Contour Surveys

What is a Contour Survey?

A contour survey (also called an elevation survey or terrain survey) measures ground levels across a site and maps them as contour lines showing elevation changes. Contour maps are essential for development applications, drainage design, and earthworks planning on Wollongong's sloping and hillside properties.

When Do You Need a Contour Survey?

• Development applications — Wollongong Council requires contour surveys for hillside and sloping sites
• Drainage design — Engineers need contours to design effective stormwater systems
• Cut and fill calculations — Determine earthworks volumes for site levelling
• Retaining wall design — Engineers require accurate contours for structural design
• Driveway and access design — Ensure compliant gradients on sloping blocks
• Landscaping projects — Plan terr acing, paths, and garden levels

How Contour Surveys Work

Our contour survey process captures accurate elevation data across your site:

1. Site grid establishment — Set survey grid across the property
2. Level observations — Measure ground levels at grid intersections and key points
3. Feature capture — Record existing structures, fences, trees, and site features
4. Data processing — Generate digital terrain model and contour lines
5. Contour map production — Prepare plan showing contours at specified intervals

Contour Intervals

Typical contour intervals for Wollongong sites:

• Flat sites (0-5% gradient) — 0.5m or 0.25m contours
• Moderate slopes (5-15% gradient) — 1m contours
• Steep hillsides (>15% gradient) — 2m contours or greater

Your architect or engineer will specify the required contour interval based on site conditions and project requirements.

Typical Timeframe

Contour surveys for standard residential blocks in Wollongong typically take 3-7 business days from site inspection to plan delivery. Complex hillside sites with dense vegetation may require additional fieldwork time.

Why Choose Us for Contour Surveys

• Hillside expertise — Extensive experience surveying Wollongong's challenging escarpment properties
• Accurate elevation data — Modern GPS and laser equipment for precise level measurements
• Council-compliant plans — Contour maps prepared to Wollongong Council DA requirements
• CAD format delivery — Digital files compatible with architect and engineer workflows
• Combined detail surveys — We can provide contours as part of comprehensive detail surveys

Wollongong's terrain ranges from flat coastal sites to steep escarpment slopes. Our Surveyor Wollongong team understands local topography and delivers accurate contour surveys for all site conditions across the Illawarra region.