A measured building survey is a detailed plan, outlining the various features and dimensions of a property.
By working alongside a measured building surveyor, a property owner will be able to better manage their assets.
There are a number of techniques and forms of survey which can be incorporated into a measured building survey, including laser scanning surveying, 3D modelling, floor plans, and internal photo imaging.
Laser Scanning Surveying and 3D Modelling Laser surveying uses beams of infrared light to generate a 3D model (or "point cloud") of a given object, building or area.
The laser surveying equipment collects data on thousands of individual points and uses them to generate the model.
The model can be used to generate some of the recognisable elements of a measured building survey; floor plans and the like.
The model is also a great tool when putting together presentations or other displays.
If development of a site is being considered, then point cloud can be used to generate a "fly through" of the area as it currently is.
Laser scanning surveying is carried out quickly and remotely.
In many cases, the measured building surveyor may need access to the site only once, so the survey can be conducted with the minimum of intrusion.
It also means that hazardous areas can be surveyed remotely - particularly useful if, for example, the property owner is considering the redevelopment of a decaying building.
Floor Plans Floor plans are the element of a measured building survey with which property owners are most likely to be familiar.
They offer a detailed breakdown of the dimensions of the property, along with important structural features such as doorways, windows and stairs.
Additional features can be incorporated if the client wishes (e.
g.
radiators, power outlets, lights, switches).
Internal Photo Imaging Whilst technical detail is vital to understanding a property, it can help to have a visual aid.
Internal photo imaging can help clients make sense of all the technical detail that is being thrown at them and to better interpret what it all means in practice.
In addition to providing a strong visual record of an existing site, it can also be used where a client site visit is not possible, for whatever reason.
Some measured building surveyors will provide a set of full colour photographs.
Increasingly, however, the digital revolution has driven the move towards 360 displays.
Here, a number of high definition photographs are taken of the chosen area and then collated into a single, 360 diorama.
This image is hosted online and can be accessed by the client via a surveyor-supplied hyperlink.
Digital tools allow the client to rotate the image through 360° and zoom in on particular areas if they wish.