Every role has its own set of challenges depending on the nature of the job and industry. This includes land surveying. In every project, professional land surveyors need to perform their duties and obtain accurate survey results. With so many boundaries to measure, errors in measurements or calculations might occur.
Another main challenge they need to overcome is navigating difficult terrain and dense vegetation. Land surveying in high-vegetation areas makes the job more challenging due to obstructed views. However, there are different workarounds to successfully perform a survey even in the presence of trees and thick bushes. Continue reading to learn more about conducting a land survey in high vegetation.
Problems Posed by Dense Vegetation
Obstructed Views
Thick, dense vegetation can cause obstructed views in the area. Boundary lines, terrain features, and natural landmarks might not be visible, leading to inaccurate measurements. Some potential consequences of surveying errors include legal disputes and financial issues.
If a huge tree blocks the line of sight, the land surveyor needs to use advanced techniques to obtain accurate results. To overcome this challenge, professional surveyors may use drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to capture maps of the land survey.
Inaccurate Measurements
If a land surveyor makes an error due to dense vegetation, this could lead to fines and construction delays. Conducting a survey with inaccurate measurements may cause damage to the surveyor’s reputation. In high-vegetation areas, it’s difficult to obtain precise measurements when the line of sight is obstructed.
Fortunately, there are several techniques used to produce accurate land survey results. Latest technologies like GPS and 3D laser scanning are used to measure distances and elevations precisely. These can capture data and imagery of the land from an elevated position. Here are the other techniques used to obtain accurate measurements even in areas with dense vegetation:
- Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
- Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)
- Aerial Photography
- Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM)
- Traverse Surveys
Additional Time for Clearing Obstructions
Sometimes, it might be necessary to clear vegetation along the property line. Manual clearing of vegetation is challenging and time-consuming. The amount of labor required depends on the area that needs to be surveyed. Regardless of the type of vegetation present, removing obstructions takes too much time for the land surveyors. Instead of manual clearing, techniques like LiDAR and aerial photography are recommended.
Best Ways To Survey High-Vegetation Areas
LiDAR Technology
An acronym for light detection and ranging, LiDAR is a method for creating 3D models using lasers. This technology emits laser beams that can penetrate vegetation. Aside from creating maps in areas with high vegetation cover, LiDAR is used for measuring ground elevation and identifying land features. Since it’s a laser-based technology, this tool can survey large areas quickly and efficiently.
However, LiDAR technology has its limitations. Typically, the equipment used is carried in an airplane and flown over the high-vegetation area. That’s why the cost of equipment and data processing is higher than traditional surveying techniques. Another disadvantage is that LiDAR equipment is bulky, which makes them difficult to transport on-site.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Another technique for surveying high-vegetation areas is GPS technology. Signals from GPS satellites aren’t only used for navigation. Specialized GPS equipment can provide more accurate measurements in areas, including those with dense vegetation.
Like any other technology, GPS has its drawbacks. The presence of obstacles might still interfere with the GPS signals. When the signals are blocked, this can cause errors and discrepancies. To produce the most accurate results, all equipment and tools need to be calibrated regularly. This will prevent signal interference and inaccuracies in GPS measurements.
Turn To Us for Quality Surveying Services
Since land surveying in high vegetation areas presents unique challenges, you need to work with the best company. At Pittsburgh Land Surveyors, we are a top-rated surveying company throughout the PA area. Our team can handle all types of surveys, from residential properties to commercial buildings. With decades of experience, we ensure that every survey is as accurate as possible.
Whether your property is in a high-vegetation area or not, we will provide accurate mapping for your project. Our comprehensive services include mortgage surveys, as-built surveys, flood elevation certification, and more. To schedule an appointment with us, give us a call today. We would love to help you with your next project!
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