Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a land or building survey before buying a property?
Yes, depending on what you’re buying and planning, either a land or building survey helps avoid legal and construction headaches.
Are land and building surveyors the same?
Not quite. Land surveyors map boundaries and terrain, while building surveyors inspect structures for safety and compliance.
Can land surveys help with property disputes?
Absolutely. Land surveys can clarify legal boundaries and resolve neighbour disagreements.
Are building surveys legally required in Australia?
Often yes, especially during construction or renovations—building codes and zoning regulations apply.
What if my land has unusual terrain or steep gradients?
A land surveyor can provide topographical mapping with contours and elevations to guide development.
Is GPS used in modern land surveying?
Definitely! Tools like GPS and GIS provide precise spatial data that improves accuracy and planning.
Not all surveys are created equal—and if you’re starting a construction project or property development, understanding the difference between land surveying and building surveying is more than just handy—it’s essential.
Whether you’re developing a new site, buying land, or assessing an existing building for regulatory compliance, knowing which type of survey you need could save you thousands of dollars and weeks of delays.
In this article, we’ll break down what each type of survey covers, their relevance in Australian projects, and how choosing the right one keeps you on the right side of building codes, zoning regulations, and the law.
What is Land Surveying?
Overview
Land surveying involves measuring and mapping land parcels. In Australia, it’s commonly required for land transactions, property boundaries, and construction site preparation. Surveyors use tools such as GPS (Global Positioning System) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to produce accurate land data.
Applications in Property Development
Land surveying is crucial when:
- Purchasing or subdividing land
- Building new homes or commercial spaces
- Resolving disputes about boundaries
- Updating topographical maps for steep or uneven terrain
Typical Services
- Boundary identification surveys
- Contour and elevation surveys
- Topographical mapping
- Easement and encroachment reporting
- Land subdivision planning
Land surveyors also help with development applications by providing certified plans that comply with zoning regulations.
What is Building Surveying?
Overview
Building surveying focuses on the physical structure—examining buildings for condition assessments, compliance with building codes, and adherence to fire safety codes. It’s a must-have when altering or certifying buildings.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensuring new or altered structures meet Australian building codes
- Inspecting for structural integrity
- Verifying adherence to zoning regulations
- Reporting on compliance with fire safety codes
- Assessing building conditions for insurance or sales
When is it Required?
- During construction or renovations
- Before buying or leasing commercial spaces
- For occupancy permits
- After natural disasters or structural issues
Building surveyors are especially important in projects where strict compliance with regulatory standards is non-negotiable.
Why It Matters
Choosing the wrong survey could lead to:
- Legal boundary disputes
- Construction delays
- Building defects going unnoticed
- Fines for non-compliance
A recent Sydney project stalled for 6 weeks because the client didn’t know they needed both a boundary and a condition report. That’s weeks of idle equipment and labour costs—all preventable with the right survey.
Which Survey Do You Need? A Practical Guide
Still unsure what you need? Use this guide:
- Buying vacant land? → Land Survey
- Planning a new build? → Both Land & Building Surveys
- Renovating a house? → Building Survey
- Dispute with neighbour? → Land Survey
- Selling a commercial property? → Building Survey
Tip: Talk to Local Councils Early
Most Australian councils require specific documents for DA (Development Applications). Engaging the right surveyor early ensures compliance with zoning regulations, heritage overlays, and site setbacks.
Advanced Tools (Without the Drones!)
At East West Surveyors, the focus is on precision and reliability—without needing to use drones.
They use a mix of:
- Total stations and theodolites
- GPS and GNSS receivers
- GIS mapping systems
- CAD and modelling software
While drone-based surveying is common elsewhere, East West prefers ground-based tools for their accuracy in complex environments like urban Sydney or rugged coastal zones.
Why GPS and GIS Still Rule
GPS provides pin-point location data ideal for boundary measurements. When integrated with GIS, it allows for powerful topographical mapping—critical in hilly terrain or for managing elevation and contour data.
Real-World Examples
Coastal Boundary Dispute in NSW
A homeowner in Kiama found their fence 0.5m into council land. An East West boundary survey resolved the issue before it escalated legally.
Commercial Site in Western Sydney
A developer was unsure if a warehouse site met zoning regulations. East West’s building surveyors flagged an outdated fire escape plan—saving the owner a costly retrofit after the build.
Why Choose East West Surveyors
If you’re in Sydney or surrounding regions, East West Surveyors offer the perfect balance of old-school reliability and modern precision—minus the drone dependency.
Here’s why clients trust them:
- Decades of experience in both land and building surveying
- Proven accuracy using GPS and GIS tools
- Tailored support for construction and property development
- Clear, client-focused communication
- Fast turnaround for DA-ready documents
Whether you’re navigating boundaries, elevations, fire codes, or building regulations, their team ensures everything is measured and compliant—so you can focus on what you do best: building your future.
📞 Ready to start your project, right?
Contact East West Surveyors today and get the expert insight your site needs.