TL;DR: Preparing for a topographic survey in Tulsa involves sharing property records, clearing site access, trimming vegetation, and identifying known features. These steps help surveyors collect accurate elevation data efficiently and reduce the likelihood of return visits.
A topographical survey Tulsa records a property’s ground elevations and the location of its natural and built features. Engineers, architects, and contractors use this map to plan grading, drainage, driveways, foundations, and utilities before anything is built. Topographic surveys are most often ordered for new construction, additions, site development, and drainage problems. If you need to know exactly where your property lines are, you need a boundary survey, which can be combined with a topo survey.
A completed topographic survey typically shows ground elevations, contour lines, buildings, driveways, fences, trees, and other visible site features. It can also document drainage paths, slopes, and visible utility features, along with underground lines where these have been located. This information helps engineers and builders understand the site’s existing conditions and assess how the terrain may affect future development
How a Topographic Survey Is Done
The process of conducting a land survey begins before the crew arrives at your property. They will begin by gathering information about the project and learning your requirements. This allows the surveyor to plan their schedule and determine the price. From there, the survey team will consider various factors, including the:
- Specific type of survey.
- Type of terrain.
- Equipment required.
- Project timing.
- Access to the property.
- Availability of existing records.
Once the consultation and initial research are complete, the crew will conduct the topographic survey. For this, the team will:
- Collect data at the property.
- Process the data and prepare a final report.
- Review all information to determine accuracy.
- Deliver the survey record to the client.
As with most modern Oklahoma surveying work, field crews collect data with GPS receivers and robotic total stations. On large, open, or hard-to-walk sites, Sisemore & Associates can also use UAV (drone) mapping and 3D laser scanning to capture detail faster. The final drawing is reviewed and signed by a licensed Professional Land Surveyor.
Preparing for a Topographical Survey Tulsa
As a property owner, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your topographical survey Tulsa runs as smoothly as possible.
1. Determine What Type of Survey You Need
There are many overlaps between the types of surveys. Starting out with an understanding of these types can help you determine what type of services you should look for:
- Boundary surveys locate a property’s boundary lines and corners.
- Topographical surveys focus on topographic features.
- Construction surveys are essential when building new structures.
- Location surveys provide information on a property’s interior improvements.
- Site planning surveys combine data from boundary and topographic surveys.
- Subdivision surveys help divide a property into smaller tracts, lots, or estates.
Of course, experienced surveyors will be able to help you determine what type of survey you need for your project. Tell them what you plan to build and who will use the survey (your architect, engineer, or the city), because that decides how much detail and what contour interval the drawing needs.
2. Share the Key Information that You Have
Established land surveying firms have the experience required to get all of the information needed for a successful land survey. However, sharing any documentation that you already have can help the process move on a good timeline.Useful documents include your deed, the recorded plat, any previous surveys, site or building plans, septic system drawings, and HOA covenants or easement documents.
3. Give the Crew Clear Access
Unlock gates or share gate codes, and let the office know about any locked areas. Keep dogs and other pets indoors on survey day. Move vehicles, trailers, and stored materials away from the areas being mapped where you can. If the property is rented, tell your tenants a crew will be on site.
4. Mow and Trim the Site
Tall grass and thick brush hide the ground surface, slowing the crew and reducing accuracy. Mow the lawn and trim back overgrown areas a few days ahead. Avoid moving dirt, regrading, or adding fill before the survey, because the map should show the ground as it actually is.
5. Flag Features You Know About
Mark or uncover septic tank lids, cleanouts, irrigation boxes, and well heads so they are not missed. If you know where iron pins or other property markers are, point them out, but never move or remove them.
6. Plan for Underground Utilities
A topo survey records what is visible at the surface. Buried lines need to be located separately. In Oklahoma, utility locates go through OKIE811, the state’s one-call center. Ask your surveyor whether a locate request is needed for your project and who will place it.
7. Let Your Neighbors Know
Crews sometimes need to check nearby corners or shoot elevations along shared fence lines. A quick heads-up to neighbors avoids surprises.
8. Think About Timing
Heavy spring rain and storms can delay fieldwork in northeast Oklahoma. On wooded lots, late fall and winter, after leaves drop, gives the crew better visibility.
FAQs
How long does a topographic survey take?
Fieldwork on a typical residential lot can often be finished in a day or less. Larger, wooded, or steep sites take longer, and drafting and review add time after fieldwork. Your surveyor will give you a timeline with the quote.
How much does a topographic survey cost in Tulsa?
The cost of an Oklahoma topographical survey depends on the size of the property, terrain, vegetation, the level of detail required, and the deliverables. Most firms, including Sisemore & Associates, quote after reviewing the site and project.
Do I need to be home during the survey?
Usually not, as long as the crew has safe access to the whole site and pets are secured. Before the appointment, confirm gate access, explain any site restrictions, and let the surveyor know about locked areas or features that may need special access. You should also provide a contact number in case the crew needs clarification while on site.
Key Takeaways
- A topographic survey maps elevations and features; it does not establish property lines.
- Know what you plan to build so the survey is scoped correctly.
- Share deeds, plats, previous surveys, and plans up front.
- Clear access, mowed grass, and secured pets make fieldwork faster and more accurate.
- Never move property pins, and plan utility locates through OKIE811.
Looking for Oklahoma Surveying Services?
The best way to prepare for a topographic survey is to find the right surveying team. At Sisemore & Associates, our team has the tools and expertise needed to efficiently conduct highly useful topographic surveys. Before your next project begins, get in touch. We are ready to provide accurate results to help make it a success.