What Happens to Survey Data After Site – and What Should You Receive? (UK Guide)
After a survey team leaves site, raw measurements are processed into verified, structured deliverables—typically DWG drawings, reports, and as-built comparisons tied to confirmed control. The most reliable outputs include a stated coordinate system, evidence of control checks, defined tolerances, and clear CAD standards. Without that context, survey files are just data, not information you can build or value from.
From field measurements to final drawings: every point captured on site goes through validation, coordination and QA before becoming a usable construction deliverable.
1) Field Capture – What Really Gets Collected
On UK civils projects we’re not just “taking points”. A good field workflow captures:
Coordinates and levels
Feature codes and strings
Photos and context
Control observations
Equipment and method records
When field data is structured, office processing is predictable. When it isn’t, deliverables become guesswork.
2) Data Processing – Turning Measurements into Decisions
Back in the office, raw files are converted into engineering information through:
Coordinate transformations
Control verification
Feature coding and QA
CAD linework creation
Comparison to design models
Guidance from the BIM Framework emphasises that structured information is essential for collaboration between designers, contractors and asset owners.
3) What Are Typical Survey Deliverables in the UK?
Topographical Surveys
DWG with layers & codes
3D breaklines
Contours & spot levels
Survey report
As-Built Surveys
Comparison to design
Deviations & chainages
Photographic records
Utility / PAS 128 Outputs
Confidence levels
Detection methods
CAD constraints plans
Machine Control Files
Alignment models
Surfaces
Coordinate systems
The Institution of Civil Engineers highlights competence in data management as a core part of engineering delivery, not an admin extra.
4) What PMs and QSs Should Check First
A deliverable should clearly answer:
--> What coordinate system is used?
--> Who verified control?
--> What confidence level applies?
--> Is it comparable to design?
--> Are tolerances stated?
If those answers aren’t visible, the file isn’t ready for decisions.
5) Why Deliverables Affect Commercial Outcomes
Survey outputs feed directly into:
Valuations and re-measurement
Variations
Design changes
Claims defence
Handover packs
Poor formatting or missing metadata often costs more time than the survey itself.
6) Our “Field to Finish” Approach
We structure work so that:
Site coding matches office templates
Control is verified before processing
CAD standards are agreed early
As-builts are produced continuously
Designers receive usable data, not raw files
Goal: deliverables that can be used immediately.
Limitations
A DWG without context isn’t evidence
As-builts done at the end rarely recover accuracy
Different coordinate systems can invalidate data
Speed should never override verification
Get in touch to find out more about our services here www.aknengineering.co.uk or call us on 01279 927 033 ☎️ to discuss your upcoming projects.