What Is a Site Survey, and Why Is It Important?

An extensive site survey is critical to the success of your venture. A site survey examines the existing conditions, reveals the opportunities/constraints of the property, and analyzes how your venture fits within this vital site information. 

While you know that a site survey is critical to the success of your project, do you understand the finer details of what these surveys include? That’s why we want to take a deeper dive into the common question: What is a site survey, and how does it impact the overall scope of my project?

At Ballentine Associates, we embrace your vision and work closely with you to bring it to completion. Our professionalism and dedication to our clients set us apart as we serve customers in the Triangle region and surrounding counties. 

No matter what size of your project, we’re committed to your goals and we are invested in your success. We’re much more than a vendor. We want to be your partner. 

We are not only experts in all aspects of civil engineering and surveying, but we’re particularly gifted with an eye for even the most minute details. It’s a part of our mission: Integrity, Service, Results. Need more information on our site survey services? Just contact us to start the conversation.

What Is a Site Survey and Why are Site Surveys Important?

A site survey is a detailed examination of a piece of land or property that is slated for development.

During a site survey (or a land survey) we’ll carefully examine and accurately map out the boundary and shape of a piece of land. 

Are There Different Types of Site Surveys?

There are several different aspects to a site survey, and each land survey plays a critical role in creating a project that is on time, on budget and adhering to all the legal requirements. 

Some of these different facets include:

• Topography: We will carefully pinpoint the shape of the land, including hills, valleys and other features.
• Boundary survey: We accurately locate and map the property’s boundary lines, ensuring they align with the deed(s). 
• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys: These are critical and required by title companies. These show property lines, easements, utilities and access points. These details are vital to meet legal requirements.
• Tree surveys: It’s also important to show the location, size and types of trees that are on the property. 
• Wetland locations & mapping: Marshes and swamps are legally protected areas. This mapping also indicates flood-prone areas. This information pinpoints where they are before you build, so you can avoid costly violations and developmental setbacks.
• Terrestrial 3D laser scanning: We use advanced lasers to create an extensively detailed 3D map of the property to provide greater detail.
• Planimetric survey: This focuses on what is on the surface of the land, showing the precise location of everything on the site. This includes: buildings, roads, utility lines and manholes.
• Aerial LiDAR & Photogrammetry: LiDAR involves drones that fly over the land, carefully measuring the terrain with lasers and capturing hi-resolution aerial photos, which are instrumental in developing our 3D models.

What Information Can You Learn About a Property From a Site Survey?

What is a site survey? We answered this question and went into greater detail earlier about the wealth of information a site survey provides. This information helps you gauge the best way to move forward and ensures you meet all legal requirements. 

To recap, from a site survey, you can learn:

• Precise boundaries
• Topographic features
• Physical features
• If there are floodplains or protected wetlands

What Technology Is Used to Perform a Site Survey?

At Ballentine Associates, our successful projects are due to an intricate combination of the latest technology operated by experienced, professional land surveyors who are leaders in their field. 

Some of the technologies used to perform a site survey include:

• GPS/GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System): We use these so we can have exact location data…down to the centimeter. 
• Robotic Total Stations: These are automated instruments that measure angles and distances and can be controlled remotely to capture data.
• Laser Scanners: These are the key to creating our extensively detailed 3D maps and models. These models enable designers to perfectly envision the finished product and the steps needed to get them there.
• LiDAR: LiDAR drones enable us to capture photos and terrain data that we then use in our 3D models

Decades of Experience Combined With a Dedication to Excellence: Let Ballentine Associates Bring Precision to Your Project

At Ballentine Associates, we truly listen to our clients. 

We not only anticipate challenges, but we deliver timely and accurate solutions that work, helping ensure you meet all legal requirements. We’re dedicated to helping you navigate the extensive mountain of regulations and documentation that are required.

That’s why we pay so much attention to details, providing the highest-quality work. That’s why you can rely upon our technical expertise to handle the complexities –whether your venture is commercial, residential or mixed-use.

We offer:

• Land planning
• Civil engineering
• Surveying
• Due diligence
• Subsurface utility engineering

Are you ready to get started? Talk to us. We’d love to hear more about your project.