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What Is a Contour Survey — And When Do You Need One?
A contour survey is a crucial step in preparing for any construction, renovation, or development project. Also known as a detail survey, detail level survey, or site survey, it provides a highly accurate representation of both the features and elevation levels across a block of land.
This information is essential for architects, engineers, builders, and certifiers to understand the existing conditions before designing or planning any improvements. Without it, projects can run into compliance issues, design conflicts, or costly mistakes.
What Does a Contour Survey Include?
A contour survey does more than just show the shape of your land — it gives a full snapshot of everything physically present on and around the site. This includes both natural features and man-made structures such as:
Trees, rocks, stumps, vegetation, and garden beds
Buildings, sheds, garages, and outbuildings
Driveways, footpaths, fences, and retaining walls
Spot levels and elevation points across the site
Contour lines indicating slope and terrain changes
Site orientation and coordinate points for future design
It’s often the baseline survey used by your entire project team. Once completed, this survey allows them to assess slope, drainage, access, privacy impacts, and how best to position new structures on the block.
When Do You Need a Contour (or Detail) Survey?
If you’re planning any type of design, development, or valuation work on your property, there’s a good chance a contour or detail survey is required. It’s particularly important for:
✅ Design and documentation – architects use contour data to prepare accurate building plans
✅ Council approvals – required for Development Applications (DA) and Complying Development (CDC)
✅ Building structures – essential when adding a house, extension, duplex, granny flat, or shed
✅ Installing a pool or retaining wall – helps ensure safe, compliant designs
✅ Significant landscaping – especially if earthworks or drainage changes are planned
✅ Tight block developments – such as inner-city or narrow-lot homes, where setbacks, overshadowing, and privacy must be carefully calculated
✅ Valuation purposes – helps assess land usability, slope, and improvements
✅ Subdivisions or re-zoning – often forms part of the supporting documentation
Even if you’re still early in your planning, having a site survey ready means your architect or designer can start work immediately without delays.
Why It’s Called a “Contour,” “Detail,” or “Site” Survey.
These terms are often used interchangeably — but they all refer to a similar type of survey. Here’s a quick breakdown of what a contour survey may also be commonly called:
Contour Survey
Detail Survey
Detail Level Survey
Site Survey
At C&A Surveyors, our contour surveys are designed to meet planning and council requirements across NSW, no matter which term your certifier or architect uses.
Why Choose C&A Surveyors?
Not all surveys are created equal — accuracy, turnaround time, and clear communication make all the difference.
At C&A Surveyors, we’re proud to be one of Sydney’s most trusted survey firms. Our reputation is built on precision, speed, and reliability.
Here’s what you can expect:
⭐ 4.9-star Google rating from over 200 satisfied clients
👷♂️ Dedicated project manager from start to finish
📐 Accurate, compliant survey plans
🏗️ Preferred by architects, builders, and private clients across NSW
💼 Fully insured and registered with the NSW Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI)
Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, developer, or builder, we’ll make the surveying process smooth and hassle-free.
Get a Fast, Reliable Contour Survey Today
Don’t risk delays, compliance issues, or design errors caused by incomplete or inaccurate site data.
Start your project on the right foot with a professional contour survey from C&A Surveyors.
📞 Call us on (02) 9167 0209 or
🌐 Request a Free Quote Online
We proudly service Sydney, Newcastle, the Hunter Region, and the Central Coast.
