Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a topographical survey and a boundary survey?
A topographical survey records the physical features and levels of a site, such as ground contours, buildings, trees, services and existing structures, and is used as the base for design. A boundary or cadastral survey determines and marks the legal boundaries and can only be certified by a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor. Designers need the topographical survey, while anything that changes or defines title boundaries needs the cadastral survey.
Do I need a survey before subdividing?
Yes. A subdivision requires cadastral survey work to define the new boundaries and to prepare the survey plan lodged with Land Information New Zealand, and it usually also requires a topographical survey to support the engineering and planning design. The cadastral component must be carried out under a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor, as only they can certify a survey plan for title.
What is set out and as-built surveying?
Set out is the transfer of the design onto the ground so that structures, services and earthworks are built in the right position and to the right level. As-built survey records where those works ended up once constructed. As-built information is normally a requirement for vesting infrastructure in a council or network operator and for completion certification, so it should be captured before works are covered.