Two working checklists for civil site projects: what to collect on-site during a survey visit, and how to structure that data once it lands in CAD. Print this page for a paper field copy, or check items off as you go.
Part 1: Field Data Collection
Boundary & Legal Documentation
- ☐ Confirm deed / legal description matches the physical site
- ☐ Locate and flag existing property corners and monuments
- ☐ Note discrepancies between recorded plat and found monuments
- ☐ Record easements observed in field (utility, access, drainage)
- ☐ Photograph all found monuments with a scale reference
- ☐ Record fence-line locations relative to the property line
Topographic & Elevation Data
- ☐ Establish or verify benchmark elevation from a known datum
- ☐ Shoot grade breaks and high/low points across the site
- ☐ Record spot elevations at pavement, curb, and drainage structures
- ☐ Shoot cross-sections at drainage channels or ditches
- ☐ Record top-of-slope and bottom-of-slope elevations
- ☐ Note any erosion, ponding, or unstable soil observed
Existing Utilities
- ☐ Request utility locates (call-before-you-dig) before the visit
- ☐ Record visible structures: manholes, valves, hydrants, poles, transformers
- ☐ Shoot rim and invert elevations of sanitary/storm structures
- ☐ Record pipe material, size, and flow direction where visible
- ☐ Note overhead line locations and vertical clearances
- ☐ Photograph and tag each utility structure with an ID number
Existing Structures & Site Improvements
- ☐ Locate building footprints, foundations, and finish floor elevations
- ☐ Record pavement types and limits (asphalt, concrete, gravel)
- ☐ Locate retaining walls, fences, and site walls with heights
- ☐ Locate signage, light poles, and site furniture
- ☐ Record ADA features: ramps, accessible parking, accessible routes
- ☐ Note structure condition relevant to demolition scope
Vegetation & Natural Features
- ☐ Locate and size significant trees (trunk diameter)
- ☐ Flag trees proposed for preservation vs. removal
- ☐ Note wetland indicators or flag the need for a delineation study
- ☐ Record limits of wooded areas
- ☐ Note drainage patterns or wet areas observed in the field
Drainage & Hydrology
- ☐ Record direction of natural drainage flow across the site
- ☐ Locate existing detention or retention areas
- ☐ Note high-water marks or flood evidence
- ☐ Record floodplain reference markers if visible on site
- ☐ Photograph any existing erosion or sediment control issues
Access, Traffic & Site Conditions
- ☐ Record existing driveway locations and widths
- ☐ Note sight-distance obstructions at access points
- ☐ Record adjacent street width, curb, and sidewalk conditions
- ☐ Note existing traffic control devices and signage
- ☐ Record access limitations for future construction traffic
Soils & Geotechnical Field Notes
- ☐ Note visible soil type and surface conditions
- ☐ Record locations of any test pits or borings taken
- ☐ Note groundwater observed during fieldwork
- ☐ Photograph soil test locations with a reference marker
Photographic & Field Documentation
- ☐ Photograph all sides of the site from each corner
- ☐ Photograph adjacent properties and street frontage
- ☐ Key all photos to a location diagram or context plan
- ☐ Record date, time, and weather conditions during survey
- ☐ Log GPS coordinates for photo reference points
Part 2: CAD Setup Checklist
Drawing File Setup
- ☐ Set drawing units (feet/inches or metric) to match survey data
- ☐ Set coordinate system/datum to match GPS or survey control
- ☐ Establish drawing scale and model/paper space setup
- ☐ Set up title block with project info, sheet number, revision block
- ☐ Configure sheet size per jurisdiction standard (e.g. 24×36)
Layer Standards
- ☐ Build layer structure per NCS or firm standard (discipline-major-minor)
- ☐ Separate layers for existing vs. proposed on every feature type
- ☐ Assign correct line weights per layer
- ☐ Assign correct colors/linetypes (dashed existing, solid proposed)
- ☐ Set up layers for match lines, revision clouds, general notes
Survey Data Import
- ☐ Import point file (coordinates, elevations, descriptions)
- ☐ Verify point numbers match field book / data collector
- ☐ Build TIN surface / triangulate existing topography
- ☐ Verify generated contours match field-shot elevations
- ☐ QC surface for spikes or errors at boundary and low points
Base Linework
- ☐ Draw property boundary from legal description/survey
- ☐ Draw easements, setbacks, and right-of-way lines
- ☐ Draw existing utilities with correct symbols/blocks
- ☐ Draw existing structures, pavement edges, and curbs
- ☐ Draw existing vegetation to be shown on plan
Block & Symbol Library Setup
- ☐ Load and verify utility symbol blocks (manhole, valve, hydrant, etc.)
- ☐ Load north arrow, scale bar, and legend blocks
- ☐ Verify blocks are inserted at correct scale for the sheet
- ☐ Set up dynamic blocks for repeated symbols where useful
- ☐ Confirm blocks match the legend key exactly
Annotation & Labeling
- ☐ Set text styles and heights per sheet scale
- ☐ Label all spot elevations, inverts, and rim elevations
- ☐ Label pipe sizes, slopes, and materials
- ☐ Label existing and proposed easements/setbacks
- ☐ Set dimension styles matching firm/jurisdiction standard
Xref & Sheet Organization
- ☐ Set up xref structure (survey base, civil design, utility overlay)
- ☐ Verify xref paths are relative, not absolute
- ☐ Organize sheets in model/layout tabs per sheet index
- ☐ Set up plot styles (CTB/STB) matching the line weight table
- ☐ Verify north arrow orientation is consistent across all sheets
QA/QC Before Submittal
- ☐ Cross-check drawing against field notes for omissions
- ☐ Verify every legend symbol used is defined in the legend
- ☐ Check line weights print correctly in PDF/plot preview
- ☐ Confirm sheet numbering and index match the final set
- ☐ Spell-check and verify all notes and labels