Setting Out vs. Surveying: Understanding the Differences and Similarities

Leica Geosystems, setting out, surveying, surveying jobs,

October 31, 2024

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While surveying and setting out both involve precise measurements and similar tools, they serve different purposes in construction.

Setting out, also known as staking out, involves translating the design and plans of a construction project onto the actual ground. It ensures that the physical location of structures, like buildings, roads, or utilities, is placed correctly according to the design.

Surveying is primarily concerned with the measurement and mapping of land or physical features. It provides data about the existing conditions of a site, such as terrain, boundaries, and elevations, which helps inform the design and planning process.

What does a Setting Out Engineer Do?

A setting-out engineer is primarily responsible for translating the design and plans of a project into physical points on the construction site. They ensure that every element of the construction, such as foundations, walls, and utilities, are positioned accurately according to the architectural plans. Essentially, setting out engineers are responsible for bringing the project to life on the ground.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interpreting architectural and engineering plans to transfer measurements and points from designs to the construction site.
• Setting physical markers (such as stakes or pegs) to indicate where structural elements will be placed, including foundations, walls, and utilities.
• Using tools like Total Stations, GPS, and laser levels to place markers with exact accuracy, aligning structures according to the design.
• Regularly rechecking measurements and markers throughout the construction to maintain accuracy and address any shifts or discrepancies that may occur.
• Working closely with site managers, foremen, and construction workers to provide necessary data and adjustments for smooth project progression.
• Keeping detailed records of measurements, adjustments, and any on-site changes for project records and future reference.
• Ensuring that all setting out activities comply with relevant standards, codes, and regulations, particularly in terms of safety and structural integrity.
• Addressing any unforeseen issues in real-time, such as correcting misalignments, adapting to site conditions, or adjusting for design changes.
• Often utilizing software like AutoCAD or 3D modeling tools to translate plans and create accurate markers on-site.

What does a Surveyor do?

A Surveyor has a broader role that encompasses both the initial stages of the project (before construction starts) and throughout the entire project lifecycle. Surveyors are typically involved in measuring land, determining legal boundaries, and providing data that assists in the design and planning stages of a project. They also monitor the construction process to ensure that the work adheres to the original plans.

Key Responsibilities:

• Measuring land, property, and boundaries, often using advanced equipment like GPS, Total Stations, and 3D scanning tools.
• Providing topographical surveys that help architects and engineers design the project.
• Verifying that the constructed work aligns with legal boundaries and land titles.
• Offering geospatial data to aid in planning, zoning, and construction decisions.

Similarities Between Setting Out Engineers and Surveyors

1. Accuracy and Precision: Both roles require exceptional precision. Setting Out Engineers must accurately transfer design plans to physical sites, while Surveyors must provide precise measurements of land and space.
2. Use of Equipment: Both professionals use similar tools, including Total Stations, GPS devices, and laser measuring tools. This overlap in technology allows both to provide highly accurate spatial data.
3. Collaboration with Engineers and Architects: Both roles involve working closely with project designers, civil engineers, and construction managers to ensure that the build follows the initial plans and designs.

Key Differences Between Setting Out Engineers and Surveyors

1. Stage of Involvement: Surveyors are typically involved in the early stages of a project, such as land acquisition, boundary mapping, and site planning. Setting Out Engineers, on the other hand, are mostly involved in the construction phase, ensuring that the build adheres to the project plans.
2. Scope of Work: A Setting Out Engineer’s work is focused on construction-specific tasks, ensuring that every element is placed correctly according to the design. A Surveyor’s role is broader, encompassing everything from land measurement and boundary mapping to post-construction verification.
3. Legal Responsibilities: Surveyors often carry more legal responsibility, especially in defining property boundaries and ensuring compliance with local zoning laws. Setting Out Engineers do not typically deal with legal aspects but focus on ensuring the physical placement of structures.

When Do You Need a Setting Out Engineer vs. a Surveyor?

A surveyor is essential for land measurement, boundary determination, and providing the necessary data for planning and design.

A setting out engineer is critical once the project has moved to the building phase. They ensure that the design is accurately translated into the physical construction on-site.

Both professionals may play a role here—surveyors in verifying that the build complies with legal boundaries, and setting out engineers in ensuring that all structures are correctly placed according to design.

Looking for work as a setting out engineer in Australia

Setting out jobs exist in Australia, although the term is more commonly used in the UK. In Australia, these roles are often referred to as Site Engineers or Surveyors, particularly in the civil engineering and construction industries. However, the responsibilities of setting out—such as translating designs to on-site markers, ensuring accurate placement of foundations and structures, and coordinating with construction teams—are very much present in Australia.

If you’re looking for setting out roles, they may be listed as Site Engineer positions, especially within larger infrastructure or building projects. The tasks align closely with what is known as “setting out” in the UK, and job postings in Australia will usually specify responsibilities such as interpreting blueprints, setting reference points, and ensuring on-site accuracy.

For job seekers in Australia, searching under Site Engineer and Surveyor roles will often lead to positions with similar duties to those in UK-based setting out jobs.

Are you planning to live and work in Australia and have setting out experience gained on UK-based projects? We would like to talk to you! Email our friendly team with your CV at [email protected]

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