Aerial LiDAR and photogrammetry survey
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is method of mapping that allows high levels of detail to be recorded about topography, vegetation, buildings, infrastructure, and more.
Surveying for Australian linear infrastructure
Spatial leaders for linear infrastructure
With experience across Australia's largest transport initiatives, RPS offers specialist surveying and spatial insights for linear infrastructure projects. From geospatial data to inform corridor and route selection through to the cadastral plans needed for property acquisition and specialist spatial deliverables for the detailed design phase, RPS has the technologies and team to help you deliver infrastructure with geospatial confidence.
With one of the most experienced cadastral surveying teams in the industry today, our survey team has supported the successful development of nationally significant linear infrastructure projects including more than ten years' work on Sydney Metro, Inland Rail, Parramatta Light Rail, and more.
Surveying solutions for all project phases
Route and alignment selection
We generate spatial intelligence to enable early-stage decision-making and comparative analysis of route options, including:
- Topography, property and constraints.
- Long-section and cross-section extraction for slope, cut/fill and drainage assessment.
- 3D point clouds and digital terrain/surface models (DTM/DSM).
- Geo-referenced obstruction inventories (structures, vegetation, utilities etc) to assess constructability and environmental impact.
Spatial data and deliverables for corridor and route selection:
- Point cloud modelling for preferred corridors
- DTMs/DSMs
- 2D/3D cross-sections
- GIS layers (constraints, land parcels, environmental buffers).
Property acquisition and easement definition
We provide support for land referencing, compensation, and statutory submissions along preferred routes, including:
- High-accuracy topographic and boundary surveys tied to national geodetic frameworks (GDA94/GDA2020).
- Cadastral plans, easement mapping, and parcel delineation for acquisition teams.
- Integration with state land registries and preparation of plan sets.
Spatial data and deliverables for property acquisition and boundary confirmation:
- Comprehensive cadastral search (Certificates of Title and Deposited Plans) conducted by our Registered Land Surveyors.
- Cadastral modelling of subject area/s
- Survey reference monuments (Survey Control Information Management System / SCIMS) and proposed easements and acquisition areas.
- Field surveys to confirm location of survey marks and monuments.
- Preparation of plans of proposed easement or acquisition suitable for lodgement.
Detailed design for linear infrastructure
RPS offers precision survey data for the design and engineering of transport infrastructure, including:
- The establishment and densification of GNSS/RTK control networks, precision total station control and network adjustment.
- Topographic and feature surveys to support the placement of manhole and drainage, utilities, track, platform and station infrastructure
- Laser scanning for complex structures (bridges, tunnels, pipes etc), integrated with photogrammetry for design modelling.
- Sub-surface utility detection to derisk construction.
Spatial data and deliverables for detailed design:
- CAD-ready survey drawings
- Point cloud data and modelling
- Utility location schedules
- Contour plans
- Feature attribute tables.
Monitoring and asset protection
We design solutions for continuous and campaign-based monitoring to protect existing assets and ensure compliance:
- Deformation and settlement monitoring of slopes, embankments, tunnels and structures using automated total stations, GNSS, inclinometers and extensometers.
- Remote monitoring solutions with real-time alerts for construction zones and critical assets.
- Integration of monitoring data into BIM/GIS for trend analysis and predictive maintenance.
Spatial data and deliverables for monitoring and compliance:
- Spatial inputs for monitoring logs, alarms and thresholds,
- Displacement/time-series reporting
- Field-based support for risk response.
The latest surveying and geospatial technologies
RPS surveyors support all phases of linear infrastructure investigation, design and delivery using the latest geospatial equipment, technologies and techniques.
Our solutions include:
- NavVis mobile laser scanner
The NavVis VLX mobile wearable scanner, allows us to capture high detail, high accuracy data about existing structures and confirm as built against design, safety, with less time and cost. - Aerial drone / UAV surveys from accredited pilots
Our accredited pilots undertake aerial surveys including thermal imaging and photogrammetry for enhanced safety and time efficiency when working in remote locations or in-use corridors. - Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
Efficient and detailed aerial surveying method for mapping, assessment and modelling of corridors and surrounding areas. - Geospatial database management
Better design, engineering and modelling control via data hosting services and access to spatial datasets via RPS' customised web portal platform. - 3D photogrammetry and satellite remote sensing
Spatially rich data to help clients plan, build, inspect, monitor and maintain infrastructure. A combination of high-resolution, detailed 3D models for local scale and broad-area, repeatable observations.
Our infrastructure surveying leaders
Graham Elgie
General Manager - Geospatial Solutions NSW
David Ada
Senior Principal Surveyor (NSW and QLD Registered, VIC Licenced)
Luke Sharkey
Principal Surveyor and Practice Leader - Survey (NSW Registered)