Quantity Surveying and Control Surveys for Accurate, Reliable Results

Quantity surveying involves accurately determining the quantities and volumes of materials such as soil, rock, gravel, sand and other resources used in construction and civil engineering projects. It involves measuring and quantifying the material that needs to be excavated, moved, placed or processed to ensure that the project is carried out as planned.

Today, modern technology such as drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR scanning is often used to create detailed digital terrain models. These models enable highly accurate volume calculations, which are essential for reliable budgeting, efficient planning and optimal resource utilisation across all types of earthworks and infrastructure projects.

Quantity surveying is used across a range of industries to accurately measure and manage material quantities:

• Construction and civil engineering: Measuring and calculating soil and fill quantities for site preparation, excavation and grading. Supporting the planning of roads, railways and dams while helping reduce material transport costs.
• Mining and quarrying: Monitoring extracted volumes, managing stockpiles and remaining reserves, and supporting environmental reporting and compliance with permit requirements.
• Waste management: Monitoring landfill volumes, planning site capacity, calculating cover material requirements and optimising available landfill capacity.
• Industry and material handling: Surveying and managing stockpiles of bulk materials such as wood chips, grain and minerals, verifying deliveries and carrying out periodic surveys for accounting and planning purposes.

Our quantity surveying process typically consists of the following steps:

Planning and Preparation:

• Define the survey area and the quantities to be measured.
• Establish reference levels and surfaces for the calculations.
• Plan the drone flight paths for optimal data collection.

Data Collection:

• Conduct drone flights over the project area.
• Capture overlapping images or perform LiDAR scanning.
• Collect ground control points using GNSS to ensure the highest possible accuracy.

Data Processing:

• Process the imagery using photogrammetric methods.
• Generate point clouds and a digital terrain model (DTM).
• Filter and quality-check the collected data.

Volume Calculations:

• Define calculation areas and reference surfaces.
• Compare the data with previous surveys or reference models.
• Calculate volumes using specialised software.

Reporting:

• Generate detailed quantity and volume reports.
• Create visualisations and 3D models.

Follow-Up:

• Review the results with the client.
• Provide recommendations for optimising material handling.
• Plan any necessary follow-up surveys.

Yes, absolutely. We understand that quantity surveying is about more than just numbers – it is essential for cost-effective and efficient project planning throughout the entire project lifecycle. At Ostromap, we work closely with you to tailor each survey to your specific needs, site conditions and contractual requirements.

Whether your project involves road construction, railways, buildings or civil engineering, you can rely on our quantity surveying services to deliver highly accurate and reliable results. Our tailored solutions provide data that supports informed decision-making, optimises resource use and simplifies financial monitoring.

We use a range of technologies for quantity surveying, selecting the most suitable method based on the project’s requirements, accuracy specifications and site complexity.

Drone Photogrammetry:

• The most common method for many types of projects.
• Drones capture hundreds of overlapping, high-resolution images.
• The images are processed using photogrammetric software to create detailed 3D models.
• The combination of accuracy, efficiency and cost-effectiveness makes this method ideal for areas covering several square kilometres.

Drone-Based LiDAR:

• LiDAR scanning from a drone can penetrate certain types of vegetation.
• Provides high point density and accuracy.
• Can also be used in low-light conditions and in complex areas with vegetation or structures.

Terrestrial Laser Scanning:

• Ground-based scanning for extremely high levels of accuracy.
• Ideal for smaller areas or structures where millimetre-level precision is required.
• Can be combined with drone data to provide comprehensive documentation, including indoor volumes.

Traditional Surveying:

• Used as a complement for verification and reference surveys.
• Provides control points that help ensure a high level of absolute accuracy.

We always select the technology, or combination of technologies, that best suits your project, taking accuracy, time and budget into consideration.

During a control survey, we verify that completed work and actual material quantities correspond to the planned calculations. This may include excavation quantities, fill materials, structural components or reference points used for machine guidance.

Reference points, also known as control points, are fixed positions on the ground or on structures that are used to ensure accurate and consistent surveying. During a control survey, we use these points as a reference for comparing completed work with the planned models. By establishing and verifying reference points, we can achieve a high level of accuracy when checking volumes, elevations and structural components, providing reliable data for planning, documentation and project monitoring.

A control survey begins by identifying the areas and objects to be surveyed and establishing reference points to ensure a high level of accuracy. We then collect data using drones, laser scanners, total stations and GNSS equipment, depending on the requirements of the project. The collected data is processed into 3D models and point clouds, which we compare with planned models and previous surveys.

The result is clear, reliable documentation showing whether the completed work complies with the planned specifications, quantities and elevations. This provides confidence, accurate project monitoring and a reliable basis for cost control.