Survey Control on UK Projects: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
Survey control underpins accuracy on UK civils and highways projects. We explain what control is, why it matters, who owns it, and simple ways to avoid costly errors during setting out, as-built measurement, and handover.
Site Engineer vs Surveyor in the UK – What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
Site Engineers, Setting Out Engineers and Surveyors are often treated as interchangeable, but on UK civils projects the differences matter for competence, documentation and delivery. This guide explains the roles clearly and why it matters for contractors, PMs, QSs and international engineers.
When Winter Utility Surveys Work (And When They Don't)
Winter utility surveys can be a smart planning move when sites are accessible and diversion lead times are critical. This guide explains when PAS 128 surveys work well in winter, when weather creates real limitations, and how contractors can plan ahead for early-2026 projects.
What Do PAS 128 Survey Types (M1, M2, B, C, D) Mean – and Which One Do You Need for Your Project?
PAS 128 survey types can be confusing if you’re not working with them day-to-day. This guide breaks down M1, M2, B, C and D in simple terms so project managers, engineers and contractors can choose the right survey level and manage underground utility risk confidently.
PAS 128 Explained: A Practical Guide for Contractors, PMs & Site Engineers
PAS 128 sets the standard for underground utility surveys in UK construction. This guide explains what each survey type means, how to interpret confidence levels, and how PAS 128 helps reduce risk on highways and civils projects before you break ground.
Understanding Pot-Ended & Abandoned Cables: Why They’re Almost Impossible to Detect (And What That Means for Your Site)
Pot-ended and abandoned cables are some of the hardest buried services to identify. This blog explains why standard detection methods can’t locate them, what this means for PAS 128 surveys, and how project teams can plan safer excavations despite these limitations.
Behind the Scenes: How AKN Verifies As-Built Survey Accuracy Before Delivery
Before any as-built report leaves our office, it goes through a detailed internal verification process. Here’s how AKN Engineering ensures accuracy and consistency before client sign-off.
What Project Managers Should Understand About Survey Scope (Before the Project Starts)
Most design problems and on-site delays come from one thing: the wrong survey scope. Here's what project managers should understand about topographical and utility surveys before a project starts — and why RICS accuracy bands and PAS 128 Quality Levels matter.
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.
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.
