The Survey Support Behind Sydney's Major Projects
Every road, bridge, and pipeline in Sydney started with engineering surveyors establishing the control framework that made construction possible. We provide the spatial backbone for civil works - the reference points, monitoring data, and as-built records that keep projects on track and on spec.
What Sets Engineering Surveys Apart
Where boundary surveys define legal property lines, engineering surveys deal with construction reality. We establish the control networks that contractors work from. We set out column grids so steel goes in the right spot. We monitor adjacent buildings when excavation goes deep. And when it's done, we survey what was built so there's an accurate record for maintenance crews decades from now.
This work supports projects for Transport for NSW, Sydney Water, local councils, and private contractors across infrastructure of all types. The common thread is precision - often to millimetre tolerances - and the ability to work efficiently within active construction environments.
Types of Engineering Surveys
We provide a comprehensive range of engineering survey services for Sydney infrastructure and civil projects:
Site Control Surveys
Site control surveys establish the fundamental reference network for your construction project. We install permanent survey control marks with known coordinates and heights that all other survey work will reference. This ensures consistency throughout the project and allows different contractors to work from the same datum. Control networks are designed to meet ICSM (Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping) standards for accuracy.
Monitoring Surveys
Monitoring surveys track movement and deformation over time. We regularly measure structures, excavations, and ground surfaces to detect any unexpected movement. Common applications include:
- Building monitoring: Tracking adjacent buildings during excavation works
- Retaining wall movement: Detecting lateral or rotational displacement
- Ground settlement: Measuring subsidence during tunnelling or dewatering
- Bridge and structure deflection: Long-term structural health monitoring
As-Built Surveys
As-built surveys document what has actually been constructed, verifying that work meets design specifications. We survey completed infrastructure elements and compare them against design drawings to confirm compliance. As-built surveys are typically required for:
- Road and pavement construction
- Stormwater drainage and sewer installations
- Underground utility corridors
- Bridge and culvert structures
- Building pad levels and floor slabs
Machine Control Surveys
We prepare digital terrain models and control files for GPS-guided earthmoving equipment. Machine control technology allows excavators, graders, and dozers to work directly from 3D design models, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy on large earthworks projects. Our services include:
- Design surface preparation in Civil 3D, 12d, or TBC formats
- Site localisation and calibration
- Base station setup for RTK machine guidance
- Verification and quality control surveys
Engineering Survey Applications
Our engineering survey services support a wide range of civil and infrastructure projects across Sydney:
Road and Highway Construction
From local road upgrades to major motorway projects, we provide survey support throughout the construction process. Services include initial topographic surveys, setting out kerbs and pavements, drainage surveys, and final as-built documentation. We've worked on projects for Transport for NSW and major road contractors across the Sydney network.
Bridge and Structure Works
Bridge construction requires extremely precise survey work. We provide setting out for piers, abutments, and deck elements, as well as monitoring during construction and load testing. Our surveyors understand the tight tolerances required for structural connections and expansion joints.
Utility and Pipeline Installation
Underground utility installation relies on accurate survey data to achieve correct grades and alignments. We survey existing services to avoid clashes, set out new pipe runs, and conduct as-built surveys for utility authorities including Sydney Water, Jemena, and Ausgrid.
Commercial and Industrial Development
Large commercial projects require ongoing survey support from site establishment through to completion. We provide earthworks control, building setout, floor level verification, and facade surveys. Our team integrates with project teams to provide responsive, on-call survey services.
Mining and Quarrying
We provide volume surveys, stockpile calculations, and pit surveys for mining and extractive industries in the Sydney Basin and surrounding regions. Regular monitoring surveys track extraction progress and ensure compliance with development consent conditions.
Our Engineering Survey Process
- Project Briefing: We meet with your project team to understand scope, accuracy requirements, deliverable formats, and project timeline
- Control Establishment: We establish or connect to existing survey control networks appropriate for your project
- Field Survey: Our teams conduct fieldwork using robotic total stations, GNSS receivers, and 3D laser scanners as required
- Data Processing: Survey observations are processed and checked in the office using industry-standard software
- Deliverables: We provide survey data in your required formats, including CAD drawings, digital terrain models, and written reports
- Ongoing Support: We remain available throughout your project for additional survey work and technical support
Engineering Survey Deliverables
Depending on your project requirements, we can provide:
- Survey Control Reports: Coordinate schedules and adjustment reports for project control marks
- Digital Terrain Models: TIN surfaces in LandXML, DWG, or 12da formats
- CAD Drawings: 2D and 3D survey drawings in AutoCAD or Civil 3D format
- Setout Data: Coordinate lists and stakeout files for field controllers
- Machine Control Files: Design surfaces and alignments for GPS-guided equipment
- Monitoring Reports: Movement plots, graphs, and trigger level alerts
- As-Built Documentation: Final survey drawings showing constructed works
Engineering Survey Costs in Sydney
Engineering survey pricing depends on project scope, duration, and complexity. Typical rates include:
- Site Control Survey (small site): From $1,500 - $3,000
- Site Control Survey (large site): From $3,000 - $5,000+
- As-Built Survey (per day): From $1,200 - $2,000
- Monitoring Survey (per visit): From $800 - $1,500
- Machine Control Setup: From $2,000 - $5,000
For ongoing projects, we offer competitive day rates and can provide dedicated site surveyors for major works. Contact us to discuss your project requirements and receive a detailed quotation.
Engineering Surveys Across Sydney and NSW
We provide engineering survey services throughout Greater Sydney and regional New South Wales, including:
- Sydney Metropolitan: CBD, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Northern Beaches
- Western Sydney: Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown
- Growth Areas: North West Growth Area, South West Growth Area, Aerotropolis
- Regional NSW: Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands
Our surveyors are experienced with the diverse site conditions across Sydney, from inner-city confined spaces to large greenfield developments in the growth corridors. We understand local council requirements and work efficiently with Sydney contractors and consultants.