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

Mark Hughes and the surveyors we have used to complete our Asbestos surveys in Scotland for SSEN have been very easy to work with. They are responsive to queries we have had and are very helpful. Planning visits to all our sites, some being quite remote, has been straightforward thanks to them. The reports are detailed and completed in a very timely manner. We are delighted with the service.

Sarah Rendall Asset Inspection Team Manager – Highland - SSEN

Efficient and completed the works on time and to the required timescale.

Kev James Project Manager ‑ Water, Aviation and Highways - Morgan Sindall Infrastructure

Lucion has proven to be an invaluable partner in managing our asbestos compliance requirements since 2016. Their resident-focused approach, combined with technical expertise, has made them a trusted presence across our housing portfolio.

Their surveyors’ professional appearance and conduct have helped build resident confidence, while their thorough reporting and project management ensure we maintain the highest standards of safety.

The renewal of our contract to 2029 reflects our confidence in their continued excellence.

Sharon Taylor Procurement & Facilities Manager

It was really good to see the use of [Lucion’s] road/pavement recycling kit – something which I personally had not come across before. I think [Lucion’s] use of this innovation on one of our projects is a great initiative. This approach of work ticks many green boxes around recycling, carbon footprint and site efficiency.

Christopher Bright Senior Engineer

I recently attended Lucion’s Asbestos Awareness course at Severn Trent in Coventry. The course was led by Technical Consultant Adam Lomas, who demonstrated exceptional knowledge and expertise throughout the session.

Adam went above and beyond to ensure all participants fully understood the material. His breadth of knowledge across the subject matter was evident, and he handled questions with professionalism and clarity.

Adam is a real credit to Lucion, and I would highly recommend this course to anyone requiring asbestos awareness training.

Roy Clifton Severn Trent

Lucion logomark

Register for IMPACT Bulletin

Lucion Impact Bulletin

Verified. Accredited. Certified. Trusted.