What a detail and contour survey shows
A detail survey (also called a topographic or site survey) measures the physical features of a property and presents them on a scaled plan. Depending on the scope, it can include existing buildings and floor levels, fences, retaining walls, driveways, trees with spread and height, visible services such as pits and poles, kerb and footpath levels, and contours across the site.
For development applications, councils and designers often need information about neighbouring properties too, such as nearby buildings, window and ridge levels, and the levels along the boundaries. Tell us what your designer or council requires and we will include it in the scope.
Why accurate levels matter in the Illawarra
Many Illawarra properties are on the slopes below the escarpment or near the coast, where small level differences affect driveway grades, stormwater design, excavation, retaining walls and building height. Accurate levels help your designer get the floor levels, overland flow and building envelope right the first time, and reduce costly redesigns once the project reaches council or the certifier.
Detail survey and boundary information
A detail survey shows boundaries based on the title information, but it does not always involve a full boundary definition. Where the design is tight to a boundary, or setbacks are critical, ask for the boundaries to be fully investigated as part of the job. See boundary surveys.
What affects the cost of a detail and contour survey
Site size and slope matter most. A flat 600 m² block in Albion Park is quicker to survey than a steep, vegetated lot below the escarpment at Mount Keira or Austinmer. Other factors are the number of trees to be located, whether neighbouring buildings, windows and ridge levels must be shown for your DA, whether the boundaries need full definition, and the CAD layers or format your designer needs.
Sending your architect's or designer's brief with the quote request means the survey shows everything they need the first time, so you don't pay for a return visit. If a subdivision or set-out will follow, mention it and we can plan the surveys together.
When you may need one
- Before an architect or building designer starts a new home, extension or duplex
- For a development application (DA) or complying development certificate (CDC)
- Before planning a subdivision, granny flat or knock-down rebuild
- For engineering design of driveways, retaining walls or stormwater
- When buying a sloping or difficult block and assessing what can be built
How it works
Scope
We confirm what your designer, council or certifier needs shown.
Field work
We measure levels, features and boundaries on site.
Processing
Data is processed and drafted into a plan with contours and levels.
Delivery
You receive digital CAD (DWG) and PDF files ready for your designer.
What you receive
- Detail and contour plan in PDF
- CAD file (DWG) for your architect or designer
- Levels to the datum agreed in the quote, typically Australian Height Datum (AHD) where required
To get an accurate quote, send us:
- Property address
- What you are planning to build
- Any brief or checklist from your architect, designer or council
- Whether neighbouring buildings, windows or ridge levels need to be shown
- Your deadline and any access constraints
Detail & Contour Surveys FAQs
Do I need a detail survey for a DA in Wollongong?
Most development applications for new buildings or significant alterations need a site survey showing levels and existing features. Check the requirements with your designer or the relevant council, such as Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council or Kiama Municipal Council.
What is the difference between a detail survey and a contour survey?
A contour survey focuses on ground levels and contour lines. A detail survey also records buildings, trees, services and other features. Most residential projects need both, so they are usually done together.
What file formats do you provide?
Detail surveys are typically supplied as PDF and CAD (DWG) files. Tell us if your designer needs a particular format or layer setup.
How long is a detail survey valid?
There is no fixed expiry, but the plan only reflects the site when it was surveyed. If structures, trees or levels have changed, or the survey is several years old, your designer may ask for an update.
How much does a detail and contour survey cost?
The price depends on the size of the site, slope, vegetation, the amount of detail needed and whether neighbouring features are included. Send the address and your designer's requirements for a fixed-price quote.