A Contour and Feature Survey a is site survey that can give you critical information about your property before you begin a land development project. You may also hear people refer to a Contour and Feature Survey as a Feature and Level Survey.
All land development, whether a small home extension or a full-scale subdivision and redevelopment project, should begin with a Contour and Feature Survey.
Therefore, whether you are a homeowner, builder, engineer, architect, or developer, a Contour and Feature Survey should become a staple in your development and project planning.
A Contour and Feature Survey will give you a detailed understanding of the existing site conditions of your property by locating the following:
- Spot levels and contours over the site.
- Significant features and visible services over the site.
- Significant trees (including trunk/canopy size) over the site and near site boundaries.
- Location of existing site building, garage/sheds including a floor level and levels on eaves, ridges and gutters.
- Location, type and height of all boundary fences or walls.
- Location of directly adjoining buildings, including set-backs and levels on eaves, ridges, parapets and gutters.
- Location of overlooking windows within 9m of site boundaries including head and sill heights and noting if they are habitable/non habitable.
- Location of neighboring buildings within 9m including gutter and roof heights.
- Road details including natures strip detail, visible services & crossovers directly in front of the site.
- Establishment of a TBM on or near the site.
- Survey connection to the nearest registered Australian Height Datum (AHD) benchmark.
When should I ask for a Contour and Feature Survey?
You may need a Contour and Feature Survey for a number of reasons:
- You should ask for one when you are planning any buildings on your property.
- This could mean a small addition to your property like a pool or garage, as well as large scale extensions or new home builds. Your development team (architect, engineer, builder), as well as local council, will use the information gathered to ensure your design fits the property, complies with regulations and is built accurately.
- You will need this survey completed if you are planning to subdivide your property.
- Council will need this survey, in addition to a Site Analysis Survey, to meet subdivision application and permit requirements.
- There may be more specific scenarios in which you need a Contour and Feature Survey.
- You may need to ask for this type of survey if an issue arises over floor levels and drainage on your property.
Contour and Feature surveys are crucial to helping you understand your property and maximise its wealth. For more information on how these vital surveys can assist your project, read out related blog here.
How can we help?
As Licensed Land Surveyors, Linear Land Surveying can assist you with Contour & Level Surveys.
Give Sam and team at Linear Land Surveying, (Melbourne land surveyors) a call on 9873 8888, or email survey@linearlandsurveying.com.au, for more information and help with your land surveying needs.
The information on this website is intended to be general in nature and is not personalised land development advice. It does not take into account your specific objectives, land development site or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and seek more specific advice from the professional team at Linear Land Surveying.
