As-Built Survey Fieldwork in Toronto

What was needed

The project team needed field measurements of what had actually been built, rather than relying only on the design drawings. An as-built survey records the actual position and elevation of constructed features, so the measured conditions can be compared with the design and kept in the project record.

The surveying work we carried out

• As-built survey fieldwork in Toronto, collecting measurements to document existing constructed conditions
• Instrument setups on the sidewalk at the corner of a signalized street intersection

Site conditions

Our site photos show a signalized intersection with painted crosswalks, sidewalks and curbs, overhead wires, houses close to the street and a parking lot across the road. Surveying in this kind of setting means planning instrument positions around traffic, pedestrians and nearby structures.

Methods and equipment

The fieldwork was carried out with a robotic total station on a tripod, set up on the sidewalk at the corner of the intersection.

What makes urban as-built measurements dependable

In tight urban settings, dependable as-built measurements rely on suitable survey control, careful instrument placement and checked observations as much as on the instrument itself.

How as-built information is used

Measured as-built information gives contractors, engineers and project managers a record of existing construction at the time of the survey. It can support engineering review, construction documentation, record drawings and coordination with the next stage of work. It is most useful when the survey is timed while the work is still accessible.