Setting Out Survey Process, Equipment and Tolerances Explained
A setting out survey transfers architectural and engineering designs from drawings onto the physical ground. Here is how it works, what equipment is used, and what tolerances apply.
Setting Out Survey Process
| Step | Description | | --- | --- | | 1. Initial consultation | Review plans, assess site access and control requirements | | 2. Establish control points | Set fixed reference points for the construction layout | | 3. Coordinate verification | Match digital design data to site grid references | | 4. On-site marking | Place pegs, lines, or paint marks for structural and service elements | | 5. Real-time positional layout | Use robotic total station for direct-to-ground setting out | | 6. As-built verification | Confirm installed elements align within design tolerances |
What Gets Set Out
- Building corners and grid lines
- Foundation positions and depths
- Drainage lines and invert levels
- Access roads and hardstanding edges
- Column centres and wall lines
- Finished floor levels (FFL)
Equipment Used for Setting Out
Total Stations
| Instrument | Accuracy | Typical Use | | --- | --- | --- | | Leica TS07 / TS10 | ±2mm + 1.5ppm | Standard setting out | | Trimble S9 Robotic | ±1mm + 1ppm | High-precision RC frames | | GNSS receiver | ±10–20mm | Large site control |
Professional surveyors use robotic total stations for precision. GNSS is used for site control networks.
Survey Equipment List
| Equipment | Purpose | | --- | --- | | Robotic total station | Angle and distance measurement | | Prism and staff | Reflector for distance measurement | | GNSS receiver | Control point establishment | | Field tablet | CAD/IFC file access on site | | Levelling staff | Height datum transfer | | Pegs and markers | Physical site marking |
BS 5606:2022 Tolerances
BS 5606:2022 (superseding the 1990 version) provides guidance on accuracy and tolerance in construction.
Key Construction Tolerances (BS 5606 Table 1, ~1 in 22 risk of non-compliance)
| Element | Material | Tolerance | | --- | --- | --- | | Position on plan (foundations) | Reinforced concrete | ±10mm | | Position on plan (columns) | Steel | ±12mm | | Verticality (walls up to 7m) | Brickwork | ±14mm | | Verticality (columns up to 7m) | Precast concrete | ±16mm | | Window/door opening width | Brickwork | ±20mm | | Floor-to-soffit height | In situ concrete | ±23mm | | Overall building dimension | Various | ±30mm |
Survey Setting Out Tolerances
| Application | Typical Tolerance | | --- | --- | | Primary control points | ±3mm | | Structural foundations | ±5mm | | General building works | ±10mm | | Drainage | ±10mm | | Roads and kerbs | ±10mm |
2025 Setting Out Costs (UK, ex VAT)
| Service | Cost | | --- | --- | | Half-day setting out visit | £300–£500 | | Full-day setting out | £500–£900 | | Day rate (contract) | £300–£600 | | Robotic total station hire | £150–£300/day | | GNSS hire | £100–£200/day |
Prices vary by location, site complexity, and programme requirements. London rates are typically 15–25% higher.
Who Does What
| Role | Responsibility | | --- | --- | | Setting out engineer | Professional measurement and marking | | Main contractor | Ensuring setting out is done and verified | | Structural engineer | Specifying tolerances | | Building control | Verifying compliance | | CDM principal contractor | Construction phase plan |
Common Setting Out Mistakes
| Mistake | Prevention | | --- | --- | | Wrong coordinate system | Specify OS National Grid datum | | Outdated drawings | Use issue-controlled IFC drawings only | | Unstable control points | Verify control before each session | | Wrong benchmark | Check ODN datum before setting levels | | Software error | Cross-check with manual calculation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What equipment is used for setting out?
Robotic total stations (Leica TS series, Trimble) for precision measurement. GNSS for site control networks.
Q: What tolerance does a setting out engineer work to?
±3–5mm for primary control, ±5–10mm for general building works per BS 5606.
Q: Does setting out include as-built verification?
Yes — as-built checks confirm installed elements are within tolerances.
Q: How long does a setting out survey take?
A half-day visit typically covers a standard residential foundation set-out. Complex commercial projects may require multiple visits.
Q: What drawings are needed for setting out?
Structural and architectural IFC drawings with OS grid coordinates and levels.