About the method

Topographic and geodetic support

SMART GEOPHYSICS performs topographic surveying and mapping using ground-based instrumental surveys and aerial photography. The results capture terrain, natural and man-made features, and site layout elements.

Topographic, geodetic, and navigation support forms the foundation of high-quality geological exploration. Precise positioning of profiles, observation points, boreholes, and infrastructure is essential for the accurate correlation of all project data.

Services are provided either independently or in conjunction with geophysical surveys and drilling.

  • Types of workTopographic surveying, layout/staking, and coordinate positioning
  • EquipmentTrimble R12i GNSS receivers, electronic total stations, DJI Zenmuse L3 LiDAR (UAV-mounted)
  • Quality controlVerification of accuracy, coverage completeness, and coordinate systems
  • DeliverablesPlans, digital terrain models, and coordinate catalogs

Topographic and geodetic tasks we perform

The scope of work, survey scale, accuracy, and delivery format are determined by the intended use of the data, site conditions, and project requirements.

01

Topographic surveying

Production of site plans showing terrain, surface features, and infrastructure.

02

GNSS Positioning

Determination of coordinates and elevations for observation points, profiles, boreholes, and other objects.

03

Stakeout

Setting out design points, profiles, boundaries, and observation network elements on the ground.

04

Profiles and Stationing

Preparation of vertical control networks and profiles for geophysical surveys and drilling operations.

05

Aerial Surveying

UAV-based aerial photography and LiDAR scanning to generate orthophotos and digital terrain models, and to capture detailed site conditions.

06

Office Processing

Organization of field measurements, accuracy verification, and preparation of final deliverables.

Applications

Purpose of Topographic and Geodetic Surveys

Geological Exploration

Establishing a precise spatial framework for geological observations, sampling, and exploration activities.

Geophysical Surveys

Referencing profiles, observation points, and anomalies to a unified coordinate system.

Drilling and Construction

Staking out design points and verifying the positioning of boreholes, sites, and infrastructure facilities.

Mapping Products

Preparation of topographic plans, schematics, digital terrain models, and orthophotos.

Equipment and Surveying Methods

For the coordinate framework, we use Trimble R12i GNSS receivers and electronic total stations; for aerial surveys, we employ the DJI Zenmuse L3 LiDAR system mounted on a UAV.

Satellite EquipmentTrimble R12i GNSS receivers (RTK accuracy: 8 mm horizontal, 15 mm vertical), Trimble Access controller
Aerial SurveyingDJI Zenmuse L3 LiDAR on DJI Matrice 400 RTK UAV: ​​DTM/DSM digital terrain/surface models, point clouds
Total StationsElectronic total stations for ground-based surveying and stakeout operations
Survey TypesGround-based surveying, aerial photography, and UAV-based LiDAR surveying
Final DeliverablesPlans, coordinate lists, terrain models

Accuracy, scale, and the scope of field and office work are determined following an analysis of the project objectives, the site, and the requirements for the final deliverables.

SMART GEOPHYSICS GNSS survey: Trimble receiver on a tripod and Trimble cases in the fieldDJI Zenmuse L3 LiDAR on a UAV in the field

Workflow

Stage 1

Preparation

  • Analysis of project objectives, site boundaries, and accuracy requirements
  • Coordination of coordinate systems, elevations, and deliverable scope
  • Preparation of the survey program and geodetic control network layout
Stage 2

Field measurements

  • Reconnaissance and monumentation of control points (if required)
  • Surveying of terrain, site features, profiles, and observation points
  • Quality and completeness checks performed directly in the field
Stage 3

Office Processing

  • Data processing and measurement adjustment
  • Generation of plans, terrain models, profiles, and coordinate catalogs
  • Verification of compliance with agreed formats and project requirements
Stage 4

Handover of materials

  • Delivery of digital and graphic materials to the client
  • Technical description of work performed and coordinate systems used
  • Recommendations for data use in geological exploration and geophysical surveys
Project deliverables

What the client receives

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Topographic plans

Site plans showing terrain, features, profiles, and observation points.

Coordinate catalogs

Coordinates and elevations of geodetic points, boreholes, profiles, and other objects.

Digital terrain modelm420300180

Terrain models

Digital terrain models, profiles, and orthophotomaps (subject to the specific work program).

Technical report

Description of methodology, coordinate systems, accuracy, and scope of delivered materials.

Experience

Projects involving topographic and geodetic support

The company performs topographic, geodetic, and geophysical work across Kazakhstan. For each project, the program is tailored based on the intended use of the data, the scale, site accessibility, initial data, and requirements for the final output format. Specific projects are published only with the client's consent.

Partners

Partners and clients

Q&A

Frequently asked questions about topographic and geodetic surveys

What data is required before work begins?

The project objective, site boundaries, required scale and accuracy, coordinate and elevation systems, and any existing plans or survey control data. We can clarify missing details when planning the survey.

In which coordinate system will the results be delivered?

We agree on the coordinate and elevation systems before work begins, based on the project and client requirements. Results are delivered in the agreed system, which is documented in the technical report.

Can a topographic survey be conducted alongside the geophysical work?

Yes. Topographic surveying and the positioning of profiles and boreholes can be included in a single program with geophysical work, providing a common coordinate framework.

What determines the accuracy and scale of the survey?

The intended use of the deliverables, project requirements, site scale and terrain, and the survey method. We agree on the required accuracy and scale before fieldwork.

What deliverables does the client receive?

Topographic plans, coordinate and elevation catalogs, profiles and digital terrain models; aerial surveys can also provide orthophotos and point clouds. The deliverables and formats are agreed in advance.

Can existing boreholes and profiles be tied into the survey?

Yes. Existing boreholes and geophysical profiles can be tied to a common coordinate system using source data or on-site measurements.

What determines the scope and cost of the work?

The site area and terrain, accessibility, required scale and accuracy, scope of field and office work, and delivery format. We prepare a work plan and estimate after reviewing the project.

Get a preliminary plan for topographic and geodetic work at your site

Tell us about the project, the site, its boundaries, and the desired outcome. SMART GEOPHYSICS specialists will propose the scope of work, accuracy levels, and data delivery formats.