Greenhouse Surveying
Land leveling and layout for greenhouse projects. El-Eman Office provides agricultural surveying.
Assessing the land before building greenhouses
Greenhouse surveying starts with assessing the site: shape, slopes, wind direction and water source. A regular plot with a slight slope for drainage is preferred, and the greenhouse orientation to sun and wind is chosen for the best ventilation and light. The site is surveyed topographically to define contours and low spots where water may collect.
- Locate wells or water intakes and irrigation tanks.
- Consider shade from trees and neighbouring structures.
- Estimate whether windbreaks are needed on exposed sites.
Layout planning of blocks and roads
The master plan places greenhouses with enough space between them for ventilation and machinery, and distributes services such as stores, the irrigation station and packing rooms to shorten distances. Main roads are designed so trucks can enter and turn, and each greenhouse is set out with precise dimensions on site to keep rows straight and floors uniform.
- Prepare a master plan with axes and dimensions.
- Set out columns and footings precisely before erecting frames.
- Check squareness and alignment between adjacent greenhouses.
- Locate irrigation and electrical lines between greenhouses.
Drainage levels and irrigation lines
Greenhouses cover the soil and use drip irrigation, so slope controls even water distribution and drainage of surplus. Floor levels inside and around the greenhouse are therefore set carefully, and drainage is designed to protect footings from standing water. Soil type matters too: sandy soil differs from clay.
- Set the slope accurately to avoid pooling at the greenhouse ends.
- Align main irrigation lines with the contours to reduce pressure loss.
- Leave room for future expansion using the same layout.
Planning services and internal roads
A farm with greenhouses needs an integrated services system, from the irrigation and control room to the packing and storage area. These facilities should be placed to shorten distances and let trucks enter without crossing the greenhouses. Power sources, water lines and the ability to add new greenhouses to the same system without redesign are considered.
- Leave main lanes wide enough for trucks to turn.
- Place service rooms centrally where possible.
- Record cable and pipe routes on the final map.
Frequently asked questions
Must the land be levelled before building greenhouses?
In most cases yes, because levelling ensures even water distribution, stable footings and easy frame erection. A survey defines the levelling quantities accurately.
How is greenhouse orientation decided?
By sun, wind and land shape. The designer usually balances ventilation, light and crop protection, and the orientation is reviewed with an agricultural engineer.
What are common setting-out mistakes?
Axes that are not square, ignoring spacing between greenhouses and ignoring drainage levels. These cause installation difficulties and later water pooling.
