Often when any new, improved, or upgraded development (building, road, oval, bridge etc.) is to be constructed, the exact locations of these works are required to be set out by a surveyor.

They can be as simple as setting out a reference line to allow builders to position the building, although modern construction techniques allow for more detailed and intricately shaped buildings (often constructed off-site), so the need for precise set out is invaluable.
On a sloped site, surveyor’s equipment can measure horizontal distances. This is incredibly useful for builders who don’t often have access to the specialised hardware for these measurements. With the correct setup, the surveyor equipment can measure distances to within a few millimetres. They can also measure vertical distances which are invaluable in providing for cut and fill measurements when constructing a road, drain, or for setting out an excavation for a pipeline.
Having the right set out data at the outset is so important as it provides surety to the construction teams, reduces time loss, and allows those on site to do what they are experts in.
Surveyors can also use their knowledge to double-check design plans and create survey plans that have all information required for the set-out of the construction.
Surveyors will work with a project’s other professionals and contractors too, so as to determine what set out information is required. This allows the construction team to have a ‘plan of attack’ prior to site visits, helping minimise delays and making the process more efficient.
When the set out is complete surveyors can ensure a site handover is carried out, and provide set out plans for reference.