Skip to content

Surveys vs Setting Out: How They Differ

Lucion Group

Lucion Group

7th June, 2024

Surveys and setting out work hand in hand for a successful project. We’ll shed light on the difference between surveys and setting out.

Land surveys and setting out surveys are both crucial for ensuring a successful construction project. Land surveys are used to understand the natural and built environment and there are a range of surveys available, like topographic surveys or drone surveys. Setting out surveys are a type of land survey used to mark out the exact positions of planned structures, utilities, roads and other elements on the ground.

Land surveys and setting out surveys are both offered by Lucion, but there are different process and reasons for carrying our either option. The below guide highlights the differences between land surveys and setting out, showing why one cannot replace the other.

The purpose of surveys:

There are many different types of surveys covering a range of different needs. For example, you may need a measured building survey, a 3D laser survey or utility identification surveys, which inspect underground utilities. Most surveys are the basis for measuring the natural and built environment, then mapping and modelling individual data points to create a bigger picture. An essential tool for architects and engineers, land surveys are essential because they can identify issues in the earlier stages of the construction process and the construction team can take the best course of action to undertake these projects. If issues are discovered during a development or construction project, they can cause major unnecessary delays and increased costs.

The purpose of setting out:

Setting out is the process of transferring the building design to the land itself and occurs after plans have been finalised using data from the relevant land surveys. These surveys are the bridge between the design on paper and a tangible structure on the ground. Ahead of small and large-scale construction projects or excavations, setting out engineers will accurately mark key positions on the ground extracted from drawings and plans.

At Lucion, we work closely with our clients and project managers to ensure that the points needing to be set out are included in the service, ranging from setting out key points only to a full point service. We also provide an ongoing service to monitor the points throughout the project to ensure they remain accurate and prevent any unnecessary delays or added costs.

Why both surveys and setting out are essential:

Surveys and setting out work together for a successful project. Land surveys are essential for ensuring accuracy and success while planning a construction project, determining property boundaries or evaluating topographical features whilst setting out can often be overlooked and skipped, particularly in smaller projects. Failing to transfer plans correctly can result in costly mistakes and a delay in project completion or overstretching budgets. Therefore, it is crucial that you correctly plan and undergo both land surveys and setting out surveys ahead of your construction project.

Choosing Lucion:

At Lucion, our experienced team of land and setting out surveyors carry out accurate and reliable surveys for projects of various sizes. We take pride in our commitment to delivering the highest standards to meet your project needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our land survey and setting out survey services.

Explore our Surveying Services

Testimonials

“We have been working with Lucion Delta-Simons since 2022 and their exhaustive investigation and thorough research into Airedale Group’s operations has provided us with an invaluable insight into the business and how we can effectively work towards our net zero objectives.”

Martin Leighton Group Procurement Director

Lucion Group successfully supported E4environment Ltd by conducting a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) assessment of anticipated operational emissions for a proposed project at Easton, Lincolnshire. The plans involved redeveloping a Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) and installing an Anaerobic Digestion plant.

In response to the Finch vs. Surrey County Council court ruling in June 2024, Lincolnshire County Council issued a Section 25 request for additional scrutiny of GHG emissions before planning consent could be granted. Lucion Group Associate Consultant, Rob Dadzie, submitted a detailed GHG emissions assessment and clear report addressing the council’s concerns. His expertise and support ensured the final submission met the latest Environmental Impact Assessment requirements.

The contribution of Lucion Group and Rob Dadzie to the project team meant the project successfully satisfied the Local Authority’s conditions, enabling Council members to determine unanimous approval of the final planning application. Once operational, the site will process 120,000 tonnes of feedstock per year, generating 5MW of renewable biogas energy to supply on-site cold storage and other facilities.

Deb Cairns Director

Lucion’s diligence and commitment to providing us with a service of high quality coupled with both integrity and honesty has been continuous and they have always been happy to provide advice and guidance on all matters related to the management of Asbestos Management. We will continue to use Lucion and would be hard pressed to find a company who understands our procedures and risks with such consideration and understanding. Lucion come highly recommended on all fronts

Helix Well Ops

Lucion provided a very competitive service and concise report to support our request for sampling of Hazardous Waste in relation to vessel disposal. The team were both efficient and comprehensive in their approach to the work. With a challenging deadline to achieve our submission for final report, they mobilised very quickly and provided regular updates during the process.

A very refreshing approach.

P&O Ferries

“For over 15 years, Lucion has been an invaluable partner to Freeland Horticulture Ltd, providing exceptional permeability testing services crucial to our success as the UK’s leading soil supplier.

Their UKAS-accredited geotechnical laboratory consistently delivers accurate and reliable results. Their comprehensive approach has been instrumental in ensuring the quality of our soil products for numerous projects, including our significant contribution to the Olympic Park.

Lucion’s technical expertise, coupled with their ability to tailor services to our specific needs, sets them apart. Their insightful recommendations help us optimise our products to meet the most stringent standards.

I wholeheartedly recommend Lucion to any organisation seeking top-tier geotechnical testing services. Their expertise and customer-focused approach make them an indispensable partner in our industry.”

Patricio Hudson Technical Manager and Business Development Manager

Lucion logomark

Register for IMPACT Bulletin

Lucion Impact Bulletin

Verified. Accredited. Certified. Trusted.