One thing you can often see in the early stages of a project is work to survey sites. This can involve teams of people on site physically doing measurements, exploring existing structures, and checking environmental conditions. The idea is to get as much info as possible about the site, particularly any obstacles. This can then make any subsequent development better. For example, you can give the information to an architect in London like us so we can do an appropriate design.

Drawbacks

While site surveys are important, there are a few drawbacks with them. Firstly, there is a risk of human error. It can happen simply because people don’t use equipment properly. Or there could be bad conditions so people rush to finish. Ultimately, a small error could mean disaster when you need precision to create strong, stable buildings.

Secondly, it can be costly to survey sites. If you need a team of surveyors, that will be expensive. Then, if you need them to utilise laser scanning equipment, the cost can increase even more. If the surveying will take days or weeks, the bill can be massive. It could cause big budgetary problems.

Thirdly, there can be parts of the site that are difficult to survey using traditional methods. They may be hard to reach because of the terrain or elevation. Or, there could be a risk because of a previous use. Whatever the case, this could mean the surveys are incomplete. It could cause issues, even if you work with a top architect in London.

Is 360 degree video the answer?

An interesting newer alternative for people who want to survey sites is to use 360 degree cameras. They can be a really effective solution. You can walk around the site with the cameras and take a full video of the layout. This can then be transformed into a 3D model of the site. Some technologies even let you do virtual site tours.

There are many advantages here. For example, it reduces the need for bulky, expensive equipment. Plus, you typically don’t need to hire trained surveyors. It can be very fast too; a single person with one camera could walk for just 20 minutes and survey as much as 6,000 sq/m.

If you are considering developing a site, it is a good idea to look at all of the options for site surveys. Newer tech like 360 degree videos could make it more accessible.

Speak to a reliable architect in London

Coffey Architects has had the chance to work on numerous projects over the years. What this means is we have an extensive knowledge of how site conditions can vary. No two plots are ever the same. So, we appreciate how valuable it is to know as much as possible about them before we start designing. It can lead to much better developments and can ultimately save a lot of money.

So, if you need help from a top architect in London, contact us. We’d love to see what you have in mind and the kind of site you are working with.