What are the methods of surveying?
Traditional and modern surveying methods each suit different sites. Here's how they compare, and when we use them.
Traditional and modern methods
Surveying draws on a range of techniques, and the right one depends on the site, the accuracy you need and what the data will be used for. Traditional methods such as chain surveying and plane table surveying still have their place on simple, relatively flat sites. Modern methods like GNSS (GPS) positioning, total stations, drone photogrammetry and LiDAR capture far more detail far more quickly, and are now the standard on most projects. In practice we often combine several methods on the one job.
How the terrain shapes the approach
On open, level ground a straightforward setup is usually the most cost-effective way to get an accurate result. On steep, rugged or heavily vegetated sites the picture changes. LiDAR and drone photogrammetry let us capture detailed ground and surface data over large or hard-to-reach areas without putting crews at risk, while GNSS gives precise positioning even in difficult conditions. Matching the method to the terrain is how we keep results accurate and costs sensible.
The methods we use at 5D Surveying
Our team works with GNSS positioning, total stations, terrestrial laser scanning and drone photogrammetry, alongside established ground methods where they suit the job. Whether your project is a single residential block or a large civil site around Bendigo and central Victoria, we'll choose the approach that delivers the accuracy you need.