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Geovantage

S-04 · Service

Specialist surveying

Drone and LiDAR mapping, GPR scanning, as-built surveys and survey team management, for sites where a standard survey is not enough.

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A technician preparing a survey drone on the back of a bakkie
UAV survey

What is included

5 kinds of specialist surveying.

Three surveyors flying a drone over a valley

01

UAV / Drone Surveying & LiDAR Mapping

Our UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) services enable rapid capture of high-resolution aerial data over large or inaccessible areas. Combined with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, we produce survey-grade datasets for planning, design, and monitoring.

Method and deliverables

Applications

  • Open-pit mine volumetrics
  • Large-scale topographic mapping
  • Progress monitoring for infrastructure projects
  • Environmental compliance reporting
  • Accessing high-risk or restricted areas without endangering staff

Technology

  • Fixed-wing and multi-rotor UAVs with PPK/RTK GPS
  • LiDAR sensors for dense vegetation or complex terrain
  • High-resolution photogrammetry cameras

Deliverables

  • Orthomosaic imagery (2-5 cm resolution)
  • LiDAR point clouds (LAS/LAZ)
  • Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and Digital Surface Models (DSMs)
  • Contour maps and CAD-ready data
A surveyor pushing a ground penetrating radar cart across a site

02

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Scanning

Before you dig, you need to know what's underground. Our GPR scanning locates and maps subsurface utilities, structures, and anomalies to prevent costly and dangerous strikes during excavation.

Method and deliverables

Applications

  • Pre-excavation utility detection
  • Locating underground pipes, cables, and voids
  • Identifying buried foundations and structures
  • Supporting permits for excavation work

Technology

  • High-frequency GPR units for shallow, detailed scans
  • Dual-frequency systems for deeper investigations
  • Integrated GNSS positioning for geo-referenced utility maps

Deliverables

  • Utility maps in CAD/GIS formats
  • Depth profiles and anomaly locations
  • Subsurface reports for permitting and planning
A total station set up on a railway station platform

03

As-Built Surveys

An as-built survey documents exactly what has been constructed, compared to the design plans. This is essential for compliance, quality assurance, and future maintenance.

Method and deliverables

Applications

  • Identifying deviations from design before handover
  • Record keeping for asset management
  • Engineering close-out documentation
  • Post-construction verification of structures and infrastructure

Technology

  • 3D laser scanning for complex or irregular structures
  • GNSS RTK systems for site-wide georeferencing
  • Robotic Total Stations for structural checks

Deliverables

  • CAD drawings comparing design vs. built
  • 3D point clouds and models
  • Deviation reports and compliance certificates
A survey crew walking across an earthworks site

04

Survey Team Management & QA Oversight

Large-scale projects often have multiple contractors and survey crews. We provide independent oversight to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance across all survey activities.

Method and deliverables

Applications

  • Resolving discrepancies between survey datasets
  • Independent QA/QC checks on contractor work
  • Establishing and maintaining unified control networks
  • Managing survey teams for mines, infrastructure, and energy projects

Technology

  • Integrated CAD and BIM workflows
  • Project management tools for real-time reporting
  • Full suite of GNSS, total stations, and laser scanning equipment

Deliverables

  • Volume & Progress Measurement
  • Updated project survey database
  • QA/QC reports on all survey activities
A total station on a tripod next to a red-soil field

05

Volume & Progress Measurement

Accurate volume calculations and progress tracking ensure contractors are paid correctly, project schedules are met, and stockpile inventories are accurate.

Method and deliverables

Applications

  • Material reconciliation for mining and construction
  • Cut-and-fill calculations for civil works
  • Earthworks progress claims
  • Open-pit mine stockpile volumes

Technology

  • GNSS rovers for spot checks
  • LiDAR scanning for complex terrain
  • UAV photogrammetry with survey-grade control

Deliverables

  • Orthophotos and 3D models
  • Comparative change-over-time maps
  • Volume reports in CSV/PDF formats

Why Geovantage

Why teams pick us for specialist surveying.

The right instruments
UAV LiDAR, GPR, robotic total stations and 3D laser scanning.
Fast turnaround
Rapid data capture and delivery without giving up accuracy.
Proven on big sites
From Barrick's Lumwana Mine to PRASA's rail corridors.
One survey team
Specialist work that fits in with the rest of your survey requirements.

Projects

Where we have done this.

Questions

Specialist surveying: common questions

What does GPR scanning find?

Ground penetrating radar locates underground pipes, cables, voids, buried foundations and other structures before excavation. We deliver utility maps in CAD or GIS formats, depth profiles and subsurface reports for permits and planning.

What do you deliver from a drone survey?

Orthomosaic imagery at 2 to 5 cm resolution, LiDAR point clouds in LAS or LAZ format, digital terrain and surface models, contour maps and CAD-ready data.

What is survey team management?

On large projects with several contractors and survey crews, we provide independent oversight: a unified control network, QA/QC checks on contractor work, and one project survey database.

How are volume surveys used for progress claims?

We measure earthworks, cut and fill, and stockpiles with UAV photogrammetry, LiDAR and GNSS rovers, and issue volume reports in CSV or PDF with change-over-time maps. Contractors use them for progress claims and material reconciliation.

Get a quote

Need specialist surveying?

Email the scope, the site and your dates to arne@geovantage.co.za, or call. We will come back with a quote.

Email usCall 082 839 4811