What Is the Most Accurate Equipment for Setting Out Large Highways Projects?
Not all equipment is equal when it comes to setting out highways projects. Learn which instruments deliver the highest accuracy and why — plus how AKN Engineering ensures every design line is built right.
GPR Limitations Explained: Why It Detects Disturbances (Not Every Utility)
GPR surveys can’t see everything — they detect disturbances and metallic objects beneath the surface. Learn why a layered approach gives safer, more accurate results on UK construction sites.
National Security Underground: The Utilities You’ll Never See on a Plan
Not everything beneath the surface is meant to be found. Some underground utilities are classified — hidden for national security reasons. Learn how utility surveyors identify the invisible networks that keep the UK running safely without ever appearing on a plan.
Cut, Fill, and Cost: How Accurate Volume Analysis Protects Your Budget
Every cubic metre matters. Find out how accurate volume analysis protects your construction budget from hidden cut and fill costs.
UK Coordinate Systems Explained: Why the Right Choice Matters for Survey Control
Using the wrong UK coordinate system can mean centimetre-level misalignments. Learn how to avoid costly errors with OSM15 vs OSM32.
How to Transfer DWG Plans to a Construction Site with Precision
Moving from CAD drawing to ground needs millimetre precision. Discover how AKN Engineering sets out DWG plans to keep your project on time and on spec.
Local Coordinates and GNSS: How to Align Them for Accurate Site Engineering
Learn how to align GNSS with local site coordinates and why calibration files are critical for highways and machine control projects.
What an As-Built Survey Actually Tells You
An as-built survey is more than a drawing – it’s proof of what’s been built. Here’s what it tells you, why it matters, and how it helps contractors and clients.
The Hidden Costs of Poor Survey Data (and How to Avoid Them)
One small survey error can snowball into big problems—programme delays, cost overruns, disputes, and safety risks. Learn how to avoid them and keep your project on track.
Cut, Fill, Done Right: How Volume Analysis Saves Time and Money
Volume analysis plays a vital role in managing construction projects. It reduces the risk of over-excavation and underestimation, optimising both time and costs.
As-Built Surveys for Highways Projects: What We Capture and Why It Matters
As-built surveys for highways aren’t just admin — they’re your QA, your proof of compliance, and your long-term asset record. Here's what they include and why they matter.
Choosing the Right Survey Partner: What to Ask Before You Break Ground
Before you break ground, are you sure what lies beneath? From PAS 128 standards to survey turnaround times, here’s what every PM should ask before hiring a utility surveyor.
How the Building Safety Act Affects Site Engineers and Surveyors (Even on Non-Residential Projects)
Think the Building Safety Act only applies to high-rise flats? Think again. Here's what site engineers, surveyors, and contractors need to know—and how to stay compliant on infrastructure and highways projects.
5 Major Setting Out Challenges on Construction Sites – Site Survey Accuracy
From access issues to last-minute CAD updates, here are five real-world challenges site engineers face during setting out — and how to avoid them on your next project.
Topographical + Utility Surveys = Seamless Site Start
Design and build only work when you know what’s above and below ground. Discover how topo + utility surveys lead to smarter, safer project starts.
What Are Utilities Surveys and Why Do They Matter on Construction Projects?
Before you break ground, what’s under the surface? Learn how utilities surveys help prevent delays, reduce risk, and improve planning on highways and building projects.
Setting Out for Deep Drainage: A Comprehensive Guide
Deep drainage systems are critical components of modern infrastructure, responsible for managing water flow and preventing flooding, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Proper setting out of deep drainage is crucial to ensure that these systems function effectively and are built to last. This guide is tailored for construction project managers, engineers, and students who are looking to understand and master the process of setting out deep drainage systems.

