While summer is generally the best time for land surveys, some other seasons like winter are good for performing a survey of a property. Many people don’t think land surveying should be done in the wintertime because of the cold weather and frozen ground. But the truth is, there are several benefits of winter land surveying that you might know about. In fact, professional land surveys can be conducted at any time of year. Continue reading to learn more.
How Does Cold Weather Impact Surveying?
As long as it’s not snowing heavily, winter surveying isn’t too different from the rest of the year. Most land surveyors can work even in heavily forested areas. However, if there’s too much snow on the ground, this could impact how the surveyors will make measurements. Ice-covered grounds might slow down work but not totally stop them from surveying the land.
Benefits of Winter Land Surveying
Availability of Land Surveyors
Similar to the construction industry, land surveyors experience a peak season and off-season. In the spring and summer, surveying companies have a fully booked schedule and a waitlist for appointments. Hiring a land surveyor during these months can be difficult.
On the other hand, surveyors can accommodate their clients during the winter season. This is the time when companies are less busy, which means they can take on more projects. It’s easier to find a surveyor who can work on your project as soon as possible. If you need to get a land survey, consider having it done in the winter instead of postponing it to a later date.
Speed and Efficiency
Since trees do not shed leaves during winter, land surveys can be faster and more efficient. There’s no leafy tree canopy to obstruct satellite GPS and drones. Less foliage means more visibility and a better GPS signal. It’s a lot easier to see boundary lines when the trees are not in full bloom. That’s why the winter season gives a better view from above.
In addition, wintertime facilitates efficient surveying because grounds and bodies of water are frozen. Depending on the thickness of the ice, it’s easier to traverse on swamps and lakes.
Faster Updates
During the off-season, companies have less work and few clients. That’s why they have more time to come back out and check the site again. The winter season gives them an opportunity to update maps and fill in missing or inaccurate data. It’s also a great time to gather information and elevations for any new utilities. If a previous client asks for more refined or updated data, surveyors can directly fetch it from their database.
In general, land surveyors update their GIS maps during colder months. By updating their GIS and database, they can document if structures have recently been built on the property. This will allow them to complete condition assessments and scout potential locations for future projects.
Construction Headway
If you’re starting a construction project in spring or summer, winter is the best time to begin a preliminary land survey. While it’s not possible to break ground in winter, you can still hire a land surveyor in your area. Most companies are available during the off-season when there isn’t much demand from clients.
By getting the survey done in colder months, you’ll have some construction headway and proceed with the project come springtime. Construction crews can get to the site as soon as the weather warms up.
Cons of Winter Surveying
- Extreme blizzards will halt the work completely
- A thick snow layer might cover property corners and fences
- The cold weather might freeze the lubrication for the survey equipment
- Snowy surfaces cause slip-and-fall accidents
- Digging pins through frozen grounds can be quite difficult
Turn to Us for Surveying Expertise
Whether it’s a topographic or boundary survey, Pittsburgh Land Surveyors got you covered. We provide comprehensive land surveys, at any time of the year. Regardless of the season, our surveyors can complete our projects with top-notch accuracy and efficiency. We can measure and map different properties using our expertise and specialized technology. Our team is fully trained to perform flood elevation certification, ALTA surveys, and more.
Feel free to get in touch with our staff today to get an estimate. We look forward to working with you soon!
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