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Registered Land Surveyor

surveying

When you need one

Always — every DA requires an accurate site survey (boundaries, levels, services, trees, adjoining structures).

Qualifications

Registered under state Surveying Act (NSW: Surveying and Spatial Information Act 2002; equivalent in other states). Must be a Registered Surveyor for cadastral work (subdivision); 'engineering' or 'detail' survey can sometimes be by qualified surveyor not registered for cadastral.

Professional body

Institution of Surveyors Australia + state surveyor boards

Typical cost (Detail + Level Survey for one lot)

A$1,200–4,500

Per-state notes

NSW: Registered Surveyors maintain a public register at the Board of Surveying and Spatial Information. Cadastral work (subdivision plan signed off) requires Registered Cadastral Surveyor.

Key outputs

✓Site survey plan (lot/DP, boundaries, contours)
✓Boundary marks + bearings/distances
✓Reduced levels (RL/AHD) — Australian Height Datum
✓Service locations (sewer, water, stormwater, gas, NBN)
✓Trees: species, DBH, canopy, location
✓Adjoining building outlines + FFLs
✓Easements + restrictions on title

What triggers engaging them

▸Any DA on undeveloped data
▸Boundary disputes
▸Subdivision (mandatory)
▸Re-establishment survey for old lots

Notes

Get the survey BEFORE engaging the architect — the architect's design depends on accurate boundaries + levels. Skipping survey leads to design rework when boundaries are confirmed.