A Complete Guide to Measured Building Surveying: Precision and Accuracy by Cadmap Ltd
At Cadmap Ltd, we understand that having precise, detailed measurements of existing structures is the foundation of successful design and construction. Whether you’re planning a renovation, an extension, or a new build, accurate measured building surveys are crucial for the design process. This is where total stations and laser scanning technology come into play, enabling us to capture high-quality, fully connected building data to create comprehensive floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, reflected ceiling plans, and more.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of measured building surveying, explain the technology behind it, and demonstrate how we overlay survey results with topographical data to produce accurate CAD plans that meet the needs of designers and developers.
What is Measured Building Surveying?
Measured building surveying is the process of accurately measuring and documenting the dimensions, shape, and structure of an existing building or site. This survey provides a detailed record of the building's layout, architecture, and features, which is essential for:
Renovation projects: Understanding the current state of a building to inform design changes or structural improvements.
Refurbishments: Capturing detailed data for adapting an existing building to meet new functional or aesthetic needs.
New builds or extensions: Providing an accurate baseline for designing new structures in relation to the existing one.
Historical preservation: Recording the precise details of a building for restoration or conservation purposes.
Cadmap Ltd specialises in providing fully connected, highly accurate measured building surveys that can help your project team make informed decisions every step of the way.
The Process of Fully Connected Measured Building Surveying
Measured building surveying involves using advanced equipment and techniques to capture every detail of a structure, from its internal layout to its external features. Here’s an overview of how we carry out this process:
1. Initial Site Visit and Assessment
The first step in any measured building survey is an initial site visit. During this visit, we assess the building’s condition, complexity, and any challenges the survey might present, such as limited access or difficult geometries. We also review existing building plans (if available) to understand the structure before we start gathering data.
Our survey team will also:
Identify control points for accurate measurements.
Plan the best approach to cover all areas of the building, ensuring no space is left unmeasured.
Confirm the specific deliverables (floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, etc.) requested by the client.
2. Using Total Stations for Precision
A total station is a high-tech device used in modern building surveying. It combines theodolite technology for measuring angles with electronic distance measurement (EDM) to capture precise distances. This equipment allows us to gather highly accurate measurements of both horizontal and vertical distances.
Here’s how the total station works during the survey:
Point measurements: The total station uses laser technology to capture X, Y, and Z coordinates of every point on the building.
Angles and distances: The device calculates both horizontal angles and vertical distances to create a comprehensive dataset of the building’s features, including walls, doors, windows, ceilings, and more.
Real-time data: The total station transmits data in real-time, allowing us to see the results instantly and make adjustments if necessary.
3. Laser Scanning for High-Resolution Detail
While total stations provide accurate point data, laser scanning (also known as LiDAR scanning) offers an even more detailed and efficient way to capture building measurements. Using laser scanners, we can create a 3D point cloud that provides a comprehensive digital representation of the building.
Here’s how the process works:
360-degree scanning: The laser scanner rotates 360 degrees, collecting millions of data points per second to create a high-resolution, three-dimensional map of the building’s interior and exterior.
Complex geometries: Laser scanning is particularly useful for capturing complex building shapes or features, such as curved walls, ceilings, or intricate facades, that would be difficult to measure with traditional tools.
Accurate and efficient: Laser scanning can capture data much faster than traditional methods, which is particularly useful for large or multi-storey buildings.
4. Creating Floor Plans, Elevations, and Cross-Sections
Once we have collected all the relevant data using total stations and laser scanners, we begin processing the measurements and creating detailed building drawings. These drawings typically include:
Floor plans: Accurate representations of each floor’s layout, showing walls, windows, doors, columns, staircases, and other architectural features.
Elevations: Detailed vertical views of the building’s exterior, including height, openings, and structural features such as roof lines and facade details.
Cross-sections: A slice of the building that shows its internal structure, including floor heights, ceiling heights, and the relationship between different levels.
Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCP): A specific type of floor plan that focuses on the layout of the ceiling, showing elements like lighting, air conditioning ducts, and other ceiling-mounted fixtures.
Each of these drawings is created with precision to reflect the exact dimensions of the building, ensuring they are reliable for use in design, development, and construction.
5. Overlaying Results with Topographical Surveys
Once we’ve created the building’s measured drawings, the next step is to integrate them with the topographical survey data. A topographical survey captures information about the site’s surface features, such as terrain, surrounding buildings, roads, and utilities.
At Cadmap Ltd, we combine both building and topographical survey data into comprehensive CAD plans that provide a holistic view of the site. Here’s how this integration benefits your project:
Precise site plans: By overlaying building data on top of topographical information, we ensure that your plans reflect both the layout of the building and the surrounding environment.
Accurate positioning: The integration helps ensure the building is positioned accurately in relation to other site features, such as roads, boundaries, and utilities.
Enhanced decision-making: Designers and developers can use the integrated CAD plans to make informed decisions on aspects like site access, drainage, and infrastructure placement.
6. Delivering CAD Plans and Reports
The final deliverables typically include:
2D CAD drawings: Floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, and reflected ceiling plans in a format compatible with your design software.
3D models: Depending on the project’s needs, we can also provide 3D models that visually represent the building and its features.
Survey reports: Detailed documentation explaining the methodology, survey results, and any challenges encountered during the process.
These deliverables provide the accurate, up-to-date building data your design and development teams need to proceed with the next stages of the project.
Why Choose Cadmap Ltd for Measured Building Surveying?
At Cadmap Ltd, we take pride in providing highly accurate, reliable, and detailed measured building surveys for projects of all sizes. Here’s why you should choose us for your next building survey:
Expertise and Experience
With years of experience in the surveying industry, our team is skilled in using the latest technology, including total stations and laser scanners, to capture precise measurements in even the most complex environments.
Cutting-Edge Technology
We use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver the highest level of accuracy. Our laser scanners and total stations ensure that every survey is completed efficiently, with results you can trust.
Fully Connected Data
Our surveys are fully connected, meaning we provide not just individual measurements but complete, integrated building data that gives your design team everything they need in one place.
Comprehensive Deliverables
From floor plans to elevations, cross-sections, and reflected ceiling plans, we provide everything you need to make informed design and construction decisions.
Client-Focused Approach
At Cadmap Ltd, we prioritise clear communication and attention to detail. Our goal is to deliver accurate, user-friendly survey data that helps you move forward with confidence.
Contact Cadmap Ltd for Your Measured Building Surveying Needs
If you’re in need of precise, detailed building measurements for your project, Cadmap Ltd is here to help. Whether you're working on a renovation, a new build, or any other construction project, we provide reliable, fully connected building surveys that support your design and development needs.
Visit our website www.cadmap.co.uk or contact us today to discuss your project requirements and get a quote.
