Modern land surveying businesses may perform hydrographic, engineering, and geodesic land surveys for different clients, from government agencies to individual landowners. Most of them use state-of-the-art surveying technology to perform their tasks in the field. Laser scanning, also called high definition surveying, is a powerful technology that will allow you to provide valuable results to your clients. Read on to learn how you can successfully start your own land surveying business.
Plan Your Business
Create a sensible business plan. Outline the financial details and projected profits of the land surveying company. You should have a realistic idea of how the business will operate and progress. You can ask free help from agencies such as the US Small Business Administration. They can provide assistance in writing the plan and using it to get money from investors and banks.
Create Your Team of Professionals
Hire licensed surveyors to complete your team of land surveying specialists. Choose the graduates who have passed the principles and practice of land surveying exam. Licensing bodies may vary according to state, so look for qualified applicants from your own state.
Get the Tools You Need
Buy all the necessary tools and equipment you need in your business operation. Include a 3D laser radar scanner with a 360 degree x 270 degree field of view. This laser technology can scan any interior or exterior manmade and natural area. It can create raw data set in the form of a 3D image made up of millions of data points called "3D point cloud". Each two points of the cloud provide direct point-to-point measurements within AutoCAD 6mm accuracy. The system can capture complete surface geometry safely and accurately. Contact a provider that offers 3D laser scanning services in your area.
Secure an Office
Lease an office space after buying all the equipment. Choose a location visible and accessible to your target customers. You can also buy an existing land surveying business advertised in the Internet. Arrange an opening or reopening event and invite local media and potentialally useful contacts. These should include professionals from local authorities, engineering firms, and real estate companies.
Get License and Permits
Submit proposals to your local government's planning department and board of county commissioners. Get all the necessary permits and license to operate. You need these documents to make sure your business operation will flow smoothly.
Advertise Your Business
Create brochures and send them to local civil engineering firms, real estate agents, and companies. Secure a company website and advertise it by placing ads in the local yellow pages, newspapers, and magazines. Word of mouth is also an effective tool to let the people know about your services. Tell your friends about your business and ask them to recommend you to people who need such services.
Land surveying can be a good business venture, provided you have enough knowledge about the industry and your potential clients. Find engineers, financial institutions, equipment suppliers or manufacturers by browsing the Internet.