Professional Contour Surveys in Perth
A contour survey provides detailed information about the shape and levels of your land. Engineers and architects need this data to design drainage systems, plan earthworks, and ensure buildings are positioned at the correct heights. At City Land Surveyors Perth, we provide accurate contour surveys that form the foundation for successful development projects.
Perth's varied terrain – from flat coastal areas to the undulating Perth Hills – means understanding your site's topography is essential before construction begins. Our contour surveys capture ground levels across your property and present them as contour lines, making it easy to visualise how water will flow and where cut and fill earthworks will be needed.
What is a Contour Survey?
A contour survey (also called a topographic survey or levels survey) captures the ground surface levels across your property. The survey data is processed to produce:
- Spot levels: Individual height measurements at specific points across the site, shown as RL (Reduced Level) values
- Contour lines: Lines connecting points of equal elevation, typically at 0.1m, 0.25m, 0.5m or 1.0m intervals depending on site gradient
- Digital terrain model: A 3D surface model that can be used in civil engineering software for earthworks calculations
Contour intervals are selected based on your project needs. Flat sites typically use 0.1m or 0.25m contours to show subtle grade changes, while steeper Perth Hills properties might use 0.5m or 1.0m intervals.
When Do You Need a Contour Survey in Perth?
Contour surveys are essential for:
- Drainage design: Engineers need level data to design stormwater systems that drain correctly. Perth councils require drainage plans for most development applications.
- Earthworks planning: Calculate cut and fill volumes before construction, helping you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
- Building pad levels: Determine the optimal finished floor level for new buildings relative to existing ground and neighbouring properties.
- Retaining wall design: Understanding existing levels is critical for designing retaining walls, especially on sloping Perth blocks.
- Subdivision planning: Assess site grades before planning lot layouts and road alignments for subdivisions.
- Pool construction: Pool builders need accurate levels to plan excavation and design surrounding areas.
- Landscaping projects: Large landscaping jobs need level surveys for grading, terracing, and drainage.
Contour Survey vs Feature Survey
A contour survey focuses specifically on ground levels and topography. A feature survey captures all site features including buildings, fences, trees, and services, as well as levels and contours.
For most development projects in Perth, you'll need both – which is why we typically combine them into a comprehensive detail survey that includes everything. However, if you only need level information (for example, for drainage design on an existing property), a contour-only survey can be more cost-effective.
Understanding Contour Lines
Contour lines on a survey plan tell you about your land's shape:
- Closely spaced contours: Steep ground – water flows quickly, may need retaining walls
- Widely spaced contours: Gentle slopes – easier to build on, slower drainage
- Parallel contours: Consistent slope direction
- V-shaped contours: Indicate valleys or drainage lines where water collects
- Closed contour circles: Hills (if numbers increase inward) or depressions (if numbers decrease)
Our survey plans clearly label contour values so you can easily understand your site's topography. We use Australian Height Datum (AHD) where required, or local benchmarks for residential projects.
Our Contour Survey Process
- Quote and booking: Tell us about your project requirements. We'll provide a detailed quote and schedule your survey within 3-5 business days.
- Field survey: Our surveyors visit your Perth property with precision GPS and total station equipment. We capture a grid of levels across the site, with additional points at key features like high/low spots, drainage lines, and changes in grade.
- Data processing: We process the field data using professional surveying software to generate accurate contour lines and surface models.
- Plan delivery: You receive your contour survey in PDF format with CAD files (DWG/DXF) for your engineer or architect. 3D surface data can be provided in various formats on request.
Contour Survey Costs in Perth
Contour survey pricing depends on property size and required detail:
- Standard residential block (under 1000m²): $800 - $1,400
- Larger residential (1000-2000m²): $1,400 - $2,000
- Combined with feature survey: Typically $1,500 - $2,500 for a complete site survey
- Large or complex sites: Quote on application
Prices include PDF and CAD deliverables. Contact us for a free quote specific to your Perth property.
Contour Surveys Across Perth
We provide contour survey services throughout Perth and Western Australia. Our team has extensive experience with Perth's varied terrain, from flat sandy coastal suburbs to challenging Perth Hills properties with significant grade changes. We service all suburbs including Fremantle, Joondalup, Rockingham, Mandurah, Midland, Armadale, Kalamunda, and surrounding areas.
Related Services
- Feature Survey Perth – Combined feature and level survey
- Detail Survey – Comprehensive site documentation
- Subdivision Survey – For land division projects
- Engineering Survey – Support for civil works