Land Surveying and Quantity Surveying are two important fields in the civil engineering industry. Surveying is the science of measuring and mapping the physical features of the Earth, while quantity surveying is the process of estimating, planning, and managing the costs of a construction project.

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between land surveying and quantity surveying. Before discussing about the differences we need to know what is land surveying and what is quantity surveying?

Land Surveying

Land Surveying is the science of measuring and mapping the physical features of the Earth. Land Surveyors use a variety of tools and techniques to collect data, such as electronic distance meters, total stations, and GPS. They then utilize this data to create maps, plans, and other documents that find applications across various purposes, including construction, land development, and environmental planning.

Land surveyors are professionals who survey the three-dimensional position of points on a piece of land and work out the angles and distances between them using land surveying techniques. When performing a survey, land surveyors will consider all the aspects of the terrain of the project site, such as elevation, land features, contours, and the shape of the land. Land surveyors will use equipment, software, and mathematics to provide accurate land surveys.

Land Surveying is essential in many fields, including Civil Engineering, Construction, Mining, Forestry, and Environmental Management.

The primary task of Land surveyors are:

• Measuring the size and shape of land parcels
• Locating property boundaries
• Setting out construction projects
• Monitoring the progress of construction projects
• Conducting environmental surveys

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Duties Of A Land Surveyor:

• Conduct records management activities and perform historical and legal land ownership research.
• Develop and inspect land surveying project contracts.
• Support field measurement and layout.
• Conduct standard calculations to identify areas, elevation and volumes of field survey notes.
• Conduct basic calculations using field note data.
• Read, utilize and interpret design drawings and topographic maps.
• Study, learn and interpret CAD computer applications.
• Perform as Senior Project Leader for survey at in-house and mapping projects.
• Support Real Estate Product Line coordinator and in-house design group.
• Provide consistent and superior quality documents for survey, design and building projects for all clients in region.
• Perform as cadastral issue matter expert as team member.
• Perform as Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) for Architect-Engineer.
• Involve in implementing mapping contracts and Indefinite Quality (IQ) surveying.
• Provide vertical and horizontal control maps and government cost estimate for mapping and survey projects.

Quantity Surveying

Quantity surveying is the process of estimating, planning, and managing the costs of a construction project. Quantity surveyors are professionals responsible for managing construction projects’ financial and legal aspects, including budgeting, Importance of Quantity Surveying in Cost Control, and procurement.

Quantity surveyors can assist with any type of construction project. From universities to granny flats to green buildings to housing developments, there is no construction too big or small for a quantity surveyor. When it comes to finding a quantity surveyor for your construction project, you need to ensure that the quantity surveyor has experience in your specific type of project. For example, if you are planning to develop a green building, there are additional scopes to this work that need to be included in the quantity surveyor service. Selecting a quantity surveyor with experience in your specific type of construction will aid the success of your project.

The common tasks of quantity surveyors include:

• Estimating the cost of materials and labor
• Preparing budgets for construction projects
• Monitoring the progress of construction projects
• Resolving disputes between contractors and clients
• Providing financial advice to clients

Duties Of A Quantity Surveyor:

• Viability studies for the feasibility of your planned construction project.
• Document preparation, including budgets, contracts, and tenders.
• Contractor sourcing and assessing.
• Initial cost estimation of the construction project.
• Budget alterations if there are any changes in the construction project.
• Management of the cash flow and budget throughout the construction project.
• Provide reports to you throughout the construction project.

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Difference Between Quantity Surveyor And Land Surveyor

There is often confusion between a quantity surveyor and a land surveyor. A quantity surveyor works in the construction industry and is involved in the financial aspects of a construction project, whereas a land surveyor will measure the dimensions of a piece of land which can then be used for various purposes. Understanding the difference between a quantity surveyor and a land surveyor is important for your project. When you have a project planned, hiring the wrong professional can waste time, effort, and resources. Some of the major differences between a land surveyor and a quantity surveyor are given below:

• Land surveyors focus more on the technical side of both the property and construction sectors. Meanwhile, quantity surveyors deal with the financial side of the construction industry,
• Quantity surveyor seeks to manage and minimize the cost of project and enhance value for money to achieve the required standards and quality while land surveyor tend to manage and value the interest of the project with a particular interest of the returned in the monetary value of the project.
• The primary objectives of an land surveyor is to carryout valuation of interest in landed properties for a particular purpose while that of the quantity surveyors cost management and provision of bill of quantity in the construction of a project.
• Quantity surveyor manages all cost relating to buildings and civil engineering project from the initial calculation to the final figure. While the land surveyor seek to value the period which it will take the project to receiving its initial capital investment in construction.
•  A land surveyor mainly focus on  land surveying, building surveying, hydrographic surveying, and engineering surveying while a quantity surveyor focuses on  cost estimation, material estimation, project planning, and procurement.

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FAQ’S

Q: What are quantity and survey?

Ans: Quantity refers to the amount or number of something, such as materials or labor required for a construction project. A survey is a process of measuring and mapping the physical features of the land, such as its boundaries, contours, and elevations.

Q: What is the relationship between quantity surveyors and architects?

Ans: Quantity surveyors and architects work together on construction projects to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. The architect is responsible for designing the building or structure, while the quantity surveyor is responsible for estimating and managing the costs and materials required for the project.

Q: Why use a quantity surveyor on your project?

Ans: A quantity surveyor will manage all your costs keeping them to a minimum. A quantity surveyor can also assist with contractual matters, as building contracts can be complex, especially if the contracts with amendments to the standard form.

Q: What size projects require a Quantity Surveyor?