formats
Typically: DWG/DXF, SHP/GeoPackage, PDF. If required: LAS/LAZ and additional formats for your specific software stack.
Programme and cost
Programme: from 1–2 days to several weeks. Cost: provided on request after a short brief.
Programme
Driven by area and deliverables
Timeframes depend on the site area, complexity, the chosen method (imagery or LiDAR), any MLS/SLAM required for local areas and the deliverables set (plan, orthomosaic, models, point cloud).
Cost
Quoted on request (after the brief)
Price depends on the scale (1:500–1:5000), area, selected technology (UAV imagery/LiDAR, MLS, SLAM), the layer/feature list and formats. Payment is made upon completion of the works.
Project examples
Woodland
Topographic plan for woodland terrain, mountain region
Undulating terrain
Topographic plan of a site with relief (contours)
Image preview
Not sure about something?
If you have any questions and would like a consultation, email us at [email protected] — we’ll walk you through the brief, deliverable formats and timeframes.