Service

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.

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.

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.

Initial consultation

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

Site Fieldwork

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

Drafting & Quality Control

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

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.

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.

Enquire Now

Contour & Detail Surveys Sydney

What Is a Contour & Detail Survey?

Why You Need a Contour & Detail Survey

What’s Included in a Contour & Detail Survey?

Land contours and surface levels

Existing buildings and structures

Fencing and vegetation

Visible utilities and services

Access points and surrounding features

Our Process