As Built Survey

Definition and Purpose

An as built survey is a detailed measured survey conducted after construction, renovation, or refurbishment work has been completed. It records the actual final conditions, dimensions, and positions of all built elements exactly as they exist on site, rather than as originally designed. These surveys serve as the authoritative record of what was actually constructed.

Key Differences from Design Plans

Design plans represent the intended construction, while as built surveys document reality. Variations commonly occur due to site constraints, unforeseen conditions, design modifications, and practical construction adjustments. As built surveys capture these variations, providing accurate documentation for future maintenance, renovations, or legal purposes.

Survey Methods and Equipment

Modern as built surveys employ various surveying technologies:

Total Stations: Precise electronic measurement instruments used for capturing coordinates and distances

GPS/GNSS Systems: Satellite-based positioning for large-scale projects

Laser Scanning: 3D point cloud technology creating detailed digital models of built structures

Photogrammetry: Using photographs to determine spatial relationships and measurements

Drone Surveys: Aerial surveying for large areas and complex structures

Traditional Measuring: Steel tapes and measuring devices for detailed interior dimensions

Deliverables

Typical as built survey deliverables include:

Updated floor plans showing actual wall positions, door locations, and fixtures

Elevation drawings reflecting actual heights and vertical relationships

3D models and point clouds

Dimensional schedules and coordinate tables

Photographic documentation

CAD drawings in standard formats

Compliance verification reports

Applications and Uses

As built surveys serve multiple important functions:

Regulatory Compliance: Documenting that construction meets building codes and regulations

Insurance and Warranty: Establishing baseline conditions for property insurance and warranty claims

Future Planning: Providing accurate data for renovations, expansions, or facility management

Legal Documentation: Creating official records for disputes, valuations, or property transfers

Facilities Management: Supporting maintenance planning and asset management systems

Defect Resolution: Identifying construction defects or non-compliance issues

Quality Standards

Professional as built surveys follow established standards including:

Appropriate measurement accuracy tolerances

Recognized surveying methodologies

Proper equipment calibration

Qualified surveyor credentials

Comprehensive project documentation

Challenges and Considerations

Conducting effective as built surveys presents several challenges:

Balancing accuracy requirements with project budget constraints

Navigating occupied buildings with restricted access

Measuring complex or irregular geometries

Coordinating with ongoing operations or final punch-list items

Converting field measurements into standardized digital formats

Industry Best Practices

Successful as built survey projects typically include:

Clear scope definition and measurement standards

Coordination with project stakeholders

Phased surveying aligned with construction completion stages

Quality control procedures and verification

Timely delivery of final documentation

Provision of data in commonly-used formats

Conclusion

As built surveys represent essential documentation for completed construction projects. They provide authoritative records of actual construction conditions, serving critical functions in compliance verification, future planning, and asset management. With advancing surveying technologies and methods, as built surveys continue to become more detailed, accurate, and valuable throughout a facility's operational lifetime.