Assignment 1

QSD 146
Land Survey

Name : Abdul Muhaimin Bin Kamarudin

Student ID : 2011400042
Programme : Diploma In Quantity Surveying
Class : AP1141C
Lecturer : En. Mohd Zaki
INDEX
Page

 Acknowledgement 2

 Introduction To Surveying 3-4

 Quantity Surveyor
 Introduction 5-6
 History Of QS 7-8
 Profession 9
 Roles Of QS 10-11
 Function Of Consultant and
Contractor QS 12-14

 Land Surveyor
 Introduction 15
 History Of LS 16
 Types Of LS 16-17
 Roles Of LS 18-20

 The Importance of Land Survey Knowledg

In Quantity Surveyor 21

 The Purposes Of Land Surveyors In

Quantity Surveyors 22-23

 Conclusion 24

 Appendix 25

 References 26
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The special thank goes to my helpful lecturer , En. Mohd Zaki (QSD 146). The
supervision and support that he gave truly help the progression and smoothness
of this assignment. The co-operation is much indeed appreciated.

My grateful thanks also go to both Muhamad Hanif and Mohd Fakhrullah. A

big contribution and hard worked from both of you during this one week is very
great indeed. This assignment would be nothing without the enthusiasm and
imagination from both of you. Besides, this assignment makes me realized the
value of friendship and as a new experience in working environment, which
challenges us every minute. Not forget, great appreciation go to the rest of
AP1141C students that help me from time to time during the project.

Great deals appreciated go to the contribution of my faculty - Faculty of

Architecture, Planning and Surveying (FSPU).I am also would like to thankful
my father , Kamarudin Sulaiman as an experienced quantity surveyor to help
me complete this assignment.

2
 INTRODUCTION TO SURVEYING

Surveying has to do with the determination of the relative spatial location of

points on or near the surface of the earth. It is the art of measuring horizontal
and vertical distance between objects, of measuring angles between lines, of
determining the direction of lines, and of establishing points by predetermined
angular and linear measurements.1

Surveying is a diverse and exciting career choice that can give you the
opportunity to travel the world and meet all kinds of people. If you think of all
the physical assets that cover the earth - buildings, trees, airports, antiques,
festivals, hotels, rain forests, ports and harbours - surveyors are there playing an
important role in shaping the world that we live in. Surveyors essentially
measure, value, protect and enhance all the world's physical assets and they're
involved in a vast array of projects.2

Surveyors do different types of work. Some measure land, air space, and water
areas. They describe where a certain area of land is. They explain what it looks
like, and how much is there. They put these facts in deeds, leases, and other
legal documents. They also define air space for airports. In addition, they
measure construction and mineral sites. Surveyors might lead survey parties (or
surveying projects).

Geodetic surveyors measure large areas of the earth's surface. Geophysical

prospecting surveyors mark sites for exploration below the earth's surface,
usually related to petroleum. Marine or hydrographic surveyors study harbors,
rivers, and other bodies of water.

Another type of worker is a surveying and mapping technician. Survey

technicians help land surveyors when they go to a site. Survey technicians use
special tools and collect facts. They might hold measuring tapes and chains.
Survey technicians write notes. They also make sketches and enter the facts into
computers. Some survey parties include helpers. They move bushes from sight
lines, stick stakes in the ground, and carry equipment.

1
James M. Anderson and Edward M. Mikhail (1985) Introduction To Surveying ; America
2
http://www.rics.org/whatissurveying
 INTRODUCTION TO SURVEYING (CONTD)

Cartographers form another group of workers. They collect facts about the
earth's surface. They prepare maps of large areas. Their work is similar to land
surveyors, but they cover larger areas. Some specialists, called
photogrammetrists, prepare maps from aerial photographs. This group works
mainly in offices. They seldom visit the sites they are mapping.

A new type of worker is called a geographic information systems (GIS)

specialist. This new occupational group started because of the new technology
in satellites and computers. Geographic information systems specialists
combine the jobs of mapping scientists and surveyors.

Surveyors study legal records. They look for previous boundaries. They record
the results of the survey. They make sure that their facts are correct. Afterwards,
they draw what the area looks like. They then make maps and write reports.
Surveyors who set up boundaries must be licensed by the State in which they
work.

Surveyors usually work an 8 hour day, 5 days a week. They spend a lot of their
time outdoors. Sometimes they work longer hours during the summer, when the
weather is good and the sun stays up longer.

Land surveyors and technicians often stand for long periods. They often have to
climb hills and walk long distances. Sometimes they have to stay overnight.
They carry heavy packs of instruments and equipment. They face all types of
weather when they are outside.

Surveyors also spend time in offices. While in an office, they have to make
plans, read their facts, and prepare reports and maps. Most of the time,
surveyors use computers to do math problems and draw maps. Cartographers
spend almost all their time in offices.3

3
http://www.bls.gov/k12/math03.htm
 QUANTITY SURVEYOR

INTRODUCTION

A quantity surveyor (QS) is a professional working within the construction

industry concerned with building costs. The profession is one that provides a
qualification gained following formal education, specific training and
experience that provides a general set of skills that are then applied to a diverse
variety of problems. Predominantly these relate to costs and contracts on
construction projects. Other areas in which QS find employment include
property surveys for hidden defects on behalf of potential purchasers, running
estates, valuing the mineral deposits for mining companies, selling property and
even Leasehold Reform Act work.4

A quantity surveyor manages all costs relating to building and civil engineering
projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Surveyors seek to
minimise the costs of a project and enhance value for money, while still
achieving the required standards and quality. Many of these are specified by
statutory building regulations, which the surveyor needs to understand and
adhere to. A quantity surveyor may work for either the client or the contractor,
working in an office or on-site. They are involved in a project from the start,
preparing estimates and costs of the work. The title of the job may also be
referred to as a construction cost consultant or commercial manager.5

5
4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantity_surveyor
5
http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/quantity_surveyor_job_description.jsp
 INTRODUCTION (CONTD)

NZIQS Rules state that a "Quantity Surveyor" means a person educated, trained
and qualified, and who is particularly and regularly engaged, for the purpose of
livelihood.6

Quantity surveyors are individuals who work specifically in the construction

industry. Surveyors are responsible for making sure that the construction
company stays within budget. They purchase all of the needed materials for
construction and they also are responsible for hiring. They must accurately
measure the amount of materials needed and they must also be aware of how
much manpower is needed to finish the construction job within the allotted
time. Quantity surveyors are also the workers who scope out land to determine
whether it should be purchased by a construction company. The quantity
surveyor must come up with cost plans, cost strategies, value engineering, life
cycle costing and sustainability costing and present them to the client. She must
also negotiate with contractors in order to get clients the best possible deals.7

6
http://www.NZIQS.com
7
http://www.ehow.co.uk/about_6137525_job-description-quantity-surveyor.html
 HISTORY OF QUANTITY SURVEYOR

The profession developed during the 19th century from the earlier "measurer", a
specialist tradesman (often a guild member), who prepared standardised
schedules for a building project in which all of the construction materials,
labour activities and the like were quantified, and against which competing
builders could submit priced tenders. Because all tenders were based on the
same schedule of information, they could be easily compared so as to identify
the best one. As a profession quantity surveying emerged around the 1820s with
one of the earliest QSs being Sir Henry Arthur Hunt who was involved in work
on the Houses of Parliament. After the fire in 1834 that destroyed the old Palace
of Westminister Henry Hunt came up with an estimate cost of £724,984
(changes by Parliament put it up to £1.5m).

The professional institution with which most English-speaking quantity

surveyors are affiliated is the UK-based Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors (RICS). In Australia, the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors
(AIQS) has over 4300 members, both domestically and overseas and the New
Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) a further 1300. Others are the
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and Institution of Civil Engineering
Surveyors (ICES). Those who are qualified members of the RICS are entitled to
use the term "Chartered Quantity Surveyor" or simply "Chartered Surveyor".

The QS usually reports to Project Manager or Project Director and provides

advice in the decision-making process throughout the management of a project
from initial inception to final completion. The QS handles estimating and cost
control, the tendering process and, after contract award, the commercial
interface. QSs should be able to carry out estimating and measurement of
construction works prior to tender, producing the bill of quantities; produce
tender documentation and manage the tender process; clarify and evaluate
tenders; and manage the resultant contract through monthly valuations,
variations control, contract administration and assessment of claims.

Some QSs are trained in techniques of cost control. Those QSs who emphasise
the cost discipline often use the term "Construction Cost Consultant". They
ensure that projects are designed and constructed in such a manner as to secure
value for money, cost certainty and programme dates.

7
 HISTORY OF QUANTITY SURVEYOR (CONTD)

Others emphasise contracts management. Trained to draft, interpret and

administer complex contracts, those QSs who operate in the broader field of
project management often adopt other titles such as "Contracts manager" or
"Construction surveyor". A number of QSs work in procurement in the oil &
gas industry, process and power industries, and civil engineering. Their
preferred title, in countries where the QS profession is less known, is "Contracts
engineer".

Some QSs specialise in project management and running multi-disciplinary

projects, the QS background being a good foundation for understanding the
complexities of modern large-scale projects.

As well as in professional quantity surveying practices, the QS finds

employment in all parts of industry and government including primary and
secondary industry, national and local government bodies and agencies,
contractors and subcontractors, developers, and financial and legal companies.

Although all QSs will have followed a similar course of education and training
(for those entering the profession today, this is usually to degree level), there are
many areas of specialisation in which a QS may concentrate. The main
distinction amongst QSs is between those who carry out work on behalf of a
client organisation, often known as a "professional quantity surveyor", and
those who work for construction companies, often known as a "main
contractor's quantity surveyor".8

8
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantity_surveyor
PROFESSION OF QUANTITY SURVEYOR

A quantity surveyor may choose to work in any number of different

fields. However, principally these can be divided into:

• Private practice, often referred now to as project management, and

• Commercial management or contracting surveying.

Private practice.
The conventional model for quantity surveying firms in private practice is to
trade as a sole practitioner or as a partnership. A surveyor who is a partner in a
partnership is jointly and severally liable for all debts and liabilities of the
partnership and liable to the full extent of their personal wealth for the debts
of the business.

Commercial management.
Commercial management is generally meant to be managing the contractual and
commercial aspects of projects for the supply side of the industry. Many
commercial managers are members of the CIOB and the RICS.9

EDUCATION NEEDED.

Quantity surveyors usually need a bachelor's degree in quantity surveying,

construction or civil engineering. They must have the ability to understand
construction plans. Quantity surveyors must have excellent communication
skills in order to communicate both with the workers, contractors and with
clients. They must also be able to use cost estimation software. Surveyors must
have the ability to listen and fully understand the expectations of the clients.
They must also have planning, time management, prioritization, multi-tasking
and documentation skills.

9
Duncan Cartlidge FRICS (2009) Quantity Surveyor’s Pocket Book ; Great Britain
 ROLES OF QUANTITY SURVEYOR

1. The preparation of Bills and/or Schedules of Quantities of materials,

labour and services required in the construction and equipment of
building, or engineering works, and;

2. The preparation and valuation of progress and final payments in

connection with any contract or sub-contract, and;

3. The appraisal of the value of proposed constructions or other structures

already erected, and;

4. The preparation of specifications when required so to do, and;

5. Acting as arbitrator in cases of dispute in connection with building, or

engineering work, when required so to do, and;
6. To advise from time to time on cost management, or value management.

7. To carry out such other duties as may properly be those of a Quantity

Surveyor.

Quantity Surveyor is the person responsible for figuring out just what a
building is going to cost and in some cases for making sure that
construction costs and production are managed as efficiently as possible.
In some of today's projects there may be many millions of dollars
involved.

A Quantity Surveyor can identify and collate the costs involved in order
to develop an overall budget for any project. They can then undertake
cost planning which aims to help all members of the design team arrive at
practical solutions and stay within the project budget. It is the final
detailed estimate prepared by the Quantity Surveyors, in consultation
with a project architect, which forms a basis on which subsequent tenders
can be evaluated.

10
ROLES OF QUANTITY SURVEYOR (CONTD)

Schedules of quantities translate the drawing, plans and specifications produced

by the design team to enable each contractor to calculate tender prices fairly, on
exactly the same basis as the competitors.

Once tenders have been accepted, the Quantity Surveyor can provide cash flow
data to enable a client to programme his resources adequately to meet contract
commitments. In other words, the Quantity Surveyor decides how much of a job
should be paid for at any one time. With interest rates the way they are, no one
wants to hand over money before it is due.

In most construction contracts, the contractor is paid monthly and the Quantity
Surveyor can value the work carried out each month submitting a
recommendation for certified payment.

The Quantity Surveyor can also be called on to assess cost effects when changes
occur and agree on variation with contractors. Following completion of a
contract, the Quantity Surveyor prepares a statement of final account,
summarising the cost charges that have occurred and arriving at a final contract
sum.10

11

10
http://www.NZIQS.com
THE FUNCTIONS OF A CONSULTANT QUANTITY
SURVEYOR

Traditionally referred to as a Professional Quantity Surveyor or Private Practice

Quantity Surveyor they are broadly concerned with contracts and costs on
construction projects. The methods employed, however, cover a range of
activities which may include cost planning, value management, feasibility
study|feasibility studies, cost benefit analysis, lifecycle costing, tendering,
valuation, change control, dispute resolution, claims management and cost
estimation.

The QS's traditional independent role on the team comprising client, architect,
engineer, QS and contractor has given him a reputation and appreciation for
fairness. This, combined with his expertise in drafting and interpretation of
contract documents, enables him to settle issues, avoid disputes and ensure the
effective progress of a project.

Quantity surveyors control construction costs by accurate measurement of the

work required, the application of expert knowledge of costs and prices of work,
labour, materials and plant required, an understanding of the implications of
design decisions at an early stage to ensure that good value is obtained for the
money to be expended.

12
THE FUNCTIONS OF A CONSULTANT QUANTITY
SURVEYOR (CONTD)

The technique of measuring quantities from drawings, sketches and

specifications prepared by designers, principally architects and engineers, in
order to prepare tender/contract documents, is known in the industry as taking
off. The quantities of work taken off typically are used to prepare bills of
quantities, which usually are prepared in accordance with a published standard
method of measurement (SMM) as agreed to by the QS profession and
representatives of the construction industry.

In Australia, the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) is the peak

body for the Quantity Surveying profession. All Members of the AIQS are
assessed for membership against strict criteria, and must adhere to a Code of
Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct to ensure the highest standards of
professional excellence. The AIQS website (www.aiqs.com.au) contains details
of all members and is a useful source of information relating to the profession.

The benchmark for quality for a Private Practice Surveyor is the RICS's
Chartered Membership MRICS & FRICS. The RICS also has the entry level
non Chartered Membership AssocRICS. AssocRICS acts as a qualification in its
own right however also offers a progressive route to Chartered RICS
membership for able and willing candidates.11

13

11
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantity_surveyor
CONTRACTOR’S QUANTITY SURVEYOR

A contractor's QS is responsible for the performance of operations that mirror

those of the owner's QS; i.e., the measurement and pricing of construction work,
but specifically that actually performed by the contractor (and the contractor's
subcontractors) as opposed to the construction work described and measured in
the construction contract between the owner and the contractor. Such a
difference in quantity of work may arise from changes required by an owner, or
by an architect or engineer on an owner's behalf. Typically, the settlement of a
change (often referred to in a contract as a 'variation').

The role of a contractors QS will extend further than the day to day running of
building projects and will cover such other areas as sub-contract formation,
forecasting of costs and values of the project, cash flow forecasts and the
collation of the operation and maintenance manuals of the project (O&M
manuals). This increase in the capacity of the surveying profession has led to an
increased demand for qualified personnel and goes some way to explaining the
popularity of related degrees at university.

Some contractors and others may attempt to rely on a general accountant to deal
with construction costs, but usually this is not effective, primarily because an
accountant does not have the technical knowledge to accurately allocate costs to
specific items of work performed, especially at times prior to the particular
work's completion as required to make accurate assessment of the amounts to be
paid to the contractor during the course of the work.12

14

12
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantity_surveyor
 LAND SURVEYOR

INTRODUCTION
Land surveyors are licensed professionals who use global positioning systems
(GPS) and other similar equipment to gather information about the layout, shape
and position of a particular piece of land. This information is essential to city
planners, construction planners, engineers, mapping specialists, miners, oil
drillers and other professionals who need to plan their work around the features
of a particular area. Land surveyors measure the distance between natural or
man-made features, identify the boundaries between different pieces of land,
and/or map the natural or man-made features found in a particular area.13

Land Surveyor : Plans, organizes, and directs work of one or more survey
parties engaged in surveying earth’s surface to determine precise location and
measurements of points, elevations, lines, areas, and contours for construction,
mapmaking, land division, titles, mining or other purposes: Researches previous
survey evidence, maps, deeds, physical evidence, and other records to obtain
data needed for surveys. Develops new data from photogrammetric records.
Determines methods and procedures for establishing or reestablishing survey
control. Keeps accurate notes, records, and sketches to describe and certify
work performed. Coordinates findings with work of engineering and
architectural personnel, clients, and others regarding to project. Assumes legal
responsibility for work and is licensed by state.14

Land surveying is the art and science of establishing or reestablishing corners,

lines, boundaries, and monuments of real property (land), based upon recorded
documents, historical evidence, and present standards of practice. Land
Surveying also includes associated services such as analysis and utilization of
survey data, subdivision planning and design, writing legal descriptions,
mapping, construction layout, and precision measurements of angle, length,
area, and volume.15

15

13
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5003278_job-description-land-surveyor.html
14
http://www.job-descriptions.org/land-surveyor.html
15
http://www.tackmansurveying.com
HISTORY OF LAND SURVEYOR

Land surveying is a profession as old as the Egyptian times yet its importance to
the human race still lives on. It is the best method to settle disputes over land
ownership, it gives a clear picture of what buildings are suited to be constructed
in a given land area, and it’s a convenient way to determine the exact
dimensions of real estate to be purchased or sold.

Optimum potential of the land you own can only be defined once you have a
land survey. Whether you are planning to put it on the market, or should you
want to use it for commercial purposes, a land survey must back you up if ever
questions regarding everything about the land arise. Land surveying will
provide a sense of security and peace of mind to every land owner and even to
the future buyers.

Land surveying will always be an integral part in protecting real estate and
upholding of laws governing the utilization and distribution of your land assets.

TYPES OF LAND SURVEYOR

Boundary Surveys:
Surveys made to establish or reestablish property boundary lines upon the
ground or to obtain data for making a map showing boundary lines. These
surveys include residential lots, commercial property, and large tracts.

Condominium Surveys:
Surveys determining unit and common areas, in a three dimensional plan, to
prepare descriptions and mapping for a condominium plan.

Construction Surveys:
Survey measurements on a construction project to control position, dimensions,
and configuration. Also included are measurements to determine quantities for
payment of work and adequacy of completion.

Court Exhibit Surveys:

Surveys involving accumulation and preparation of evidence for courtroom
testimony involving boundary disputes. Traffic accident and crime scene
situation surveys are also included.

16
TYPES OF LAND SURVEYOR (CONTD)

Mortgage or Title Surveys:

Surveys made for lending or insuring agencies to evaluate title problems, if any,
relating to actual occupation and possession.

Preliminary Survey:
Surveys to obtain data from which to determine the feasibility of, and/or to
prepare plans for a development or construction project.

Subdivision Surveys:
Surveys dividing undeveloped areas of land into blocks, lots, streets, parks, etc.,
in conformance with governing ordinances. This procedure includes platting,
segregations’, and other divisions exempt from subdivision ordinances.

Topographic Surveys:
Surveys for the purpose of determining the configuration of the earth’s surface
and the location of physical objects thereon. 16

EDUCATION NEEDED

Land surveyors must be licensed in the state in which they will be conducting
business. Each state implements its own regulations regarding the licensure of
surveyors. Some states require a degree from an accredited university, while
other states only require surveyor license applicants to take an assessment
determining their knowledge on the subject. A Bachelors degree or Associates
degree in Applied Science is available from most universities. The assessment
given by the states that do not require licensure often requires vast knowledge
of surveying. It is recommended that anyone wishing to become a licensed
surveyor first work with a surveying firm to learn the trade. Many sources
indicate that it can take up to 5 years of apprentice work before one is equipped
with the knowledge needed to pass assessments given by the state.17

17

16
http://www.tackmansurveying.com
17
http://www.landsurveyors.com
ROLES OF LAND SURVEYOR

Land surveying practice is a career specialization overlapping the professions of

geodesy, engineering and law.

Today’s land surveyor has access to highly sophisticated equipment as well as

the traditional instruments for performing and processing survey work. The
surveyor takes pride in being able to use the most efficient tools to accomplish
the desired results.

Research of deeds, historical documents, various old plats, maps and right of
way plans, is an integral part of any boundary survey. The internet is also used
to research vertical and horizontal datum on a global scale for Global
Positioning Surveys.

Keeping abreast of changing laws and practices affecting land surveying and
land ownership, exchanging ideas through participation in professional
associations and societies, continuing education through attendance at
workshops and seminars, in the interest of providing better service, are some of
the activities pursued by today ’s modern land surveyor.18

Land surveyors must do a considerable amount of research before even getting

to the point where they are out in the field and do surveys. They first must find
out what the nature of the job is. In some cases, such surveyors may be
contracted privately by a group or may work for a company or organization full
time. For example, state governments, who often build roads, may have need of
full time land surveyors. A land surveyor may also be employed by companies
that engage in a lot of construction activity.

Of course, one of the most important things a surveyor does is determine

property boundaries. Without the precise measuring of boundaries, projects can
quickly become a major problem. While this may or may not be a big deal as far
as buildings, if the project is something such as a road, it can significantly alter
the desired route.19

18

18
http://www.tackmansurveying.com
19
http://www.wiseGEEK.com
ROLES OF LAND SURVEYOR (CONTD)

As part of a standard lot or mortgage survey of a property, expect your land

surveyor to review tax maps, aerial maps, deeds, subdivision plats, zoning
ordinances, subdivision regulations and possibly even flood maps. For a typical
lot survey, the subdivision plat is the most important of these because it tells the
exact dimensions of your lot and the relative location of your property corners.
The surveyor uses this to locate and/or re-establish your property corners.

In the field, a land surveyor will search for your property corners along with
some of your neighbors’ corners. If yours can’t be found, they’ll measure the
distances and angles between all of the points, locate the improvements on your
property, including your house, pool, out-buildings, retaining walls, fences,
driveways, sidewalks, and other home improvements. Other improvements like
sanitary sewer mains, storm drainage ways, overhead power lines and the like
are located because these might indicate an easement across the property. The
plat should show these, but may not in all cases.

Once all of the field information is gathered, the crew chief takes the field notes
and prepares a preliminary sketch of the work. This is passed along to a
draftsperson who prepares the final outline for your use. The draftsperson will
check all of the maps mentioned earlier to make sure that all building setback
lines and easements are shown on the draft. The surveyed distances and
directions are compared to the plat distances and directions as well. Any
discrepancies or encroachments are shown on the drawing. Your lawyer may
use the draft to determine if any other legal work is needed during the closing.
The mortgage company or the bank may also use the survey for their records.

So now, what do you have for your money. You have a drawing which shows
your house on your lot. You should have stakes and/or flagging by all of your
property corners. Make sure you know where they are located. The actual
corner is marked by an iron pin or pipe of some sort. (The type of monument
should be shown in your survey drawing.) You might also want to take a look at
them at least once a year to make sure they’re still there. (Even animals mark
their territory more often than that.)20

19
20
http://www.montgomeryland.com
ROLES OF LAND SURVEYOR (CONTD)

Plans, organizes, and directs work of one or more survey parties engaged in
surveying earth's surface to determine precise location and measurements of
points, elevations, lines, areas, and contours for construction, mapmaking, land
division, titles, mining or other purposes: Researches previous survey evidence,
maps, deeds, physical evidence, and other records to obtain data needed for
surveys. Develops new data from photogrammetric records. Determines
methods and procedures for establishing or reestablishing survey control. Keeps
accurate notes, records, and sketches to describe and certify work performed.
Coordinates findings with work of engineering and architectural personnel,
clients, and others concerned with project. Assumes legal responsibility for
work and is licensed by state.21

20

21
http://www.careerplanner.com
 THE IMPORTANCE OF LAND SURVEY
KNOWLEDGE IN QUANTITY SURVEYOR

When a consumer purchases a piece of property, the boundaries of the land have
already been determined by a land surveyor. The land surveyor can also have a
role in how the structure on the surveyed land is built.

Gathering Data
Quantity surveys begin with a land surveyor gathering topographical data on the
tract of land to be developed. A land surveyor uses complex instruments and
math to define a property's boundaries. Field surveys are taken and the resulting
data is interpreted based on local laws to create an organized community. The
surveyor then plots the gathered data, typically with the use of CAD software.

Design Phase
Once the topographical map is produced, or topo for short, surveyors use this
information to create a grading plan for the land. The land surveyor gives the
construction crew a deeper look into the building process by avoiding
construction on known, unstable portions of the property. This knowledge
translates into faster construction with less down time from rework or even
redesigning. Efforts are made during this process to balance the soil as much as
possible so developers need not bring in extra earth or remove excess from the
site.

Earthwork Quantities
A quantity survey is the management and regulation of the costs involved to
construct a building on a job site. In the final phase of a quantity survey, the
surveyor calculates the final volume of earth excess or shortage. Even though
developers will not need to purchase extra fill soil if an excess is present, costs
are still associated with removal and must be planned for accordingly. A land
surveyor plays an integral part with quantity surveying by utilizing their
expertise of the land's layout, such as hills or deep valleys, and translating that
to an efficient construction design and time line to keep overall costs low.

21
THE PURPOSE OF LAND SURVEYORS IN
QUANTITY SURVEYORS

Quantity surveyors often function as the construction cost manager at a

development site. They order land surveys of different kinds throughout the
cycle of development to obtain government building permits, estimate costs of
moving earthworks and for environmental impact studies, among others. The
land surveyor’s skills will be put to use throughout every phase of a
development project.

 Reporting - Utilizing the knowledge of land layout after completing an

initial topographical survey, the land surveyor can then consult with the
quantity surveyor regarding what the construction design efficiency will
require. The reporting will include an overall estimate of time and costs
to construct a sustainable building, bridge or roadway after meeting all
applicable environmental restrictions. This report will come after
completing an additional survey known as an environmental impact
survey.

 Legal - If the land is being subdivided, only a licensed land surveyor can
provide the services of preparing the legal descriptions and information
necessary for registering the subdivision with proper authorities and
acquiring the necessary building permits from governmental offices.

 Balancing Earthworks - Using these surveys and additional elevation

surveys to determine if the site crosses or is in a flood plain, the land
surveyor will report to the quantity surveyor the recommendation for a
balancing of the earthworks to be graded. This report will keep in mind
the quantity surveyor’s need to contain costs by using existing earth
volumes to fill where needed and use as much of the earth as possible to
preclude the costs of conveying any excess off.

 Codes & Assessments - During the project the land surveyor will consult
with the architect, civil engineer, or outside consultants as well, to layout
sufficient construction stakes at each stage of the development in order to
meet local codes and ensure these are at proper elevations. The land
surveyor is also responsible for conducting stockpile inventories and
volume assessments as needed.

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THE PURPOSE OF LAND SURVEYORS IN
QUANTITY SURVEYORS (CONTD)

 Landscape Surveys - As the project continues, the land surveyor will be

reporting to the quantity surveyor the conclusions from a landscape
survey for the placement of trees, irrigation lines and curbing
requirements around parking lot islands and perimeter. Procurement
strategies and an estimate of the overall costs and time for the completion
of any landscaping and parking lot construction will be in this report.

From these reports the quantity surveyor will have valuable information to
report of costs and time at any stage of the development. Additionally, from
this information the quantity surveyor can assess if the construction project is
proceeding as planned and plan for any adjustments that may need to be
implemented to deal with the unforeseen expenses that might arise.22

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http://www.merchantcircle.com
 CONCLUSION

Surveying is one the step needed to construct and start a new project.
They essentially measure, value, protect and enhance all the world's physical
assets and they're involved in a vast array of projects.

Quantity surveyor and Land surveyor needs each other to make sure the projects
complete without any problem issues. Land surveyors are needed in a project to
make sure that the project can be build up without any problem from the base or
ground. Land surveyor need to determine the earth’s surface of the project
location whether the land is suitable for the project.

After all data of the land have been collected, then quantity surveyor will
manage and calculate the cost involved to construct the building on the site. A
land surveyor will help quantity surveyor to use their expertise to translate the
land’s layout and construction design to make sure the cost for the project is not
exceed the budget given. Both of them also need to make sure that the project is
completed in the following time.

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 Appendix

Lembaga Juruukur Tanah Institution of Surveyors Malaysia

Lembaga Juruukur Bahan Malaysia Automatic Level Instruments

Architect’s drawing

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REFERENCES

1) James M. Anderson and Edward M. Mikhail (1985) Introduction To

Surveying ; America

2) Duncan Cartlidge FRICS (2009) Quantity Surveyor’s Pocket Book ;

Great Britain

3) http://www.rics.org/whatissurveying

4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantity_surveyor

5) http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/quantity_surveyor_job_descri
ption.jsp

6) http://www.ehow.com/facts_5003278_job-description-land-surveyor.html

7) http://www.job-descriptions.org/land-surveyor.html

8) http://www.ehow.com/facts_7983808_purpose-land-surveyor-quantity-
surveying.html

9) http://www.bls.gov/k12/math03.htm

10) http://www.tackmansurveying.com

11) http://www.NZIQS.com

12) http://www.landsurveyors.com

13) http://www.wiseGEEK.com

14) http://www.montgomeryland.com

15) http://www.careerplanner.com

16) http://www.merchantcircle.com

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