LEVELS OR HEIGHTS? WHAT THE NUMBERS ON A SURVEY DRAWING MEAN
Every survey drawing is covered in small numbers. Some are levels, some are heights, and all of them depend on a datum. Mix them up and a floor, a ridge or a…
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Spatial Dimensions publishes practical guides, cost advice and industry news for architects, engineers and property teams commissioning measured building, topographical, utility and 3D surveys. Browse by sector, topic or role.
Every survey drawing is covered in small numbers. Some are levels, some are heights, and all of them depend on a datum. Mix them up and a floor, a ridge or a…
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Every survey drawing is covered in small numbers. Some are levels, some are heights, and all of them depend on a datum. Mix them up and a floor, a ridge or a…
READ ARTICLEA listed building survey is the evidence a conservation scheme is built on. Before you brief one, it is worth knowing what level of detail the fabric needs, what the drawings should…
READ ARTICLEAlmost every redevelopment site has services under it that nobody has drawn. PAS 128 sets out four types of utility survey, from a search of the records to digging down to the…
READ ARTICLEWe have rebuilt the Articles page on spatial-dimensions.co.uk so you can get straight to the guides, prices and news that matter to your job. Here is what has changed and how to…
READ ARTICLEEvery level on a British survey drawing is measured from one fixed point: average sea level at a harbour in Cornwall, recorded more than a century ago. Here is where Ordnance Datum…
READ ARTICLEThe building safety gateways are back in the headlines, from political criticism of the regulator to big schemes getting the green light. Whatever happens to the regime, Gateway 3 asks one practical…
READ ARTICLEA hotel cannot shut so it can be measured. This article sets out how an occupied hotel survey is planned around guests, what to ask for room by room, and what it…
READ ARTICLEExtending a warehouse, adding loading bays or resurfacing a yard looks simple on a site plan. On the ground, levels, drainage and buried services decide what can be built and what it…
READ ARTICLEA football club can't move a fixture and a leisure centre can't turn swimmers away so a surveyor can measure. This guide sets out how a sports venue survey is planned around…
READ ARTICLEA shop fit-out runs to an opening date that rarely moves. A retail fit-out survey gives the designer and the shopfitter one set of measured drawings of the unit as it really…
READ ARTICLESmall infill plots and complex redevelopment sites leave very little room for error. Before you commission an infill topographical survey, or one for a redevelopment, it is worth knowing what these sites…
READ ARTICLEOn a refurbishment, the architect, the structural engineer and the services engineer all design around a building that already exists. A 3D building model gives them one measured version of it to…
READ ARTICLEUniversity estates are being asked to do more with the buildings they already have. Before anyone can decide how a campus should work harder, a university estate survey has to show how…
READ ARTICLEThree of London's best-known office buildings are being kept and reworked rather than knocked down. On every one of them, the design starts from the building that is already there, which makes…
READ ARTICLESpatial Dimensions publishes its survey prices. This guide sets out the published prices in one place, explains what moves a price up or down, and is honest about what a starting price…
READ ARTICLEAn eleven-point checklist for architects and project managers choosing a UK measured building and topographical survey provider, with published prices and Spatial Dimensions' answer to each criterion.
READ ARTICLEWhat a measured building survey captures, how Levels of Detail set accuracy differently for 2D drawings and for 3D models, and how measurement error turns into refurbishment rework.
READ ARTICLELondon is looking hard at the space above its existing buildings. A pattern book for roof extensions and a new small sites design code could make the principle easier to agree. The…
READ ARTICLEguide to topographical surveys for building design, from £595. Spatial Dimensions georeferences every survey to OSGB36 National Grid and Ordnance Datum.
READ ARTICLEWhy construction programmes slip when underground utility surveys are skipped, what PAS 128 Quality Levels A to D actually mean, and what a survey costs.
READ ARTICLEA HEARTFELT GOODBYE TO RU HARRIS! Ru Harris is stepping down from his full-time role at Spatial Dimensions as of the 28th of August. He served as our Brand and Commercial Executive…
READ ARTICLEUNDERSTANDING A GEOSPATIAL SURVEYORS ROLE To most passersby, a geospatial surveyor is simply the person behind a tripod. However, ask anyone in the field, and they will tell you that no two…
READ ARTICLEWHAT IS THE FUTURE HOMES AND BUILDING STANDARDS? The Future Homes and Buildings Standards is a major update to the UK Building Regulations aimed at drastically cutting carbon emissions from the built…
READ ARTICLEAt Spatial Dimensions, we pride ourselves on delivering accurate, reliable, and professional surveying services. Our work helps clients reduce risk and move projects forward with confidence. We are therefore delighted to announce…
READ ARTICLEChoosing a surveyor should be straightforward. In reality, it’s become more difficult than ever. On the surface, many providers look the same. They have similar equipment, similar terminology, similar promises. Beneath that,…
READ ARTICLEWELCOME SIMON FARRELL & JOE WHITTINGTON TO SPATIAL DIMENSIONS We are pleased to welcome two new colleagues to Spatial Dimensions. Simon Farrell joins us as a Senior Utilities Surveyor, and Joe Whittington…
READ ARTICLE3D models now play a central role in modern construction. They give teams clear visual insight and accurate information from the first idea through long-term building use. They also support CAD and…
READ ARTICLEAs the UK works toward a net-zero future, the healthcare sector has a key role in reducing the built environment’s environmental impact. The NHS is targeting net-zero emissions by 2040. New hospital…
READ ARTICLEIn July 2025, the UK government updated its Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP). This update aims to speed up cladding replacement across high-risk buildings. It also reinforces the importance of accurate building surveys.…
READ ARTICLE10 YEARS OF SURVEYOR EXCELLENCE We are thrilled to congratulate Dan Brouder on reaching a major career milestone – 10 years with Spatial Dimensions! Dan began his journey with us in June…
READ ARTICLEAcross the UK and beyond, education construction is evolving quickly. Schools, colleges, and universities are no longer just functional buildings; they’re dynamic, flexible, and increasingly sustainable environments designed to support modern learning.…
READ ARTICLEWELCOMING RADU AS A SENIOR GEOMATICS SURVEYOR We’re delighted to officially introduce Radu, who has recently joined Spatial Dimensions as our new Senior Geomatics Surveyor. As our team continues to grow, Radu’s…
READ ARTICLEWORK EXPERIENCE AT SPATIAL DIMENSIONS We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Samuel from Trinity School, Sevenoaks, for a week-long work experience placement. Samuel is currently in the process of applying to…
READ ARTICLEWELCOMING PRAJWOL RANA TO OUR LAND SURVEYING TEAM! We’re delighted to welcome Prajwol Rana to the Spatial Dimensions land surveying team. HE joins us as a Trainee Land Surveyor. His appointment is…
READ ARTICLESUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES We are happy to announce Spatial Dimensions have sponsored Shoreham and Otford Cricket Club’s 1XI Captain, Ru Harris, for the current season. Shoreham and Otford are a community cricket…
READ ARTICLEIn an era where data drives decisions, measured surveys have become an indispensable tool across various sectors, and the education industry is no exception. Surveys provide the critical spatial data needed to…
READ ARTICLECYCLE TO UKREiiF 2025 Claire Fenwick is set to participate in the “Cycle to UKREiiF 2025” event. The event aims to raise funds for Club Peloton and its supported charitable project, Cyclists…
READ ARTICLELevel of Detail (LOD) is a highly concept in construction based industries like architecture, engineering and surveying. It refers to the depth and complexity of information represented in models or drawings. You…
READ ARTICLEMeasured surveys play an important role in aiding the architecture sectors‘ push towards greater sustainability. The UK government’s plan to reach net zero by 2050 is necessary. However, the goal itself has…
READ ARTICLESpatial Dimensions founder and Managing Director, Claire Fenwick was recently made a Fellow at the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES). This caps off an incredible personal year for Claire. In…
READ ARTICLEWHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL Our YouTube channel is designed to be your go-to space for all things surveying and the construction industry. We’re excited to share our content with…
READ ARTICLEFUNDRAISING FOR KENWARD TRUST & IT’S IMPORTANCE We are excited to be fundraising for the Kenward Trust who focus on key issues across Kent. The Kenward Trust plays a pivotal role in…
READ ARTICLESPATIAL DIMENSIONS & NORTH KENT COLLEGE Spatial Dimensions have our routes routed in Kent, and North Kent specifically. Aligning with The Survey Association (TSA), we actively promote and believe that surveying is…
READ ARTICLETHE NEED FOR LONDON HOUSING Over the last five years, London has built an average of over 37,000 homes. Nearly 70% of this housing was built for the private sector. In a…
READ ARTICLEThe Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF), formally known as The Social Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) is a proactive government fund launched in 2021. Since the initial demonstrator £1.1 billion has been awarded…
READ ARTICLEGetting the most out of a retrofit project has never been more important. The implications for climate, affordability and profitability all depend on maximising the opportunities afforded to us. This starts with…
READ ARTICLEIn the ever-evolving construction landscape, offsite manufacturing is making significant strides as a way to push the industry forward. It’s also a valuable solution for minimizing delays and boosting precision. To put…
READ ARTICLEINTRODUCTION In an era of increasing environmental awareness and the need for energy efficiency, retrofits have emerged as a transformative solution within the UK construction industry. By upgrading existing buildings to modern…
READ ARTICLEThe decarbonisation and partial redesign of heritage, or historic buildings, has become a hotly debated topic in recent years. Currently, over 25% of the United Kingdom’s residential properties are over 100 years…
READ ARTICLEIn the ever-evolving narrative of our environment, the construction industry plays a pivotal role. This has never been more true as we work towards a more sustainable future. As we navigate through…
READ ARTICLETHE START OF A GROUNDBREAKING SURVEY In the rich tapestry of the surveying industry’s history, few threads are as significant as the Anglo-French Survey. It marked a moment when the profession of…
READ ARTICLEIn our ever-evolving world, the pace of technological advances can almost feel dizzying. The emergence of drone surveying has marked a significant shift in how we can approach surveying. These remarkable machines…
READ ARTICLEWHAT IS ON SITE DETECTION? On-site detection for underground utilities involves the use of various methods to accurately identify and locate underground utility lines. The most common types of surveys are conducted…
READ ARTICLEArtificial intelligence’s growth has been exponential in all industries. Many believe AI’s capabilities has just scratched the surface. For architecture and STEM-related industries, this is an exciting and daunting prospect. In this…
READ ARTICLEThe golden thread is defined as ‘The golden thread is defined as ‘the information that allows you to understand a building and the steps needed to keep both the building and people…
READ ARTICLEOn the 17th and 18th of May, our Managing Director, Claire Fenwick, will be taking on the gruelling Duchenne Dash to raise money for Duchenne UK. We are asking for your support…
READ ARTICLEThe Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has long been at the forefront of promoting best practices in the construction and real estate sectors. One of their latest initiatives, the RICS Residential…
READ ARTICLEPerfect Circle is a property construction and infrastructure consultancy that delivers real value with full procurement compliance supported by a supply chain of over 500 consultants. In late February this year, Spatial…
READ ARTICLESpatial Dimensions founder and Managing Director, Claire Fenwick was voted to serve as president at TSA Annual General Meeting held at Silverstone race circuit on Wednesday 27th March. Claire was delighted to…
READ ARTICLEWe are very pleased to announce we have added a Senior Utility Surveyor, Gregory Vincent-Smith, to our Underground Utility department. This addition reflects this area’s rapid growth and expansion and enforces our…
READ ARTICLERecent years have pushed AI into the public realm and its increased use shows no signs of stopping. AI apps like ChatGPT and Siri are now part of daily life but there…
READ ARTICLEStatistics indicate the construction industry makes up around 9% (or 3 million) of the UK’s workforce. However, it’s often overlooked as a viable career option at the secondary school level. Our industry…
READ ARTICLEWHAT IS THE VERTICAL RUSH? The Vertical Rush for Shelter Charity is an exciting event that brings together participants from all walks of life to push themselves to the limit while supporting…
READ ARTICLEHave you ever wondered what a typical day looks like for a Geospatial surveyor? Well, strap in and get ready for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of a surveyor at Spatial…
READ ARTICLEANTONIO’S STORY We’re pleased to announce that our BIM Coordinator, Antonio Paya Camino, is now a RICS-qualified professional! The qualification entitles Antonio to use the designation ‘AssocRICS’. This is another fantastic achievement…
READ ARTICLEINTRODUCTION At Spatial Dimensions, we understand the significance of heritage buildings and the need to preserve their historical and cultural value. Monitoring surveys play a crucial role in safeguarding these precious structures,…
READ ARTICLEINTRODUCTION When it comes to obtaining planning permission for construction projects, having accurate and detailed information about the land is crucial. This is where topographical surveys, also known as topo surveys, play…
READ ARTICLEINTRODUCTION Before we start, what is a planning application fee? A planning application fee refers to the payment required when submitting a planning application to the relevant authority. They are set by…
READ ARTICLEINTRODUCTION Sustainability has been at the forefront of the construction industry for several years now, and the urgency to create healthier and greener spaces continues to grow. This can be seen through…
READ ARTICLEApproximately 17% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from housing, making the transition to sustainable and energy-efficient homes an urgent priority. Recognising the need for action, the UK government has introduced the…
READ ARTICLEConstruction verification isn’t a new phenomenon. However, the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 means buildings higher than 18 metres or 7 stories are required to follow legislation to aid the…
READ ARTICLEThis month, the next step of the Building Safety Act will be made part of active legislation. Gateway 3 is an important stage that will require transparent building information, along with evidence…
READ ARTICLEHere at Spatial Dimensions, we pride ourselves on being geomatic surveyors and laser scanning experts, delivering top-notch measured building surveys, laser scan surveys, and underground utilities surveys. We truly believe in the power…
READ ARTICLEINTRODUCTION In the wake of the recent Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis, the need for comprehensive surveys and renovation plans has never been more pressing. More than 100 schools have been…
READ ARTICLEINTRODUCTION In recent years, educational spaces have undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing a more forward-thinking and collaborative approach to design and construction. This shift has been driven by a desire to create…
READ ARTICLEINTRODUCTION At Spatial Dimensions, we are passionate about helping our clients and helping them get their projects off to the best start possible! As surveying professionals, we understand the importance of accuracy,…
READ ARTICLEWHAT IS AN UNDERGROUND UTILITY SURVEY? At Spatial Dimensions, we specialize in underground utility surveys, also known as utility mapping or subsurface utility engineering. Our mission is to help our clients create…
READ ARTICLECLAIRE FENWICK IS GEARING UP FOR AN INCREDIBLE 395km CHARITY CYCLING CHALLENGE! The cycle will be held in Slovenia from June 15 in aid of PedElle. Having started cycling over a year…
READ ARTICLEINTRODUCTION We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our clients, the National Trust and Twelve Architects, have won a prestigious Pineapple Award for their innovative project at Castlefield Viaduct in…
READ ARTICLETHREE TEAM MEMBERS PROMOTED AT SPATIAL DIMENSIONS We’re excited to share that three fantastic team members have been promoted due to their superb performance! “We’re delighted to recognise Stefano, Karl, and Joe’s…
READ ARTICLEUNDERGROUND UTILITIES AT SPATIAL DIMENSIONS We are excited to announce the appointment of Gareth Dunn as our new Head of Utilities. This important hiring decision is due to the growth and expansion…
READ ARTICLESPATIAL DIMENSIONS – 3D MODELLING EXPERTS At Spatial Dimensions, we specialise in utitlising the Building Information (BIM) process. With our years of experience in 3D laser scanning, we have developed a scan-to-BIM…
READ ARTICLEEXCITING NEWS IN THE SURVEYING INDUSTRY In exciting news for the geomatics surveying industry, Claire Fenwick has been elected as the Vice President of the TSA (The Survey Association)at the AGM held…
READ ARTICLEINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2023 WE’RE USING THIS DAY TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN TO ENTER CONSTRUCTION There is currently a lack of woman in the construction industry! We want to…
READ ARTICLEWE’RE ON THE MOVE! THE TEAM HAVE BEEN BUSY IN DECEMBER, MOVING OUR SEVENOAKS HEAD OFFICE TO A NEW PREMISES Watermill house is set in an idyllic location in the village of…
READ ARTICLEOUTREACHING TO OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS Two of our directors spent the day at a grammar school in Kent last Friday, talking with children from 11 – 18 years of age about the…
READ ARTICLETHE GOVERNMENT’S SECOND WAVE OF FUNDING FOR SOCIAL HOUSING DECABONISATION SHDF IS DESIGNED TO TACKLE SOME OF THE ENVIRONMENTALL WORST-PERFORMING SOCIAL HOUSING STOCK IN THE COUNTRY A combination of rising fuel prices,…
READ ARTICLESpatial Dimensions has been providing measured building surveys, laser scanning and 3D modelling for clients across the UK since 2012. As part of continued growth plans, we are pleased to announce the…
READ ARTICLEOUR NEW BRAND IN OCTOBER WE WILL CELEBRATE 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS WITH A FRESH NEW REBRAND Spatial Dimensions have been providing measured building surveys, laser scanning and 3D modelling for clients across the UK since 2012.…
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