Topography and Geodesy in Mega Projects: The New Central Highway

estudios topograficos para la nueva carretera panamericana

The New Central Highway of Peru is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country’s history. Its construction will require an investment of more than S/ 24 billion soles and will feature a four-lane width designed to reduce travel time between the coast and the central region of the country from six hours to just two and a half hours.

This mega-project will also span the regions of Lima and Junín, connecting the coast, highlands, and jungle of Peru with a total length of 185 km of roadway, 33 km of tunnels, and 19 km of elevated viaducts with various retaining walls. This is of great importance for boosting the national economy and trade by reducing logistics costs and improving connectivity with the Port of Callao and the future Port of Chancay.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TOPOGRAPHY IN THIS MEGA-PROJECT

For an investment of this scale and significance to be properly executed and long-lasting, it is essential to carry out high-level topographic and geodetic studies. Topography allows us to understand the terrain’s features and elevations so that architects and engineers can develop plans with full awareness of risks and structural requirements. It is also crucial to identify geological risks to optimally design the layout throughout the entire length of the highway.

nueva carretera central

A CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

Participating in this project has been a challenge for Acero Estudio—one that demands a substantial deployment of human, technological, and logistical resources. Thanks to our experience in a wide range of projects, we have successfully mobilized highly trained personnel to hard-to-reach areas, many with steep slopes and associated safety risks.

To minimize human risk and collect high-quality data in inaccessible zones, we use cutting-edge technology including drones equipped with various sensors, as well as high-precision total stations.

These tools are complemented by our data recording systems and the meticulous planning carried out by our management team.

At Acero Estudio, we are proud to contribute to the country’s development through our topographic services on large-scale projects such as the New Central Highway. We also offer our capabilities for smaller projects. Whether it’s a national highway or a local development, we provide specialized services in topography, geodesy, and drone-based surveys with the same level of quality and professionalism.

And remember, if you need any topographic survey, we are at your service. Contact us today.

The Role of Topography in Urban Planning

topografia poligonal en calle inundada

While it’s true that many cities grow in a disorganized manner, smart urban planning helps create a better environment in areas such as traffic management, drainage system development, recreational space preparation, and infrastructure.

To develop and design plans for these and other key aspects, topography plays a crucial role by enabling decision-makers to create organized urban development and growth plans that help mitigate risks such as:

Risks Mitigated by Topography

  • Natural risks like flooding, through the analysis of potential water flow paths.
  • Landslide risks, by evaluating slopes and conducting soil studies.
  • Risks of disorganized urban expansion, which can cause traffic congestion, pollution, and other problems.
  • Urban planning also allows communities to maximize development potential—economically, socially, culturally, and spatially – by properly designating land use and space.

When proper urban planning is not applied, environments can become unsafe. A flood, for example, can destroy a city’s economic progress and its future potential. That’s why incorporating topography into urban planning is a fundamental step—especially as natural disasters become more frequent and intense due to climate change.

Contact Acero Estudio, a surveying company, and let’s talk about our topographic services. Our expert engineers are ready to support your development plans through precise and professional topographic surveys.

Topography in Construction on Sloped Terrain

topografia en sierra peruana

Many terrains, especially on the outskirts of cities, have slopes, and inclined areas pose a challenge for any construction project, from the design stage to the execution of the work.

The accuracy of structural calculations and the planning of cuts and fills are all affected by the stability and inclination of the area. In this sense, to achieve the proper placement of buildings, a topographic study allows for identifying risks and making key decisions to ensure the safety and efficiency of the project.

What risks can be avoided with a topographic study:

  • Landslides and soil erosion
  • Deficiencies in the drainage system
  • Errors in earth movement calculations
  • Structural instability due to irregular settlements

Additionally, topographic analysis facilitates the planning of preventive measures, such as:

  • The construction of retaining walls
  • Adaptation of drainage systems
  • Optimization of structural design to adapt to the natural topography of the terrain

Once the project is completed, topography is used for construction compliance certification, the preparation of documentation for maintenance work, or property expansions, preventing future problems.

In this regard, at Acero Estudio, we specialize in topographic services to ensure the success of construction on sloped terrain. Our services include topographic surveys using the polygonal method, high-precision geometric leveling, and other techniques with UAVs such as drone photogrammetry and LIDAR technology to capture the terrain morphology in detail.

If you need a topographic company, do not hesitate to contact us—we are at your service.

What Information Should a Topographic Plan Include?

plano topografico

As mentioned in several of our articles, topography is essential for construction and infrastructure projects because it provides a precise understanding of the terrain, including measurements, slopes, and other vital characteristics for comprehensive data.

After conducting a topographic survey, the surveying company will deliver the topographic study (preferably in both physical and digital formats), which should include the following information:

1. Basic Information of the Plan

  • Project identification, location, and date of the plan’s creation.
  • Scale used, clearly indicated to ensure dimensions are understandable and comparable.
  • Coordinates in a standard reference system (such as UTM or WGS84) to accurately locate points on the terrain.

2. Terrain Features

  • Precise representation of terrain elevation, with intervals appropriate to the project’s complexity.
  • Indications of areas with significant slopes that may affect the design or construction.
  • Identification of natural elements such as rivers, ravines, mountains, or depressions.

topographic survey

3. Present Elements

  • Details of roads, buildings, pipelines, electrical poles, etc.
  • Information about wooded areas, cultivated fields, cleared land, water sources, etc.
  • Geodetic markers or topographic benchmarks used as references.

4. Methodology and Tools

  • Confirmation of whether total stations, drones with photogrammetry, LIDAR systems, or high-precision GPS were used.
  • Information about the margin of error to ensure data reliability.

5. Compatibility and Deliverables

  • Digital files in CAD formats (such as DWG) and GIS formats (such as SHP), along with printed copies if required.
  • Longitudinal and cross-sectional profiles, digital terrain models (DTMs), and orthophotos, if the project requires them.

6. Certifications and Support

  • Guarantee that the work complies with local and international regulations.
  • Signature from specialists, such as a certified surveyor or engineer.

topographist

Advantages of a Topographic Survey with Acero Estudio

Acero Estudio, a company specializing in topographic survey, recommends using surveying to avoid construction risks. Our services help you:

  • Minimize risks in plan design.
  • Avoid flooding risks or improper project placement.

Contact us to discuss how we can support your project development. With 25 years of experience, we are at your service.

Applications of Topography in Civil Engineering

aplicaciones de la topografia en ingenieria civil

As we often mention, topographic studies are essential in civil engineering because they provide advanced knowledge of the surfaces where constructions will take place.

In the design and construction of roads, bridges, buildings, dams, and other infrastructure, topography helps us delimit land, conduct geotechnical studies, and manage large-scale infrastructure projects.

Consider that Acero Estudio’s topography survey services can be highly useful in projects such as:

  • Road and bridge design: Topography allows us to obtain precise terrain data, ensuring a proper layout and minimizing risks.
  • Building and dam construction: It facilitates the leveling and correct orientation of structures. In the case of dams and other water management constructions, topography plays a crucial role in preventing flood risks.
  • Land delimitation: Topographic techniques help define boundaries and property, especially in areas with irregular surfaces.
  • Geotechnical studies: Topography is used to analyze soil stability.
  • Infrastructure project management: It contributes to monitoring and controlling progress while also helping to reduce construction risks.
maquinaria preparando terreno para construccion
Machinery preparing the ground for the construction of an infrastructure project.

For precise results in your civil engineering projects, contact Acero Estudio, a company specialized in topographic services and surveys. We also provide solutions for the engineering and architecture sectors, with an expert team ready to assist you. Contact us – we’re at your service!

Differences and Similarities Between Topography and Geodesy

topography survey company

Topography and geodesy are sister disciplines that provide us with advanced knowledge of the surfaces in a given area.

Topography studies relatively small surfaces where precision is required for the construction of industrial plants, factories, houses, hydroelectric plants, etc. Geodesy, on the other hand, carries out these studies over much larger areas, such as the extension of a highway spanning hundreds of kilometers, the laying of a railway line connecting several cities, international airports, electrical grid systems, and more.

As we can see, the purpose of both studies is quite similar, but the scales are fundamentally different. For this reason, each uses distinct techniques and instruments.

Below is a list of the main differences between geodesy and topography:

Aspect Topography Geodesy
Scope and Scale Focuses on small, local areas like construction sites. Covers large areas, including continents and the entire planet.
Earth’s Curvature Not considered in small projects. Considers Earth’s curvature over long distances.
Instruments Total stations, optical levels, drones. GPS, GNSS systems, satellites.
Method Measures distances, angles, and elevations in local areas. Establishes global coordinates and studies Earth’s shape.
Applications Construction projects, land surveying, urban planning. Tectonic studies, global positioning systems (GPS).
Time Scale Used for short-term, specific projects. Used for long-term studies, including geological changes.
Coordinate Systems Uses local coordinate systems for precise locations. Uses global coordinate systems (e.g., WGS84).
Precision High precision in small areas. Precision adjusted for large-scale and global phenomena.

Whether you need a topographic or geodetic survey, Acero Estudio are specialists in topographic surveys at an international level. With over 25 years of experience in Europe and Latin America, we provide specialized technical support for any project.

Contact us today, we are at your service!

The Role of Topographic Surveys in Industrial Project Planning

servicio de levantamiento topografico para proyectos de infraestructura industrial

In industrial construction projects, an accurate topographic survey is essential to mitigate risks such as errors in infrastructure placement, improper land use, and cost overruns during the construction phase. Without an adequate topographic survey, plants, warehouses, and factories may face structural issues, interference with underground services, or non-compliance with regulations that could delay the project and increase costs.

Benefits of Topographic Surveys in Industrial Projects

  • Future expansion planning:
    The survey facilitates planning for future expansions, maximizing the use of available land.
  • Precise calculation of earthworks:
    It allows accurate estimation of the volume of earth to be removed or filled, optimizing resources.
  • Identification of slopes:
    Ensures that the terrain is suitable for the construction of heavy structures, avoiding stability issues.
  • Detection of underground interferences:
    Prevents damage to pipes, cables, and other underground services, minimizing risks during construction.
  • Compliance with local regulations:
    Ensures that the location of structures complies with municipal and environmental regulations.

Our Work at Acero Estudio

At Acero Estudio, we conduct detailed topographic surveys using advanced technology such as drone photogrammetry and LIDAR surveys. A typical survey begins with an inspection of the area and the planning of the equipment to be used. Our experts then collect the necessary topographic data, including elevations and relevant points, to generate precise plans. The process concludes with the delivery of a technical report and recommendations for optimizing the land according to the project’s needs.

If you are planning an industrial project and seek precision and expertise, Acero Estudio is the specialized company providing topographic services to help ensure the success of your project. Contact us for more information!

Differences Between Topographic Levels and Types of Leveling

realizando un levantamiento topografico

Among our clients, we’ve noticed an interest in clarifying the differences between topographic levels (tools) and leveling methodologies (procedures).

Types of Topographic Levels

In the field of topography, using different types of levels is essential for ensuring accuracy in height and distance measurements. Each type of level has its own purpose and characteristics, and its selection depends on the specific needs of the project.

Plane Levels
Plane levels, also known as optical levels, are primarily used to measure the horizontality of a terrain. This type of level requires the operator to manually adjust the instrument to make it horizontal before taking readings. They are ideal for simple leveling projects where it’s necessary to ensure that a surface is level in relation to a horizontal plane. They are widely used in construction and landscaping projects where ensuring the land or structural elements are perfectly level is necessary.

Line Levels
Line levels are more precise instruments that project a horizontal line on the ground, facilitating the alignment of structures across a surface. Unlike plane levels, they don’t require constant adjustments, making them faster and more efficient in repetitive alignment tasks. They are used in infrastructure projects, such as the installation of pipes or the alignment of pillars, where precision in height and alignment is crucial.

Automatic Levels
Automatic levels, also known as self-leveling levels, are the most advanced. They use a compensator that automatically adjusts the instrument to achieve perfect horizontality, eliminating human errors. They are extremely precise and are used in large-scale projects where accuracy is vital. This type of level is very common in civil engineering projects, road construction, and high-precision topographic surveys.

Types of Leveling

Leveling, the process by which the height difference between points on the ground is determined, can be carried out in various ways.

Trigonometric Leveling
Trigonometric leveling is based on trigonometric calculations using angles of elevation or depression and horizontal distances to determine the height of one point relative to another. This method is useful in rugged terrain or when the distances between points are long. It is employed in projects that require measuring height differences in uneven terrain or mountainous areas.

Height Leveling
Also known as geometric leveling, this is the most common method in topography. It consists of the direct measurement of height differences between several points using instruments like the automatic level. It is the most precise method and is used when high accuracy is required. It’s ideal for building construction, roads, and infrastructure projects that require precise height data.

Barometric Leveling
This type of leveling uses atmospheric pressure to estimate the altitude of different points. While it is less accurate than other methods, it is useful for preliminary studies in large areas. It is used in extensive topographic studies where millimetric precision is not required, such as in geographic explorations or environmental surveys.

Simple Leveling
Simple leveling involves measuring the height difference between two points using a handheld level or basic instrument. It is suitable for small projects where it is necessary to quickly determine the slope of the terrain. It is used in the construction of small lots, post installation, or landscaping projects.

Why Choose Acero Estudio as Your Topography Service Provider?

Acero Estudio is a company specialized in topographic surveys with over 10 years of experience in the industry. We use the most advanced technologies, such as drones for photogrammetry, and apply precise leveling methods to guarantee the accuracy of our work in all types of projects. Our team of experts is ready to offer personalized solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

If you’re looking for a reliable company for your next topographic project, contact Acero Estudio. We are ready to provide you with the best service in topographic surveys and drone topography.

Is a Topographic Survey Necessary for Building Construction?

levantamiento topografico para construcción de edificios

The answer to this question is YES.

A topographic survey is an essential study for the construction of any building, regardless of its size or location. This study provides architects and engineers with an accurate and detailed view of the area. Through a topographic survey, it is possible to plan actions related to the project, such as earthworks and foundation design. Additionally, a topographic survey can influence the design and construction of the structure. Even in areas that appear flat at first glance, a topographic survey is crucial to ensure that the building’s foundations are correctly placed, preventing future structural issues.

Why Should I Conduct a Topographic Survey in an Apparently Flat Area?

A terrain that seems flat to the naked eye may conceal various irregularities, such as slopes, changes in soil type, or even the presence of underground water bodies. A professional topographic survey helps identify these and other factors, ensuring that the building’s design adapts perfectly to the natural characteristics of the land. Moreover, it ensures proper drainage and soil stability, minimizing the risks of settlements or landslides that could compromise the building’s integrity.

Risks of Constructing a Building Without a Topographic Survey

Building without an adequate topographic survey can lead to a series of serious problems, including:

  • Unevenly settled foundations
  • Inadequate drainage leading to soil erosion issues
  • Errors in the alignment of the building
  • Additional costs due to unforeseen construction errors
  • Environmental impact

What Type of Topography is Recommended for Building Construction?

For the construction of a building, several types of topographic studies are recommended, such as:

  • Topographic survey with planimetry and altimetry
  • Geodetic survey
  • Survey with LIDAR or photogrammetry
  • Soil study

In summary, a topographic survey is a 100% necessary study for any type of construction. It is also advisable to conduct progressive topographic surveys as the construction progresses to avoid errors.

If you need to contact a topography company, we invite you to reach out to Acero Estudio. We have 25 years of specialization in topographic services and surveys in Peru and Spain. We use cutting-edge technology and techniques, including our topography services with drones and drone photogrammetry.

Contact us today – we’re here to help!

What Are the Marks Drawn During a Topographic Survey For?

puntos de levantamiento topografico

As you already know, topographic studies are of great utility to the construction and architecture industry as they provide the basic initial information necessary to undertake any construction or engineering work. With this in mind, it is important to consider that any project must have a serious topographic study before laying the first stone or even before creating a plan.

The Importance of a Topographic Survey Before Architectural Plans

The discipline of architecture involves the projection of elegant and beautiful constructions, but more than that, it consists of creating practical, useful, durable, and functional buildings.

Topography supports architects by providing the most relevant information so these professionals can develop their plans as adequately as possible. Consider, for example, the slope of the land and its importance for the design of sanitary installations. If the topographic plan does not provide this information to the architect, they will not be able to correctly locate bathrooms, drains, cisterns, etc. In this case, the lack of a topographic survey could lead to a series of problems resulting from an improvised plan.

Another paradigm is land with a diagonal slope. In this case, the architectural plan must consider not only the calculations for the front slope but also for the lateral slope, which will be necessary for the execution phase to make the necessary projections in earth movements, material acquisition, and other activities prior to construction.

Purpose of the Marks Made During a Topographic Survey

Now, let’s return to the topic of this article: the importance and purpose of the marks drawn on the ground during a topographic survey. These are reference points that serve both architects and engineers in developing their design and construction plans. These marks can be made from various materials such as wooden stakes, nails, tapes, paint, or chalk on the ground. It is important that they are made with visible and durable materials that allow surveyors and other construction professionals to identify these guide points.

What Relationship Do the Marks Have With Plans and Construction?

They have a direct relationship. The data collected and marked on the site is transferred to detailed plans that faithfully represent the terrain and its characteristics. These plans are essential for architects, engineers, and builders to have an accurate representation and location of the site on which the construction work will begin.

In the construction process, the marks allow workers to know exactly where to place foundations, structures, and reinforcements; they facilitate the alignment and leveling of the constructions and ensure that everything is built according to the design specifications. In other words, it is important to have them to guarantee that structures are built accurately and safely.

If you want to learn more about our topography services, contact Acero Estudio, a consulting company specialized in services for the construction and architecture sector.