Terra Measurement exhibited at the Listed Property Show over 2nd & 3rd February 2024. Andy Beardsley, our senior consultant and managing director was invited as a speaker to the main theatre to explain the importance of expert 3D Geospatial Surveys in the planning and care of Listed Buildings.
The talk was born from Terra Measurement rescuing so many projects from inadequate measured surveys of both land and buildings.
Do you want to know the two main reasons these rescued project surveys were so inadequate or inaccurate?
At the Listed Property Show 2024 Andy explained that to best serve our built heritage, best practice 3D Geospatial Surveys are essential. They accurately provide all surface information for drawings, inspection and visualisation to inform many purposes. The ability to view the 3D dataset of the building from any angle or position provides the ultimate way to understand a building and communicate between owners/guardians, professionals, contractors and planners
In the worst case of catastrophic damage or disaster, these surveys provide the ultimate digital historic record for prosperity or disaster recovery.
During the exhibition, we heard several stories from property owners and professionals of heartache, delays, haemorrhaging costs, and rejected Listed Building Consent or Planning Permission.
We have been accurately capturing buildings with 3D Survey techniques to produce survey drawings and structural analysis for over 20 years. These techniques have been in Historic England's 'Metric Survey' Guidance since 2009. THERE IS NO ADEQUATE OR 'TRADITIONAL' ALTERNATIVE.
What are the two main reasons these rescued project surveys were so inadequate or inaccurate?
Number #1 
Cheapest quotation chosen!
Cheapest quotation chosen! Best Practice geospatial surveys do not have piles of profit margin put on them. It is also not possible to cut corners or use inadequate equipment to reduce survey quotation costs without a detrimental effect to the accuracy or integrity of a geospatial survey. It is unlikely that there will be the added value of consultation, data visualisation and empowerment for the owner and project team along the way.
Number #2 Non geospatial survey experts completing the measured surveys!
Non geospatial survey experts completing the measured surveys! (like architects, building surveyors, contractors, etc). Also inexperienced geospatial surveyors completing surveys. Problems include not using survey control (the backbone of any geospatial survey), using inadequate equipment, using inadequate techniques or methods, and not coordinating and orientating the survey properly.
With listed buildings in particular, a best practice 3D Geospatial Survey can bring value and reuse for decades ahead. The 3D survey, data resources AND drawings provide a unparalleled means for collaboration and communication with all project stakeholders, owners/guardians, and planning/consent committees.
Best Practice exists for a reason - Accuracy and Details Matter!
Our approach with surveys for Heritage and Listed Building projects is to focus on the lasting legacy and care of the property. Whether the subject is a Cultural Heritage icon or a property in a Conservation Area - our approach is the same: To capture Best Practice and High Accuracy Survey Data that provides a wealth of detailed information for decades to come.
With our 3D Surveys and 'Real World Digital Twins', we provide all of the detailed drawings, models and inspection information heritage project stakeholders need. These items and more are all essential in the responsible care, maintenance and repair of old buildings. Our survey data can be a source to provide further details and inspection for years to come.
Our most important messages are that Best Practice exists for a reason, and Accuracy Matters. We use important guidance like Historic England's Metric Survey Specifications for Cultural Heritage (3rd edn). Make sure your building or heritage project has the best value approach by using 3D digital data to it's full potential.
