Why use CAD in Measured Building Surveys?

A measured building survey is a record of a building’s dimensions, detailing all structural and architectural elements, which is why it is so important to ensure complete accuracy.

At South West Surveys, when we create measured building surveys, we pride ourselves on making sure all 3D images are illustrated with the greatest detail and accuracy, from skirting, to coving, to ceiling lights. To do this, we use CAD (computer-aided design) software.

What is CAD software?

CAD is a software used to make, alter, or analyse a design, using geometrical parameters to create a realistic representation of a proposed finished product or building. CAD software is popular among engineers, architects and surveyors for making floorplans and construction diagrams, but is also widely used across many industries, where precise technical drawings are required.

It can be used to produce either 2D or 3D drawings/models, which can be rotated and viewed from any angle. 2D CAD is a more traditional process of drafting, whilst 3D CAD/BIM (Building Information Modelling) can be a more efficient method.

What are the benefits of using CAD?

Flexibility – CAD models can be easily altered to fit new data and parameters, making it a particularly adaptable option.

Time-effective – using CAD software is generally considered to be a better use of a designer’s time, creating more accurate designs in a shorter timeframe.

Improved accuracy – the precision that laser scanning technology and CAD software provide leads to highly accurate measured building surveys, eradicating manual errors that are inevitable with hand-drawn sketches.

Easily editable – as a tool that is often used for design modifications and optimisation.

Easy to share – making collaboration easier, CAD is a more convenient way of sharing, saving and finding files.

Put simply, CAD modelling provides us with a more efficient way of working, whilst continually raising our standards.

At South West Surveys, we present our measured surveys in CAD software, but can also provide paper and film copies if requested.

What is CAD used for in the surveying sector?

CAD is a software rapidly growing in popularity and is used across a spectrum of projects, from building surveys, to engineering and construction works, to topographical surveys. Its range of applications spans from simple one-off uses, to more complex long-term projects.

FAQ’s

Do surveyors use CAD?

Professionals across a range of industries use CAD software, but the tool is especially popular among designers, architects, construction engineers and surveyors who need to create precise, technical drawings. CAD allows surveyors to produce realistic representations of an existing structure.

What is a CAD survey?

A CAD survey is simply a measured building survey, which is produced using CAD (computer-aided design). Architects, construction engineers and surveyors use this software to put together a precise and exact image of all elements of a building, including all structural and architectural elements. CAD tools are commonly used for building surveys because they allow the user to view the image from all angles, and offer a cost-effective, time-efficient and highly accurate alternative to manual drawings.

Why is CAD important for measured building surveys?

A measured building survey needs to provide a precise and exact image of all the structural and architectural elements of a building. Therefore, it’s crucial that the latest technologies, such as CAD software, are used to analyse and collate the data needed to create that plan. CAD allows the user to capture all aspects of a building with the greatest detail and accuracy. It enables the user to view the image from any angle, as well as consider any impacts it might have on the environment.

This post was written by Sophie Newing