Angell Surveys
Based in London · Covers UK-wide Accreditation stated by provider: RICSOwn websiteUK-wide
01 · Planning stage · Planning
Topographical survey
A topographical survey measures the exact shape, levels and features of your site, and is usually the first thing an architect or designer needs before drawing up plans, especially on sloping ground or where levels matter to the design.
DWGuide by Dan Wallis · Updated 4 October 2026
This guide covers the rules in England. See Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Who needs oneAnyone designing a new building, extension on sloping ground, or a scheme where levels and boundaries need to be exact
Who can do itA land or building surveyor using GPS or total station equipment
WhenAt the very start, before design work begins
18 land surveyors listed across the UK
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Find land surveyors by region
National providers (14)
Castle Surveys
Based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire · Covers UK-wide (regional hubs) Accreditation stated by provider: TSAOwn websiteUK-wide
Cockrams Surveying
Based in Truro, Cornwall · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: RICSOwn websiteUK-wide
CSL Surveys
Based in Morley, Leeds · Covers UK-wide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Geotechnical Engineering Ltd
Based in Gloucester · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Greenhatch Group
Based in Little Eaton, Derby · Covers UK-wide and international Accreditation stated by provider: RICS, TSA, CICESOwn websiteUK-wide
J C White Geomatics Ltd
Based in Hythe, Kent · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Kemp Chartered Land and Engineering Surveyors
Based in Redruth & Exeter · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: RICS, TSAOwn websiteUK-wide
Redbox Surveys
Based in Crewe, Cheshire · Covers UK-wide (satellite offices) Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Solidpoint
Based in Not stated · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
SUMO Services
Based in Havant, Hampshire · Covers UK-wide (7 regional offices) Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Survey Solutions
Based in Solihull, West Midlands · Covers Nationwide (16 UK offices) Accreditation stated by provider: GSAOwn websiteUK-wide
THS Concepts
Based in Essex & London · Covers South East England and UK-wide Accreditation stated by provider: TSAOwn websiteUK-wide
XP Surveys
Based in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire · Covers London, the Home Counties and the wider UK Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Regional providers (check they cover your area) (2)
BES Geomatics
Based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire · Covers Bedfordshire and surrounding areas Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn website
Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants
Based in Alcester, Warwickshire · Covers Warwickshire, Staffordshire and surrounding areas Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn website
What gets measured
- Ground levels across the site, including slopes and changes in level
- Boundaries, walls, fences, trees and other fixed features
- Existing buildings, drainage covers, and services visible at the surface
- Often delivered as a CAD drawing your architect can design directly onto
Why it matters
Accurate levels affect drainage design, finished floor heights, overlooking and overshadowing, and how a scheme sits with neighbouring properties. Designing from guessed levels risks costly changes later, so most architects ask for a topographical survey before producing detailed drawings.
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
This guide describes the rules in England. Building regulations are devolved, so here is how topographical survey works in the rest of the UK.
Wales
The same surveying methods and standards apply across Wales.
Scotland
The same surveying methods and standards apply across Scotland.
Northern Ireland
The same surveying methods and standards apply across Northern Ireland.
Common questions
Do I need one for a simple extension?
On flat, straightforward sites it’s sometimes skipped, but anywhere levels, drainage or boundaries are in question, it’s worth having one.
How long does a survey take?
A typical residential garden can be surveyed in a few hours; larger or more complex sites take longer.
What format do I get the results in?
Usually a CAD drawing (DWG) your architect or designer can work from directly, plus a PDF plan.
Does it include underground services?
A standard topographical survey shows visible surface features like covers and manholes, not what’s underground; a separate utility survey is needed for buried services.
New to the jargon? See our glossary of terms, from air permeability to TrustMark.