Whether you’re new to working with a geomatics partner or looking for clarity on specific survey methods, getting the right answers early helps keep your project on track. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about our surveying services, technology, and what to expect when working with Foresite Geomatics.
A land surveyor measures, maps, and documents land, boundaries, and existing site conditions so engineers, contractors, and project teams have accurate data to plan and build with confidence. Their work supports everything from early planning and permitting through construction and final as-built documentation.
No — surveyors and engineers are distinct but complementary professions. Surveyors measure and document existing land, boundaries, and site conditions, while engineers use that data to design structures, infrastructure, and systems. Many projects rely on both working closely together.
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Land surveying traditionally focuses on measuring boundaries and features using established survey methods. Geomatics is the broader field that includes surveying alongside technologies like GPS, GIS, 3D laser scanning, and drone data collection — turning raw measurements into usable spatial data and insights for a project.
A construction site survey documents existing ground conditions, boundaries, and site features before or during a build. It gives engineers and contractors the baseline information needed to plan layout, manage risk, and keep a project on schedule and on budget.
Inaccurate or incomplete site data can lead to misaligned structures, design rework, permitting delays, and unplanned costs. Accurate survey data catches these issues early, so engineers and project managers can make informed decisions before problems reach the field.
Timelines vary by project size, scope, and site conditions, so it’s best to loop in your survey provider as early as possible in project planning — ideally as soon as a site or project scope is identified. Early scheduling gives more flexibility around weather, site access, and other factors that can affect timing.
Cost typically depends on site size, terrain, existing site conditions, the type of survey needed, and how quickly results are required. The clearest way to get an accurate cost is to request a quote for your specific project.
A survey crew will typically walk and measure the site using specialized equipment to capture features, elevations, and boundaries. Depending on the scope, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day or more, and crews coordinate with site contacts to work safely around active operations.
Weather, seasonal ground conditions, and site access can all affect scheduling, particularly through Northern Alberta winters. Experienced crews plan around these factors where possible, but building in some flexibility for weather-related delays is worth considering when planning your project timeline.
Construction, oil and gas, utilities, transportation, and industrial infrastructure projects are among the sectors that rely most on geomatics and survey services, particularly for planning, permitting, construction, and ongoing asset management.
LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distance and capture highly accurate 3D data, while photogrammetry builds 3D models from overlapping photographs. Both are often collected using drones, which let large or hard-to-access sites be surveyed quickly and safely compared to some traditional ground-based methods.
If you’re unsure what type of survey or geomatics service fits your project, reach out and describe your project — our team can help identify the right approach based on your site, timeline, and goals.
