Measured Survey News & Technical Insights
Explore news, guidance and technical insights from Cura Surveys covering measured building surveys, topographical surveys, 3D laser scanning, Scan to BIM, engineering surveys and specialist geospatial data.
Our articles are written for architects, developers, engineers, contractors, property owners, planning consultants and project teams who require accurate existing-condition information for planning, design, refurbishment and construction.
Roof and Surrounding Area Surveys for Airspace, Infill and Development
For airspace developments, infill schemes, extensions and new-build projects, surveying the main building alone is rarely enough.
Architects, developers and planning consultants need accurate information about the roof, neighbouring buildings, site levels, boundaries, windows, access routes and surrounding context. These details can directly affect the design, planning strategy, buildability and relationship between the proposed development and nearby properties.
Cura Surveys combines tripod laser scanning, mobile scanning, telescopic scanning, drone surveys and controlled land-survey methods to provide comprehensive building and surrounding-area information within one coordinated dataset.
Combining Laser Scanning, Mobile Scanning and Drone Surveys
No single survey method is suitable for every part of a building or site.
Tripod laser scanning can capture detailed and accurate building information. Mobile scanning can cover large internal areas quickly. Drone surveys can record roofs, high-level features and wider external areas that may be difficult to access safely from the ground.
Cura Surveys combines these methods where appropriate to create complete and coordinated survey information for planning, design, refurbishment and construction.
How Much Does a Measured Building Survey Cost?
The cost of a measured building survey depends on the size and complexity of the property, the survey extent and the required deliverables.
Two buildings with similar floor areas can require very different amounts of site and processing time.
What Survey Is Needed for Renovation, Extension or Planning?
The survey required for a renovation, extension or planning project depends on the building, site and proposed work.
Most projects begin with a measured building survey. Larger extensions and developments may also require topographical, utility, drainage or laser scanning information.
What Is a 3D Laser Scanning Survey?
A 3D laser scanning survey captures the geometry of a building, structure or site by recording a very large number of measured points.
Together, these points form a three-dimensional digital dataset known as a point cloud.
The point cloud can be viewed and measured directly or used to produce CAD drawings, Revit models, sections, elevations and other existing-condition information.
Measured Building Survey vs Topographical Survey: Which Do You Need?
Measured building surveys and topographical surveys provide different types of existing-condition information.
A measured building survey records the building itself. A topographical survey records the external site, land, levels and visible features.
Many renovation, extension and development projects require both.
What Is a Measured Building Survey?
A measured building survey records the existing dimensions, layout, levels and visible features of a building.
The survey information is used to produce accurate floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, reflected ceiling plans, point clouds or Revit models for planning, design, renovation and construction.
A measured building survey is not a property condition inspection or RICS Home Survey Level 2 or Level 3. Home Surveys assess defects and condition, while measured surveys produce accurate drawings and spatial information for project work.
Call us on 0203 488 5858 or email info@curasurveys.co.uk with your project details. We’ll provide a clear no-obligation quote (with no hidden costs) and feasible timescales.