A topographic map shows the lay of the land with the use of contours. A field survey is performed to gather ground, features and structure information.  This information is then downloaded in a computer and an electronic 3D model is produced called a Digital Terrain Model. From this three dimensional model, contours are interpolated and drafted. Utility as-built mapping can be incorporated in the topo map giving the designers additional information contributing to a more efficient design process. The final product contains roads, utilities, structures property lines, vegetation, and other elements sufficient for site design.

A two dimensional map showing the horizontal position of a given site. It is used to show the relationship of in a flat plane as it does not contain the vertical element.

Establishes a network of horizontal and vertical survey control monuments on the earth to be used on construction sites, and subdivisions & also used to establish municipal or county control networks.

Aerial mapping is a tool used to map the horizontal and vertical features of larger areas using an airplane and photography. This system is a more efficient manner method of base mapping than conventional Topographic Mapping on medium to large land masses. The surveyors provide the initial panel points, also called aerial targets which are used to position the aerial photos. Traditional topographic data capture may be necessary in areas where dense vegetation obscure features on the ground. 

A Geographic Information System is a digital mapping system that merges an electronic database to the digital map source. It is used primarily by governments, to gather, transform, manipulate, analyze, and produce information related to the surface of the Earth. Many land surveyor products can be used as base mapping sources for a GIS. 

Light, Imaging, Detection and Ranging system (LIDAR) is an optical remote sensing technology that measures properties of scattered light to find range and/or other information of a distant target. The prevalent method to determine distance to an object or surface is to use laser pulses. Like the similar radar technology, which uses radio waves, the range to an object is determined by measuring the time delay between transmission of a pulse and detection of the reflected signal.  The level of detail captured by high definition digital scanning technology is advancing every day, & we are researching trends in preparation of acquiring the latest instruments and software to utilize this emerging technology.