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Sitework & Earthworkaka: land surveyaka: boundary surveyaka: topographic surveyaka: topo

Survey

In Plain English

Professional measurement and mapping of a site to establish exact locations, elevations, and boundaries for construction.

Definition

The professional measurement and mapping of land, establishing boundaries, elevations, existing features, and control points used to guide construction. Construction surveys include boundary surveys, topographic surveys, construction staking, and as-built surveys. A licensed land surveyor establishes legal property boundaries; construction surveys support grading, layout, and verification of completed work.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Survey scope and accuracy underpin every sitework quantity, because grading volumes, layout, and utility locations all reference the topographic data and control points. A bid built on an outdated or incomplete survey risks earthwork overruns and layout rework, so estimators clarify who furnishes the survey and what control and staking are included in their scope.

Example

An estimator compares the topographic survey contours against the proposed grading plan to compute cut-and-fill volumes, then prices a separate line item for construction staking since the bid documents leave layout to the contractor.

Related Terms

Fine GradingRough GradingEarthworkSite Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

The boundary and base topographic survey are usually owner-furnished during design, while construction staking and layout often fall to the contractor. Estimators must read the bid documents and division 01 to confirm the split, since carrying surveying labor that the owner provides, or omitting staking you owe, both distort the bid.
Topographic survey contours define existing grade, which is differenced against the proposed grade to calculate cut and fill. Accurate survey data is essential for correct earthwork volumes and balance; a coarse or stale survey can hide unsuitable soils or volume swings that turn a tight earthwork bid into a loss.
An as-built survey documents the final constructed locations and elevations of improvements for record and verification. When the contract or specifications require as-builts, the estimator should carry the surveyor's fee in general conditions, since it is a closeout cost separate from layout and construction staking.

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