Topographic survey
A topographic survey maps the shape of the land: elevations, contours, slopes, drainage, trees, structures and utilities. Architects, engineers and builders design from it. On a mountain lot it is the difference between a house that fits the hill and one that fights it.
When you need it
- You are designing a house, cabin or commercial building on sloped land
- An engineer needs existing conditions for grading, drainage or a retaining wall
- A site plan or stormwater submittal needs contours
- You want to know how steep a lot really is before you buy or design
What you get
- A drawing with contours, spot elevations and located features
- A digital file your architect or engineer can design on
- Property lines shown with the topography when combined with a boundary survey
What we need from you
- The property address and parcel number
- What the survey is for and who will use it (architect, engineer, builder)
- The area to cover and the contour interval if your designer has a preference
- Any plans or sketches of what you intend to build
You can also stop by the office in Sevierville with your deed or an old plat and we will look at it with you.
Timing and cost
Scope drives the schedule: a building footprint on a half acre is a different job from a whole tract. Tell us what the designer needs and we quote the right amount of survey.
Every job is quoted after we look at the property and the records. There is no charge for the quote.
Questions about topographic survey
What does an architect need from a topo?
Usually contours at one or two foot intervals, spot elevations at key points, trees over a certain size, the driveway and utilities, and the property lines. We ask your designer directly so nothing is missed.
Can you combine it with a boundary survey?
Yes, and on a build it is usually the right call, so the design sits correctly inside the lines and setbacks.
