University Surveying
Campus planning and surveying. El-Eman Office provides educational facility surveying.
The master plan and functional zones
University surveying begins with studying the master plan, which distributes the academic, administrative, residential, sports and service areas. Distances between buildings are considered so that the walk between lecture halls stays comfortable, and pedestrian routes are separated from vehicles as far as possible for student safety.
- Place academic buildings in the heart of the campus and parking around its edges.
- Keep open spaces, gathering squares and seating areas.
- Reserve land for future expansion of faculties or new facilities.
- Study orientation, natural light and ventilation for each building.
Setting out buildings, axes and levels
A university campus involves dozens of buildings that should be tied to a single coordinate grid, so that axes agree between buildings, roads and utilities. The work proceeds as follows:
- Establish permanent control points spread across the site and used throughout all phases.
- Set out each building's axes, corners and foundation levels from the approved points.
- Fix ground floor levels and tie them to road and path levels to ease movement.
- Check alignment and plumb during column and slab pours.
- Survey the completed buildings and prepare as-built drawings for each phase.
This discipline matters even more when buildings are built in phases by different contractors, because a single coordinate reference prevents clashes between the works.
Infrastructure, drainage and accessibility
Universities need water, drainage, electricity, telecoms, fire-fighting systems and irrigation pipes for green areas. The survey fixes the routes and levels of these networks and ensures suitable gradients so rainwater drains away from buildings and paths. Accessible routes for people with disabilities are also provided, with suitable gradients, ramps and lowered kerbs at crossings. A GIS model of the campus gives a digital record of buildings, networks and spaces that serves facilities management, expansion, maintenance and emergencies.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a single coordinate reference important at universities?
Because the project includes many buildings and networks built in phases by several teams. A single reference ensures axes and levels agree and prevents clashes between works.
How are sports fields and large lawns located?
By using the flattest land to reduce levelling work, while considering the field's orientation to the sun and its drainage, and then setting them out accurately.
Is a survey of the campus needed after completion?
Yes, to record the buildings and utilities as actually built. These drawings are an essential reference for maintenance and expansion.
