Surveying tools equipment

Hello there to all permaculture enthusiasts.
I have searched for a specific topic like this, but couldn't find. If there is already, please notify me and I will delete it.

So I am from Greece (Where money is not abundant), and since we have done quite some Designs and Surveys with Bunyip level, now is the time to upgrade.
I was searching for the best solution between LIDAR, Theodolite, or Laser level, judging also our budget (<800e?)
I know that Theodolite is much more precise, but needs 2 people, while laser level is much easier to use and small precision mistakes are not so important for us.
Also how do you solve the coordinates issue? buying a laser level with gps is extremely expensive.

I would be really interested though, apart from suggestions, this thread to have the complete equipment each one is using for surveys (Level, flags, compass, gps etc)

Cheers and thanks a lot in advance!

Cob
Cob FB

I'm going through the same process. Everyone talking about importance of topography but no one explaining how to make the darn topo map!

Here's what I'm using: https://www.itto.int/files/itto_project_db_input/2403/Technical/pd110-01-6 rev4(I)_Technical Procedures for Topographic Forest Surveys and Tree_E.pdf
It's a low tech easy to follow guide for Indonesia but applicable anywhere.

Maybe you don't have the forest I am dealing with so you will have an easier time with fewer trees.
I'm really cheaping out and using a $25 compass with built in clinometer from amazon.
Instead of a chain, I'm using a cheapo laser rangefinder also from amazon.
That's it. Direction (compass), elevation (clinometer + math), distance (rangefinder).
Then you can input your points into the computer and it will interpolate a contour map for you.

If you really want good data though go with a total station. What I described above will involve some error correction.

Pretty much whatever you do it's going to be helpful to have two or more people. You can use an autoreceiver with the total station but probably outside your budget.

Depending on size of land and how much groundcover/trees, a one time LIDAR cost for a drone service might be best.

EDIT: Fixed URL

Couldn't you just use your gps and waypoints to create your topo map?

Robert Ray wrote:Couldn't you just use your gps and waypoints to create your topo map?

This works dandy if your state/province/region has accurate topo maps already built into your mapping software. Where I live, they are at a broad interval and not very detailed - there are whole ravines that don't show up on my GPS readings.

Thanks for the super fast answer.
It seems too much of a procedure this one though.
I have a second person and also normally we make the people pay a topographic map from a proper topographer. We need the equipment to find the correct points of the design and then mark contours for swales, dams or other earthworks.
And, yes, our maps are non existent in greece, you cannot find them.

I was looking at this also which is quite good budget. https://www.vevor.it/misuratori-laser-c_10821/set-rosso-livella-laser-rotante-360-con-treppiede-e-righello-strumenti-500m-p_010318708446

Aldo Caine wrote:I'm going through the same process. Everyone talking about importance of topography but no one explaining how to make the darn topo map!

Here's what I'm using: https://www.itto.int/files/itto_project_db_input/2403/Technical/pd110-01-6 rev4(I)_Technical Procedures for Topographic Forest Surveys and Tree_E.pdf
It's a low tech easy to follow guide for Indonesia but applicable anywhere.

Maybe you don't have the forest I am dealing with so you will have an easier time with fewer trees.
I'm really cheaping out and using a $25 compass with built in clinometer from amazon.
Instead of a chain, I'm using a cheapo laser rangefinder also from amazon.
That's it. Direction (compass), elevation (clinometer + math), distance (rangefinder).
Then you can input your points into the computer and it will interpolate a contour map for you.

If you really want good data though go with a total station. What I described above will involve some error correction.

Pretty much whatever you do it's going to be helpful to have two or more people. You can use an autoreceiver with the total station but probably outside your budget.

Depending on size of land and how much groundcover/trees, a one time LIDAR cost for a drone service might be best.

I typically don't use surveying tools when making swales, bunds, and ponds. I take a shovel into the field, or my bare hands, and start moving dirt, rocks, logs, and branches.

It helps if water flows across the landscape while I work, but I can get by without.

When I absolutely need to assess level, I really like an A-frame level, or a level that hangs on a piece of string.

How to make and use an a frame level is explained below..


I made mine from 1x2 lumber and screws, because it was faster than Harvesting branches. Just make sure you are on a flat surface when marking the cross bar. I managed to set one leg on a scrap of wood. Ooops.

Thanks again for your feedback.
I was working also for long time with bunyip level and A-frame, but when you want to do bigger and more complicated earthworks it s getting quite annoying, slow.and unprecise.
P.S. i have even done a 60m earthen dam with a bunyip level :p

Chriostos, what are you trying to achieve.
As a Civil Engineer I have done lots of surveying and as a Scout we created plans of farms.
Using a simple flat table on a tripod, 2 fixed points on the ground and using site lines to other points, lines are drawn on the flat table to locate the other points.
The Romans used A frames and plumb bobs.

Hi,
Is this the guide Aldo is using? His link is still broken.