Survey, Design & Verification
Existing-Surface Survey
An existing-surface survey records what is present before soil moves. Omitting a drain edge, bank or abrupt grade change can distort the volume model even when point readings are correct.
Plan the surface handover
BeforeIdentify the work extent and important surface features.
Work stageCapture sufficient points and breaklines to represent those features; record structures and control levels separately.
AfterCompare the surveyed surface with the proposed design.
What to verify
Inspect coverage and gaps rather than relying only on a coloured map.
Keep the design reference and survey evidence traceable. State units, coordinate system, vertical datum and revision, then compare independent checks with the issued target. Surface measurements establish geometry; they do not establish the material quality of a buried layer.
Scope and limits
Survey spacing must reflect terrain and required precision, not a universal grid size.
Continue the job brief
Include the location, existing condition, intended surface, material, available tractor and proposed dates.