MEASURED BUILDING SURVEY
Normally consisting of 2D plans encompassing Floor Plans & Elevations of a building Measured building surveys provide the critical data needed for a variety of projects and can help reduce risks and avoid costly mistakes. 
  • Design and planning: Architects and designers use the survey data as a basis for creating accurate plans for refurbishments, extensions, and redevelopments.
  • Renovations and extensions: The survey ensures new designs will integrate seamlessly with the existing structure.
  • Legal compliance: Local authorities often require a measured survey for planning permission or building regulation applications.
  • Historic preservation: Surveys document the precise details of heritage buildings for restoration and conservation efforts.
  • Space management: Property managers and landlords use surveys to calculate internal areas for lease plans and to optimize space utilization. 
Technology and methods
Surveyors use a combination of technologies to perform a measured building survey. 
  • 3D laser scanning: Advanced scanners rapidly capture millions of data points, creating a high-density "point cloud" that forms the foundation for 2D plans or 3D models.
  • Total stations: Highly accurate, tripod-mounted equipment is used to record individual measurement points.
  • Manual measurements: Traditional tools like laser measurers and tape measures are still used for smaller, intricate, or hard-to-reach areas.
  • Photography: On-site photos are taken to aid in drawing up the plans and to provide visual context. 
Common deliverables
The outputs of a measured survey vary based on the project's specific requirements, budget, and timeline. 
  • 2D CAD Drawings:
    • Floor plans: Detailed layout of a property's internal floors.
    • Elevations: 2D views of the building's facade.
    • Sections: Views of the building's internal structure as if it were cut open.
    • Roof plans: Diagrams of the roof's structure.
  • 3D Models:
    • BIM models: 3D Building Information Models, often in Revit format, used for complex projects.
    • Point cloud data: The raw digital data captured by laser scanners.
  • Other formats: PDFs and printed copies of the drawings may also be provided.