Topographic Survey.
Before anyone can design on a site, they need to know what is there. A topographic survey maps the ground surface and the features on it: elevations, slopes, structures, walls, trees, drainage and visible utilities, delivered as a clean CAD base your design team can build on immediately.
Who typically needs this
- Architects starting design on a new build, addition or remodel
- Civil engineers preparing grading, drainage or street improvement plans
- Developers running feasibility on a parcel
- Homeowners whose city requires a topographic survey with the permit set
Common situations
- A hillside lot where slopes drive what can be built
- A new home, ADU or addition that needs a permit-ready site plan
- A drainage problem that requires accurate elevations to solve
- A commercial site being repositioned or expanded
What KEG does
- 01Establish survey control on the site tied to the datum your project requires
- 02Measure the surface: spot elevations, breaklines and contours
- 03Locate structures, hardscape, walls, trees and visible utilities
- 04Draft the survey into a layered CAD file at the scale you specify
What you receive
- Layered CAD base (DWG or the format your team uses)
- Contours and spot elevations at the interval your project needs
- PDF exhibits for permit submittals when required
Most jobs are completed in 1–2 weeks. Scope, schedule and price are confirmed with you before fieldwork begins.
What affects cost
- Site area and the level of detail required
- Terrain, vegetation density and access
- Contour interval and any special features to be located
- Whether boundary resolution is combined with the topo
What affects timing
- Site size and complexity of the drafting
- Weather and site access windows
- Agency-specific drafting requirements
Topographic Survey questions
What is the difference between a boundary survey and a topographic survey?
A boundary survey establishes the legal property lines. A topographic survey maps the physical surface and features. Many projects need both, and combining them in one mobilization is usually more efficient.
Can you match my architect's CAD standards?
Yes. Tell us the layers, units and datum your design team works in and the file will arrive ready to use.
Do you locate underground utilities?
We locate visible surface evidence of utilities. Full underground utility mapping requires specialty locating services, which we can coordinate around when your project needs it.