LDS: About Us

What do we do?

LDS carry out a wide range of surveying services. Our skills have been put to use on projects ranging from small garden surveys to major international sporting events.

Our team have many years of experience in gathering and presenting spatial information to the highest standards.

Our Growth

Our team of surveyors and back-office staff are committed to delivering a quality service, from the point of first enquiry right through to delivery of the final product.

We pride ourselves on the accuracy of our data and the way that it is presented. A survey by LDS is one of quality.

Company Philosophy

At LDS we aim to provide a professional yet personal service. We treat every project and client individually, ensuring that your specific requirements are met.

We are accustomed to working to short deadlines whilst maintaining the accuracy and precision expected of measured surveys. We trust that you will find us knowledgeable, friendly and efficient.

What do our clients think of us?

“I want to thank you so much for the speed in which you managed to sort out our plans yesterday. The sale completed today thanks to you. Due to your absolute professionalism and kindness I will definitely be recommending you”
(BE)

“Excellent! Our architects are very happy and impressed with your work. Thank you for being so thorough”
(RA)

“I have to say I am so impressed with the very nice polite young man who has just been here doing the survey. The weather has been beyond awful but he has stuck with it and got it done. Thank you very much for the report. What fantastic service!”
(EF)

“Thank you so much for the survey – it is very thorough, and working into it is a dream!”
(AE)

“I just wanted to thank you for the extraordinary efforts you and your team made in helping us deliver some truly spectacular ceremonies for London 2012. Land Development Services played a key role for us and were instrumental in delivering the fantastic end result. You should be very proud of your contribution – thank you”
(Piers Shepperd, Technical Director LOCOG, London 2012)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why LDS?

Why should you choose to have your survey carried out by LDS? Isn’t a topographic survey just a topographic survey? Aren’t all floor plans the same, regardless of who produces them? Unfortunately, we are regularly asked to come and re-survey sites that have already been surveyed, but where the resulting drawings are sub-standard, inaccurate, incomplete, too basic, or just unreliable. Surveys are just like any other product – who produces them makes a difference to how good the quality is.

At LDS we take great pride in what we do and make every effort to produce high standard surveys and drawings. Our advice when deciding what surveyor to use would be to ask to see examples of previous work so that you know what you are paying for. We are more than happy to provide multiple examples of our drawings. We have worked on a vast array of projects, so it’s likely that we can show you examples of something relevant or similar. Doing your homework at this stage could save you having to pay out twice.

Why do I need a survey?

Surveys by land surveyors are all about precision and reliability. Existing plans based on Ordnance Survey mapping or an estate agent’s plan are simply not accurate enough when it comes to developments. If you have an architect/agent involved in your project, they should be able to advise you if you need to have a survey carried out.

How much will the survey cost?

We quote every job individually and the cost is based on an estimate of how long we think the work will take. This depends on the size of the site and the scope of the survey. When requesting a quote, please have as much detail available as possible – full site address (including postcode), location plan/site area if available, survey requirements/specification.

Please also let us know of any relevant details that may affect our ability to carry out the survey (eg. health & safety hazards, parking restrictions, buildings obscured by scaffolding, buildings without power, presence of livestock etc).

If you are unsure of what to send us or of your exact requirements, please call the office where our staff will be happy to advise.

How long will the survey take? How soon will I receive drawings?

At the time of quoting, we will be able to give you an idea of how long we are likely to require on site, and how soon thereafter finished drawings will be available. We try to be flexible, so if you have a tight deadline, do let us know and we will aim to meet it.

What areas do you cover?

We take on surveys both nationally and globally. We have been as far west as San Francisco, and as far east as Tokyo. We’ve also surveyed the property next door!

Do you carry out Underground Utility Surveys?

The tracing of underground services is a specialist area requiring specialist equipment. We regularly partner with a number of companies who provide this expertise and can put you in contact if needed.

Do you carry out Home Buyers Surveys or Condition Reports?

Land surveyors are experts at accurately measuring the position of features, but we do not make assessments of the conditions of buildings. For this you will need a building surveyor. If you are unsure, we might be able to recommend a professional in your area who can help.