Topographic surveys are required by many local government bodies to measure and map the shape, contour and location of land features and man-made objects on the surface of the land and below bodies of water. Together with a boundary survey, topographic surveys are used by architects and engineers to create accurate and appropriate designs based on existing conditions.
While other surveys provide details about the parcel of land itself, an as-built survey provides details about structures being built or recently completed upon the property. As-built surveys can be ordered at various phases of larger building projects to ensure construction is progressing according to plan, but a final as-built survey will be needed to verify completed work and ensure that the structure satisfies requirements of local government authorities.