Monitoring Surveys

Detect movement early, protect nearby assets, and make confident decisions with precise monitoring survey data you can rely on.

Monitoring surveys are used to measure and track movement over time. They help identify whether a building, structure, retaining wall, excavation, or section of ground is stable, or whether small changes are beginning to occur that need attention. By comparing repeat measurements against an initial baseline, a monitoring survey provides accurate evidence of movement in millimetres rather than guesswork on site.

Whether the concern is structural movement, settlement, deformation or wider project risk management, Terrain Surveys can help by providing the conclusive evidence you need to make informed decisions.

Detects movement, settlement or deformation at an early stage.
Helps protect neighbouring buildings, structures and infrastructure.
Provides objective data for engineers, insurers and project teams.
Supports planning conditions, compliance requirements and risk management.
Reduces the chance of delays, disputes and costly remedial works.

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Example

Here you can see a brick doorway arch that has gradually been flattening over many years. If this flattening had been left unchecked, the arch would eventually collapse, and could have caused serious injury to people, and structural damage to the building. Luckily however, the building owner asked us to confirm if the situation was still worsening over time. Based on empirical monitoring survey data from us, they were able to make an informed decision to carry out remedial works before any collapse occurred.

What to Expect

A monitoring survey begins with an assessment of the site, the structure or area to be monitored, and the level of accuracy required. Suitable control points and monitoring locations are then established, followed by baseline readings that act as the reference point for all future measurements.

Here's what you can expect:

Initial site review and survey planning
Establishment of survey control
Baseline readings before works begin
Monitoring of fixed points or targets over time
Regular repeat visits at agreed intervals
Precise movement analysis
Clear reporting with results and observations
Trigger level reporting where required

The length of time we monitor a building depends on your needs. We can do a fixed time survey or an ongoing monitoring service.

Types of Monitoring Survey

Different projects require different forms of monitoring depending on the asset being measured, the level of risk, and the type of movement that may occur.

Movement Monitoring Survey

A movement monitoring survey tracks whether specific points on a structure or feature have shifted over time. This is commonly used for buildings, walls, facades, bridges, excavations, and neighbouring structures close to construction activity. It helps identify even small horizontal or vertical changes before they develop into more serious issues.

Deformation Monitoring Survey

A deformation monitoring survey is used where the concern is not just movement from one position to another, but changes in shape, profile, or alignment. This can be important for more complex structures or sensitive assets where gradual distortion or uneven behaviour needs to be measured accurately over time.

Planning Building Works?

If your project involves a listed building, a party wall, deep excavation, basement works, or construction close to neighbouring structures, a monitoring survey can be essential for understanding the positions of pre-existing structures and whether they have any movement, before new works commence.

When You Need a Monitoring survey

Monitoring surveys are typically required where there is a risk that land or structures may move, settle, or deform. In many cases, they are commissioned to create a reliable baseline before works begin and to provide ongoing evidence throughout the project.

You may need a monitoring survey if:

Major construction is taking place close to neighbouring buildings
Excavation, piling, demolition, or basement works are planned
Cracks or signs of settlement have appeared
A retaining wall, slope, or embankment needs to be observed over time
An engineer requires measured movement data
You need a record to support project risk management requirements

Our Approach

We begin by understanding the site, the structure being monitored, and what the survey data needs to achieve. This allows us to design a monitoring approach that suits the level of risk, the required accuracy, and the timescales of the project. We establish a reliable control framework, define the monitoring points, and take accurate baseline readings so all future change can be measured with confidence.

As the monitoring programme progresses, we carry out repeat observations at the agreed intervals and present the results clearly. Our focus is on providing dependable information that is easy to interpret and useful for engineers, contractors, consultants, and property owners alike. We can report against any thresholds you require.

What We'll deliver

You will receive clear, dependable survey information showing whether movement has occurred and, if so, to what extent. Deliverables are tailored to the project, but typically include baseline readings, repeat observation data, movement analysis, and easy-to-follow reporting.

Typical outputs include:

Baseline survey data
Monitoring point schedule
Repeat survey readings
Movement analysis over time
Clear tables, plans, and summaries
Reporting aligned to project requirements
Trigger level reporting where required
An expert to talk you through everything

Accreditations

6 key reasons to choose Terrain Surveys

Why us

Experienced
Established in 2004 by three founding directors determined to improve surveying standards, Terrain Surveys Ltd was created with a commitment to excellence.
Highly rated
Terrain Surveys strives to be the survey company of choice through a wide scope of knowledge and a constant drive for excellence. We pride ourselves on the quality of service provided, including customer service, survey deliverables, training, education, and the systems we operate.
Focus on sustainability
As a leading provider of measured survey services, Terrain Surveys understands the critical role our work plays in shaping the built environment. We are committed to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations.
Qualified and accredited
Terrain Surveys Ltd holds the ISO 9001:2015 accreditation, reflecting our commitment to quality management systems and consistent service delivery. Additionally, our team includes professionals with various industry-specific qualifications and certifications, such as membership in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES).
Diverse and growing team
Our strength lies in our team, whose experience and knowledge, coupled with investment in training and technology, enable efficient work and the production of high-quality, accurate measured surveys that meet clients' strict deadlines.
Nationwide coverage
Terrain Surveys provides comprehensive national coverage across the UK, ensuring clients receive consistent, high-quality surveying services wherever they are. With strategically located offices, the company is well-positioned to deliver efficient and tailored solutions to meet a variety of client needs.

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What customers say about Terrain Surveys

Reviews

Eddie

14:51 08 Aug 24

Terrain Surveys Ltd have carried out a first class service of locating a drain pipe under my garden. Particular praise must go to Gareth and Euan, the onsite operatives who performed a first class survey on an extremely hot day. Consideration and care was exercised in my and my neighbours garden. Praise must also go to Sue in the office. All requests and questions were quickly responded to. Thank you.

Tye A.

23:28 28 May 24

Terrain Surveys have provided consistently high quality digital surveys for us for over a decade and we continue to use them through our work all over the UK - highly recommended

Mark S.

15:03 15 Mar 24

Always complete the works to an excellent level, on time and as quoted.

Amethyst S.

13:32 27 Apr 23

We have been working with Terrain surveys for more than 15 years. Terrain provide us with Topographic Surveys, Measured Building Surveys, 3D Revit Models and BIM, to an extremely high standard. They always provide excellent service and guidance throughout the entire process, and I would highly recommend their services.

Josh R.

11:22 27 Mar 19

Great surveys at competitive prices. Have used on two large jobs now and work has always been completed on time with the detail required. Recommended.

Shiraz K.

10:54 09 May 18

I gained quotes from 5 different surveyors for the same job, terrain came £700 cheaper then competitors.

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