Modelling landscapes
Ground modelling turns a topographical survey – with plotted levels and heights – into a 3D contoured or triangulated map. This provides a visual representation of the shape of the site measured. Before any work begins on site, an initial level survey of the area should be completed, in order to obtain accurate Original Ground Survey (OGL) data. Once this is processed, a digital terrain model (DTM) of the site is created, which can be used as the basis for all further surveys and volume computations. In this way, highly accurate cut and fill calculation of earthworks can be determined, using ground modelling and volumetrics. This can be used to support the design process of landscape regeneration.
Lateral views
Additional surveys can be conducted at various milestones throughout the project, to provide updated 3D digital models that can be compared to the OGL, to determine accurately the volume that has been excavated or filled. Particularly useful in earthworks projects, our state-of-the-art software enables different planes of the site to be viewed laterally. Volumetrics is the process by which cubic metres of land or material mass can be calculated, to create a desired outcome – for example, providing accurate areas of volumes for cut/fill balancing, or creating a mound or depression in the land to suit your design needs in landscaping projects. This methodology has a number of key benefits. By comparing the original ground model of an area with an amended new ground model, it will show what land has been removed or added. This can be used to assist disputes regarding landfill or excavation.
Control budget and efficiency
Volumetrics identifies the amount of materials available and the cut and fill material required, to create the desired landscape as it has been designed. This is helpful for landscape projects, including golf course design and areas of urban regeneration, which require a high degree of accuracy. To view large areas of land to be re-landscaped, remediated or regenerated, we can produce an isopachytes analysis drawing, to show areas requiring cut and fill in a colour-coded plan. Isopachytes refer to where thicknesses of strata are connected on drawings by lines to create models. These accurate volume survey calculations enable earthworks monitoring during construction. This ensures that time is not wasted excavating or moving incorrect volumes of materials, ensuring budget and efficiency can be controlled.
Using a combination of site and office-based work, we can deliver 3D contoured ground models, isopachyte analysis drawings, and volumetrics surveys including data and cut/fill surveys including data. If you think you have a project that might benefit from a 3D modelling survey or volumetrics data analysis, then contact us today.
