Contour & Detail Surveys Sydney

Get the site clarity you need to design, plan, and build with confidence.

  • Accurate contour & detail surveys to support design and approvals
  • Essential for DAs, site planning, and construction projects
  • Map ground levels, structures, vegetation & visible services
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What Is a Contour & Detail Survey?

A contour and detail survey, sometimes referred to as a topographic, detail and level, or site survey, maps the physical features and elevations of a property. It includes natural ground levels, structures, vegetation, and visible services across the site.

This type of survey forms the baseline for design work and development applications. It ensures your plans account for slope, drainage, access, and existing conditions, supporting both creative design and engineering precision.

If boundary accuracy is critical to your project, such as when building close to a fence or title edge, we may recommend a Detail & Boundary Identification Survey instead. This includes confirmed boundary positions based on title data and cadastral reference points.

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    Why You Need a Contour & Detail Survey

    Contour and detail surveys provide essential baseline information for anyone involved in the planning, approval, or construction process. These surveys are commonly required when:

    Submitting a development application to local council

    Designing a new home, extension, or secondary dwelling

    Assessing drainage design or site grading

    Planning excavation or earthworks

    Evaluating the impact of slope on building platforms or access

    Having this survey completed early helps reduce design errors, avoid planning delays, and support more accurate construction outcomes.

    Construction site heavy equipment

    What’s Included in a Contour & Detail Survey?

    Our contour and detail surveys typically capture:

    • Land contours and surface levels – Elevations and slopes mapped across the site for grading, drainage, and structure positioning
    • Existing buildings and structures – House footprints, garages, sheds, retaining walls, and other built features
    • Fencing and vegetation – Trees, shrubs, landscaped features, and boundary fences
    • Visible utilities and services – Water meters, sewer pits, electrical poles, drainage lines, and stormwater features
    • Access points and surrounding features – Driveways, footpaths, roads, kerbs, easements, and relevant details of neighbouring properties

    This comprehensive snapshot ensures your project team is designing and building based on real site conditions, not assumptions.

    Our Process

    At MCS Surveyors, we follow a professional process that ensures quality outcomes for every project:

    1
    Initial consultation

    We clarify the survey purpose, site conditions, and deliverable format

    2
    Site Fieldwork

    A licensed surveyor visits your property to conduct on-site measurements using total stations, GNSS, and level instruments

    3
    Drafting & Quality Control

    Data is processed into clear, detailed plans and checked against project requirements

    4
    Delivery

    Final survey plans are provided in digital formats for use by architects, engineers, planners, or council staff

    Council Submission Requirements

    Most local councils across New South Wales require a current contour and detail survey as part of the planning or approval process. This survey assists in:

    • Establishing natural ground level for height control compliance
    • Checking building envelope and setback requirements
    • Planning earthworks and cut/fill volumes
    • Assessing stormwater drainage paths and onsite detention design
    • Identifying potential conflicts with easements or existing services

    We ensure that all survey plans are prepared to meet local government and certifier standards, giving your application the best chance of progressing smoothly.

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    Why Choose MCS Surveyors?

    With years of experience and thousands of completed projects across Sydney and NSW, MCS Surveyors is a trusted name for reliable, compliant surveying services.

    • Accredited, Experienced Registered Surveyors
    • Thousands of successful surveys completed
    • Fast turnaround with clear, compliant documentation
    • Extensive knowledge of council and authority approval processes

    We take the stress out of final approvals by providing high-quality, council-ready Asbuilt Survey plans you can depend on.

    Request a Contour & Detail Survey

    If you're preparing for a development application, construction certificate, or planning your next project, MCS Surveyors can provide the survey data you need.

    Contact us today to request a quote or get guidance on whether you require a contour and detail survey, a boundary identification survey, or both.

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    Get In Touch

    Our 30 years of combined experience in this industry has allowed us to consistently provide the best survey services to our clients for their residential, commercial, civil, and industrial properties in Sydney & Wollongong. Get in touch today for free preliminary advice and quote.

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