A complete guide to preparing and implementing a Method Statement for surveying works in construction projects, including civil, road, infrastructure, and building works, with step-by-step procedures, quality checks, and safety measures.
Surveying is the invisible backbone of every successful construction project. Before the first excavator moves, before concrete is poured, and before asphalt is laid, surveying works set the stage for accuracy, alignment, and quality. A Method Statement is the document that defines how these works will be executed, ensuring that they meet project specifications, safety regulations, and quality requirements.
In large-scale projects — from highway construction to high-rise buildings — even a few millimeters of error in surveying can cause costly rework, delays, and structural misalignments. Therefore, a detailed Method Statement is not just a formality; it’s a vital operational tool that aligns survey teams, site engineers, quality controllers, and safety officers toward a common standard of precision.
This expanded guide will walk you through the purpose, scope, methodology, safety requirements, quality control measures, and references used in preparing a comprehensive Method Statement for surveying works in civil, road, infrastructure, and building construction.
1. Purpose of the Method Statement
The primary purpose of this Method Statement is to establish a clear, standardized, and systematic approach to performing surveying works in construction projects. It aims to:
Ensure accurate setting out of construction elements in accordance with approved design drawings.
Define the roles and responsibilities of the survey team.
Maintain compliance with international surveying standards (e.g., ISO 17123-8 for field procedures, ASTM E1364 for horizontal measurement accuracy).
Integrate safety protocols to protect surveyors working in potentially hazardous conditions.
Provide quality control measures to guarantee accuracy at every stage of construction.
2. Scope of Works
This Method Statement applies to all surveying works related to:
Civil Works
Establishment of horizontal and vertical control networks.
Excavation setting out and embankment profiling.
Monitoring settlement and deformation during construction.
AASHTO R10 – Establishing geodetic control points.
Manufacturer’s manuals for Total Stations, GNSS receivers, and Automatic Levels.
Project-specific specifications and drawings approved by the Consultant.
4. Responsibilities
To ensure successful execution of the surveying works, this Method Statement clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of all key personnel involved in the construction and management process:
Project Manager
Holds overall responsibility for the project’s execution, including survey-related activities.
Ensures surveying works align with the project schedule, scope, and client requirements.
Reviews survey-related deliverables and ensures integration with the overall construction program.
Approves major changes or deviations from the survey plan.
Construction Manager
Coordinates field activities to ensure survey setting out is completed in time for construction execution.
Ensures site is prepared and accessible for surveyors (e.g., clearing, grading).
Collaborates with the Survey Manager to resolve any conflicts between actual conditions and design intent.
Survey Manager / Chief Surveyor
Manages the entire surveying scope of the project.
Plans and oversees the establishment of control points, setting out works, as-built surveys, and quality checks.
Validates data collected by surveyors and approves survey reports before submission.
Ensures that all surveying works meet project specifications and tolerances.
Site Engineer
Coordinates between the construction team and the surveying team.
Issues setting out requests, verifies their completeness, and ensures readiness of the work area.
Assists in interpreting drawings and resolving discrepancies during survey works.
Surveyors
Perform all field survey tasks including setting out, control point verification, and level checking.
Operate total stations, GNSS equipment, levels, and data recorders.
Maintain detailed survey logs and ensure backup of all recorded data.
Quality Control Manager
Oversees quality assurance procedures related to surveying activities.
Reviews and approves survey control reports and as-built data submissions.
Ensures that survey tolerances are within allowable limits and consistent with project specifications.
Coordinates with the Consultant for inspection and approvals of key survey checkpoints.
Quality Control Engineer
Verifies that all survey work is done in accordance with approved drawings and standards.
Conducts periodic inspections during setting out, leveling, and as-built stages.
Prepares non-conformance reports (NCRs) if survey discrepancies are identified.
HSE Manager
Ensures that all health and safety requirements related to surveying works are implemented.
Reviews Method Statement and risk assessments related to survey activities.
Coordinates with the Safety Officer to address risks associated with surveying near live traffic, heavy equipment, or confined spaces.
Safety Officer
Implements daily safety measures for the survey team.
Ensures surveyors wear proper PPE and follow safe practices on site.
Establishes traffic management plans for surveys done on or near roadways.
Environmental Manager
Monitors that surveying works do not negatively impact sensitive environmental areas.
Ensures that control points and markers do not disturb protected land, vegetation, or wildlife.
Reviews and approves any environmental mitigation measures required during survey execution.
5. Equipment & Tools
This Method Statement specifies the use of high-accuracy instruments:
Total Station (±2″ angular accuracy, ±2mm+2ppm distance accuracy).
GNSS Receiver with RTK capability for rapid coordinate positioning.
Automatic Level for high-precision leveling works.
Laser Scanner (where 3D scanning is required for as-builts).
Traffic control: signage, cones, and flagmen for roadside works (per Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices – MUTCD).
Avoid working under cranes or in machine blind spots.
For confined space surveys (e.g., inside manholes): gas detection, ventilation, rescue plan in place.
8. Quality Control Procedures
Maintaining precision in surveying is crucial to avoid downstream errors in construction. This section of the Method Statement outlines the comprehensive quality control (QC) procedures that ensure the accuracy, reliability, and compliance of all surveying works with project specifications and international standards.
8.1 Instrument Calibration and Verification
All surveying instruments (Total Station, GNSS receivers, automatic levels) must have valid calibration certificates issued by certified laboratories.
Pre-use verification tests such as:
Two-peg test for leveling instruments (per ISO 17123-2).
Closed traverse checks for Total Stations.
Baseline reoccupation using GNSS to verify coordinate consistency.
Daily checks before use, and recalibration immediately if:
The instrument is dropped or damaged.
There is a sudden change in temperature or environmental conditions.
Measurement errors are detected in field observations.
8.2 Control Point Validation
All primary and secondary control points must be cross-verified by a minimum of two independent observations.
Redundancy method is used — observe a known point twice at different times and by different instruments to ensure reliability.
Control point logs shall include:
Coordinates (Easting, Northing, Elevation)
Date/time of establishment
Surveyor name and instrument used
Accuracy achieved (e.g., <5 mm RMS)
8.3 Setting Out Verification
Each setting-out task (buildings, roads, utilities) must be double-checked before handing over to the construction team.
Back-check to control lines after every 10 points to ensure cumulative error is minimized.
Use of checklines and perpendiculars to verify right angles in grid-based layouts.
Document the following:
Point ID
Chainage/station
Offset
Level
Reference to drawing number
8.4 Level and Elevation Checks
Elevations must be verified using a benchmark loop to eliminate elevation drift.
Tolerances must be adhered to strictly:
±5 mm for structural elements.
±10 mm for roadworks.
±15–20 mm for long utility runs.
Re-leveling is mandatory if there is any indication of ground movement, equipment displacement, or inconsistency with design benchmarks.
8.5 As-Built Data Quality Assurance
As-built survey data must be compared directly with IFC drawings using overlay comparison techniques (AutoCAD or Civil 3D).
Tolerance deviation reports shall be generated where discrepancies are observed.
All as-built submissions to be reviewed by the Survey Manager and approved by the Quality Control Manager before submission to the Consultant.
Maintain clear records of:
Revised vs. actual measurements
Error margins
Justifications for deviations, if any
8.6 Consultant Inspections
Consultant or client representatives must be invited to inspect:
Initial control point installations
Critical layout points (e.g., structural column grids, foundation outlines)
Final as-built surveys
Survey team shall maintain an inspection request log including:
Date of request and inspection
Inspector name and designation
Comments and approvals
8.7 Documentation and Data Management
Survey records must be stored in both hard copy and digital formats.
Use of centralized survey data management software (e.g., Trimble Business Center, Leica Infinity) is encouraged.
Data naming conventions should be standardized (e.g., ASB_Slab_A1_2025-08-07.csv).
All QC documents should be maintained for at least 5 years or per project retention policies.
8.8 Corrective Action Procedures
If an error is discovered:
Immediately stop work at the affected location.
Re-survey and identify the source of the error (instrument, operator, environment).
Prepare a Corrective Action Report (CAR).
Rectify setting out based on validated control before resuming construction.
All rework must be clearly recorded in the survey deviation log.
8.9 Continuous Improvement
Monthly internal audits of the survey team’s performance.
Toolbox talks and refresher training on precision techniques and error minimization.
Lessons learned to be shared across project teams to prevent recurrence of errors.
9. Environmental Considerations
Environmental Considerations
Surveying works, though generally low-impact compared to heavy construction, can still cause environmental disturbances — especially during the early phases of site establishment or when performed near protected areas, water bodies, vegetation, or public zones. This Method Statement includes detailed environmental control measures to ensure that all surveying activities align with environmental protection laws, sustainability policies, and project-specific requirements.
9.1 Objectives
The environmental management procedures aim to:
Prevent unnecessary disturbance to soil, water, flora, fauna, and public space.
Ensure compliance with local environmental regulations, client environmental management plans (EMPs), and international standards such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems).
Promote sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of survey activities.
9.2 Environmental Risks Associated with Surveying
While relatively minimal, the following potential impacts can arise from poorly managed surveying operations:
Vegetation damage due to trampling or equipment placement.
Soil compaction or erosion, especially in rural or sloped areas.
Contamination from battery fluids, oils, or marking paints.
Disturbance to wildlife, particularly during early morning or night surveys.
Waste generation, including used marking tapes, stakes, batteries, and packaging.
Visual pollution due to excessive or unapproved markings (spray paint, chalk).
9.3 Environmental Control Measures
A. Site Access and Movement
Use existing access tracks where possible to avoid soil and plant disturbance.
Avoid crossing ecologically sensitive areas, wetlands, or watercourses without prior assessment and approval.
All personnel must follow site access plans developed in coordination with the Environmental Manager.
Mark temporary paths with biodegradable markers when traversing open terrain.
B. Control Point Installation
Select locations for benchmarks and control points in already cleared or disturbed areas.
Avoid fixing control points in or near trees, roots, or sensitive plant zones.
In protected areas, use removable or non-invasive markers (e.g., magnetic nails, tripod setups) instead of permanent concrete monuments.
Remove all temporary pegs and markers after the survey phase is complete.
C. Use of Marking Materials
Use eco-friendly marking paints (low VOC, biodegradable where applicable).
Do not spray markings on live plants, cultural heritage elements, or public infrastructure unless approved.
Where possible, use flags, tapes, or GPS-based references in place of permanent visual marks.
D. Battery and Electronic Waste Handling
Use rechargeable batteries for all electronic equipment to reduce disposable waste.
Store backup batteries in sealed, weatherproof containers.
Dispose of used batteries in accordance with project waste management plan or recycle through certified e-waste handlers.
Damaged or leaking batteries must be immediately removed from site.
E. Waste Management
All consumables (plastic tapes, packaging, spray cans) must be collected after use.
Set up a daily collection and disposal routine for survey-related waste.
Waste must be segregated (paper, plastic, hazardous) and handled per project environmental guidelines.
F. Noise and Wildlife Impact
Avoid using loud equipment (e.g., GNSS beep alarms) near residential, hospital, or protected wildlife zones.
No survey work in wildlife zones during breeding or nesting seasons, unless approved by the Environmental Manager.
Keep noise levels below 60 dB where required by local regulations.
G. Emergency Preparedness
Survey teams shall be trained to respond to environmental incidents, such as:
Accidental spillage of fuels or chemicals.
Unintentional damage to protected vegetation or habitats.
Keep spill kits available in the survey vehicle.
Report all incidents immediately to the Environmental Manager and HSE Department for corrective actions.
9.4 Documentation and Compliance
Survey activities will be logged in Daily Environmental Monitoring Forms.
Control point establishment will be documented with:
Coordinates
Photos
Description of terrain and vegetation
Any deviations or near-misses shall be reported through the Environmental Non-Conformance Report (ENCR) system.
The Environmental Manager shall conduct periodic audits of survey operations to ensure full compliance.
9.5 Sustainability and Green Practices
Favor digital documentation over paper logs where feasible.
Encourage carpooling or shared transportation for survey teams to reduce emissions.
Prioritize solar charging stations for survey equipment batteries, if available.
Use long-lasting, reusable survey stakes instead of single-use materials.
9.6 Applicable Environmental Standards and References
ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems.
IFC Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines – General and Sector-Specific.
Saudi Environment Code, NEOM Environmental Guidelines, or Aramco GI standards, where applicable.
Local Ministry of Environment regulations and municipality approvals for field activities.
10. Deliverables
Upon completion of surveying tasks for each construction phase, the survey team is responsible for compiling and submitting a set of structured deliverables. These documents form the official record of setting out, monitoring, and verification activities, and are essential for quality control, traceability, progress validation, and consultant approvals.
All deliverables must be submitted in both hard copy and soft copy formats, following the document control and submittal procedures outlined in the project’s Document Management Plan (DMP) or Contractor’s Document Control Procedure.
10.1 Survey Control Report
A detailed report documenting the establishment and verification of survey control points, including:
Coordinates (Easting, Northing, Elevation) based on the approved grid and benchmark system.
Type of point (primary, secondary, temporary).
Method of establishment (GPS RTK, total station traverse, etc.).
Instrument used, accuracy achieved, and verification methods.
Calibration certificates of instruments.
Photos showing the location and physical marker.
Date/time and surveyor name.
Format: PDF report + Excel/CSV data file + DWG file with layout Submission: Before any setting out works commence Approval by: Consultant / Client Survey Engineer
10.2 Setting Out Records
Records of all points and levels set out on site, including:
Reference to drawing number and revision.
Description of the item set out (e.g., road centerline, column C1, manhole MH-04).
Coordinates and elevation.
Offsets and distances from control lines.
Setting out method used (e.g., Total Station, GNSS).
Name of responsible surveyor and checker.
Date and time of execution.
Signature of Site Engineer and Survey Manager.
Photos (optional or as required).
Format: Excel + PDF + optional photos Submission: Immediately after each major setting out activity Approval by: Site Engineer and QA/QC Department
10.3 As-Built Survey Reports and Drawings
These are critical for validating construction compliance and for submission to authorities for approvals, especially in infrastructure projects.
Includes:
Surveyed coordinates, elevations, and dimensions of executed works.
Comparison with design levels and coordinates (with deviation margins).
Tabulated summary of deviations from design (within tolerance or not).
DWG/DXF format as-built drawings clearly marked as “As-Built”.
Field sketches (where applicable).
Statement of compliance by the Survey Manager.
Format: PDF report + CAD drawings (DWG, DXF) + Raw data (CSV/TXT) Submission: After completion of each phase (e.g., foundations, road layer, utilities, slab) Approval by: Consultant / Client Representative
10.4 Inspection Request Forms (IRFs) for Survey Works
For major surveying milestones, an IRF must be raised to:
Invite the consultant for verification of control points or critical setting out points.
Confirm joint inspections for foundation positions, levels, and alignments before concrete or asphalt works.
Document approvals or comments on discrepancies.
Format: Standard project IRF form + attachments (drawing reference, survey log, photos) Submission: At least 24 hours before inspection Approval by: Consultant Site Engineer / QA/QC Team
10.5 Daily Survey Reports
Used to track routine surveying activities and to provide transparency over daily progress:
Date, weather conditions, and general remarks.
Team members and instruments used.
List of areas surveyed (e.g., road section from Sta. 1+000 to 1+500).
10.6 Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) – If Applicable
If survey discrepancies result in errors in setting out or construction:
A formal NCR must be raised.
It must include:
Description of the non-conformance
Survey logs or drawings indicating the discrepancy
Proposed corrective action
Root cause analysis (equipment fault, human error, etc.)
Verification survey data after correction
Format: NCR template as per Quality Management System Submission: Immediately upon detection Approval by: QA/QC Manager + Consultant
10.7 Survey Data Files and GIS Integration (Optional or Project-Specific)
Some infrastructure or large-area projects require:
Raw coordinate files (CSV, TXT, or Excel).
Point cloud data (if laser scanning is used).
GIS-ready layers for integration with asset management or mapping software.
Metadata including coordinate systems, instrument used, and survey team details.
Format: GIS shapefiles (.shp), CSV, Point clouds (.las/.e57) Submission: At the request of the client or for final documentation Approval by: GIS Coordinator or Client Asset Management Team
10.8 Handover Survey Package (Final Deliverables)
At project completion, a comprehensive package must be submitted, including:
All approved control point records.
Final as-built drawings (hard + soft copy).
Summary of all deviations and resolution records.
List of instruments used with calibration certificates.
Lessons learned related to surveying scope.
Environmental and safety compliance records linked to survey operations.
Format: Organized folder structure (PDF, DWG, CSV), hard copy bound set Submission: Before handover / final acceptance Approval by: Client / Consultant / QAQC Manager
11. References for Best Practices
ISO 17123-8: Field procedures for geodetic instruments.
ASTM E1364: Horizontal measurement accuracy in surveying.
BS 5606: Accuracy in building guidelines.
AASHTO R10: Establishment of geodetic control points.
Project-specific quality and safety manuals.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is a Method Statement important for surveying works? A Method Statement ensures that all survey tasks are done systematically, accurately, and safely, reducing the risk of errors and rework.
Q2: How often should surveying equipment be calibrated? As per industry standards, at least every 6 months, and always before starting a new major project.
Q3: What is the typical accuracy tolerance in construction surveying? ±5 mm for structural works, ±10 mm for roads, ±20 mm for long utility runs — unless otherwise specified in the project specs.
Conclusion
A well-prepared Method Statement for Surveying Works is a bridge between design intent and actual site execution. By integrating internationally recognized standards, detailed procedures, safety measures, and quality checks, construction teams can ensure that every element — whether a high-rise column, a sewer manhole, or a road alignment — is built exactly where and how it should be.
With survey precision as the foundation, the rest of the construction process gains reliability, efficiency, and compliance — the cornerstones of successful project delivery.
