WHAT IS GROUND-RUN SURVEYING? 

In professional land surveying, a ground-run survey can refer to a specific method of collecting data for a topographic map. It’s a meticulous method of data collection. It involves physically walking the boundaries of an area and taking measurements at various points along the way. These measurements can include distance, elevation, and the location of any notable features like buildings, trees, or bodies of water. This data is then transformed into a precise, three-dimensional portrait of the terrain, showing its topography.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF GROUND-RUN SURVEYING?

Ground-run survey methodologies have been the industry standard for years. As such, they offer several key benefits that make them the preferred choice for specific situations.

Precision and Accuracy

• • Detailed Data. Ground surveys capture intricate details and nuances of the landscape, including subtle elevation changes, small features like drainage ditches, and precise locations of landmarks. This level of detail is often unmatched by aerial or remote sensing methods.

• • Reliable Measurements. Direct measurement techniques used in ground surveys minimize inaccuracies associated with aerial imagery or sensor interpretations, leading to highly reliable data for land surveying, engineering, and construction projects.

Versatility and Control

• • Adaptability to Obstacles. Dense vegetation, steep slopes, or other obstacles that impede aerial or remote sensing become manageable with ground surveys. Surveyors can adjust their trajectory and data collection methods to overcome such challenges.

• • Focused Data Acquisition. Unlike the broad data capture of aerial methods, ground surveys allow for targeted data collection based on specific project needs. This reduces the need for post-processing filtering and analysis, saving time and resources.

Safety and Legal Advantages

• • Minimized Risk of Damage. Avoiding intrusive techniques like excavation, ground surveys protect underground utilities and infrastructure, reducing the risk of accidental damage and costly repairs.

• • Definite Boundary Establishment. Precise measurements and detailed documentation of property lines provided by ground surveys are crucial for legal disputes and boundary demarcation, contributing to clear land ownership and reduced conflict.

Additional Advantages

• • Flexibility in Survey Design. Ground surveys can be customized to specific project requirements, allowing for targeted data collection and adaptation to unique situations.

• • Potential for Visual Data Collection. Surveyors can capture photos and videos alongside data points, providing richer information for analysis and presentation.

• Suitability for Small Areas. Where aerial or remote sensing might be overkill, ground surveys are cost-effective and efficient for mapping smaller areas with high accuracy.

While ground run surveys offer excellent precision and detail, they do have some drawbacks when compared to other methods like aerial or remote sensing:

Time and Cost

• • Labor-intensive. Ground surveys require surveyors to physically walk the entire area, making them significantly more time-consuming than aerial or remote sensing methods. This translates to higher labor costs and longer project timelines.

• • Limited Coverage. Covering large areas with a ground survey can be impractical due to time and cost constraints. This makes them less suitable for extensive projects like regional mapping.

Accessibility and Safety

• • Difficult Terrain. Uneven or hazardous terrain, thick vegetation, or restricted access areas can pose challenges and safety risks for ground surveyors, potentially delaying or hindering the survey process.

• • Weather Dependence. Ground surveys are often weather-dependent, as rain, snow, or extreme temperatures can make it difficult or even impossible to collect accurate data.

Data Acquisition and Processing

• • Human Error. Ground surveys are susceptible to human error during data collection and recording. Careful quality control measures are crucial to ensure accuracy.

• • Data Processing. Manually processing large amounts of data collected during a ground survey can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Specialized software can help streamline this process.

Overall, ground run surveys are a valuable tool for detailed mapping of smaller areas, especially where accuracy and precision are critical. However, their limitations in terms of time, cost, accessibility, and data processing should be considered when choosing the right surveying method for a specific project.

WHAT IS LIDAR SCANNING?

LiDAR, short for Light Detection and Ranging, is like a super-powered ruler for the environment. It fires laser pulses like tiny explorers, sending them on a journey until they bump into objects or surfaces. By measuring the time it takes for these light scouts to return, LiDAR can calculate distances with incredible precision. This makes it a modern marvel in land surveyor’s tool kits, allowing for the creation of detailed 3D landscaping maps with unparalleled accuracy.

LiDAR scanning methods can be used in a variety of applications, from mapping the intricate topography of forests to precisely measuring the height of buildings. It can peer beneath the waves, creating underwater maps with stunning accuracy, revealing shipwrecks, coral reefs, and other hidden wonders, creating underwater maps with stunning accuracy. LiDAR scanning can be coupled with other sensors and machinery, such as drones or self-driving cars, to provide views that were previously too difficult or impossible to capture.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF LIDAR SCANNING?

LiDAR technology is fascinating and has impressive potential applications with and well beyond the scope of land surveying. Here are some of the ways LiDAR shines, making it a go-to method for surveyors.

Benefits of LiDAR Scanning

• • Unmatched Accuracy and Detail. LiDAR can capture millions of data points per second, creating incredibly precise 3D models of the environment. This level of detail is crucial for applications like infrastructure planning, archaeology, and disaster response.

• • Speed and Efficiency. LiDAR can cover vast areas much faster than traditional surveying methods. This makes it ideal for large-scale projects where time is of the essence.

• • Safety and Accessibility. LiDAR can be used to map dangerous or inaccessible areas, such as cliffs, caves, and underwater environments. This reduces the risk for human surveyors and allows for the exploration of previously unreachable places.

• • Versatility. LiDAR has a wide range of applications, from land surveying and archaeology to autonomous vehicles and forestry management. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for various industries and research fields.

As amazing a technology as LiDAR is, it is not without its set of drawbacks which counterbalance its benefits.

Drawbacks of LiDAR Scanning

• • High Cost. LiDAR equipment and software can be expensive, making it a less accessible option for smaller projects or budget-constrained organizations.

• • Limited Penetration. LiDAR struggles to penetrate through dense vegetation or fog, making it less effective in certain environments.

• • Data Processing Challenges. The vast amount of data collected by LiDAR requires specialized software and expertise to process and interpret. This can be a challenge for some users.

• • Environmental Concerns. Some concerns exist about the potential impact of LiDAR on wildlife, particularly birds, due to the use of lasers. However, research suggests that these impacts are minimal.

HOW CAN A LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR HELP YOU WITH BOTH LiDAR AND GROUND-RUN SURVEYING?

Whenever you have a property of any type or size that needs to be surveyed, particularly for construction projects and land purchases, a licensed land surveyor can be your trusted guide. They can help you determine what type of survey best suits your specific needs and what data-gathering methodologies are ideal for property.

1. Use LiDAR for Fast, Big Picture Insights

●       Large-scale projects. If you’re tackling a vast area like a highway construction project, a surveyor can utilize LiDAR to quickly capture the terrain’s intricate details, providing a comprehensive 3D model for efficient planning and decision-making.

●       Rapid data acquisition. Need precise data fast? LiDAR’s high-speed data collection capabilities can expedite the process, saving you precious time and resources, especially for time-sensitive projects like disaster response or emergency planning.

●       Accessibility and safety. LiDAR can safely map hazardous or difficult-to-reach areas like steep cliffs or dense forests, minimizing risk to human surveyors while providing crucial data for tasks like infrastructure inspection or environmental monitoring.

2. Use a Traditional Ground-Run Survey for Smaller Projects Requiring Precision and Control.

●       Smaller, intricate projects. For smaller areas like a property line dispute or a building foundation, traditional surveying methods like theodolite and tape measurements offer unrivaled accuracy and control. This is crucial for ensuring precise measurements and avoiding costly errors, especially in legally sensitive situations.

●       Detailed site investigation. Traditional methods allow for a meticulous examination of specific points, enabling the surveyor to identify subtle changes in elevation, underground utilities, or potential structural issues that LiDAR might miss.

●       Cost-effectiveness. For smaller projects where budget is a concern, traditional surveying methods can be a more cost-effective option compared to the upfront investment required for LiDAR equipment and expertise.

3. A Blend of Both Methods Are Sometimes In Order

●       Expert advice. Your surveyor will act as a trusted advisor, analyzing your project needs and recommending the most efficient and cost-effective combination of LiDAR and traditional methods to achieve your desired results.

●       Data integration. Surveyors skilled in both LiDAR and traditional methods can seamlessly integrate data from both sources, creating a comprehensive and accurate picture of your project area.

●       Holistic approach. By leveraging the strengths of both approaches, your surveyor can provide you with a more complete understanding of your project site, enabling informed decision-making and maximizing the value of your investment.

Overall, both ground-run surveys and LiDAR scanning offer amazing opportunities for landowners, real estate developers, local municipalities and more. It’s important to be aware of the benefits and drawbacks associated with both methods before requesting either for a specific surveying project.

A licensed land surveyor is a valuable partner in navigating the complexities of land surveying. Choosing one with expertise in both LiDAR and traditional methods ensures you get the best of both worlds, helping you leverage the strengths of each approach for your specific needs. In the end, it will lead to accurate results, efficient workflows, and peace of mind in your project.