What is land surveying? Land surveying is the process of accurately measuring and mapping a property's boundaries, levels and features. It's what councils, certifiers and designers rely on for lawful, accurate information and it's what prevents costly problems like building over a boundary, encroaching on an easement, or discovering a title conflict halfway through a project.

How do I choose a qualified surveyor in Sydney? Look for a registered surveyor with solid local experience, a track record you can check (plans, reviews, past projects), and a clear scope and timeline confirmed in writing before work starts. If a quote feels vague or the surveyor can't tell you who's actually signing off your plan, that's worth asking about.

What's the difference between a registered and non-registered surveyor? A registered surveyor is accredited by the NSW Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI) and is legally authorised to certify boundary and subdivision plans. Non-registered surveyors can assist with fieldwork, but only a registered surveyor's signature makes a plan valid with council and Land Registry.

What qualifications does a registered surveyor need? Registration with the NSW Board (BOSSI), a tertiary qualification in surveying, and proven experience across cadastral, construction and subdivision work.

Is ARP Surveyors led by a registered surveyor? Yes. ARP Surveyors is founded and led by Rob Lyon, a BOSSI-registered surveyor with proven experience across cadastral, construction and subdivision surveying.

Is ARP Surveyors the same business as SJ Dixon Surveyors? Yes. Stewart Dixon Surveyors joined ARP in 2026. Together, the team brings 50 years of combined registered surveying experience across Greater Sydney and New South Wales.

What services does ARP Surveyors provide? We prepare measured plans and certifications for boundaries, levels and development works including detail surveys, contour surveys, boundary identification, subdivision and construction-stage surveys.

Do you handle smaller residential surveys? Yes. ARP Surveyors handles both residential and commercial work across Greater Sydney and New South Wales, from single-dwelling boundary surveys and identification reports through to contour surveys for homeowners and owner-builders.

How do I get started? Get in touch and we'll come back with a free quote the same day no obligation, no pressure.

Do you need my address for a quote? Yes. We check your address against the NSW Spatial Digital Twin Explorer to see what survey data already exists for your property, which helps us quote accurately from the start.

Do I need to be home for the field work? Generally, not as long as we have safe, pre-approved access to the property, our surveyor can complete the field work without you needing to be there.

How do I prepare my property for a survey? Just clear yard access where you can and secure any pets. You don't need to be home, and there's nothing else to prepare.

How long does a survey take? It depends on access, complexity and any approvals involved, we’ll agree a timeframe with you at booking and confirm approximate dates about a week before the job starts. Field work is generally scheduled each Thursday for the following week.

How much can I expect to pay? It depends on the type of survey and the specifics of your site. We always provide a free, no-obligation quote before any work starts, so you know the cost upfront.

What happens after the field work is done? The data we collect on site is passed to our drafting team, who prepare your survey plan.

What file formats do I receive? Usually both a PDF for your records, and a DWG file if your architect, designer or engineer needs to work directly with the survey data.

What is a DWG file, and why can't I open it? A DWG is a CAD file used by architects and designers in programs like AutoCAD or Revit — it's not designed to open in standard photo or PDF viewers. We always provide a PDF alongside it so you have a version you can open and read easily.

How do I track the progress of my job? Every ARP client job is tracked through the ARP Assist client portal, which gives you real-time progress updates, your surveyor's live ETA, and instant access to download your plans as soon as they're ready.

I'm not sure exactly what I need - can you help? That's exactly what we're here for. Tell us about your project - over the phone or through our quote form and our team will confirm what surveys are needed at each stage and quote you upfront.

Do you service the Sutherland Shire? Yes, the Sutherland Shire is home turf for ARP Surveyors, and we're well known locally across the area.

Do you service the South Coast and Berry? Yes. Alongside our Miranda office, we have a dedicated office in Berry, servicing the NSW South Coast.

What other parts of Sydney do you cover? Beyond the Sutherland Shire, Illawarra and St George Region and South Coast, ARP Surveyors services Greater Sydney more broadly including the eastern suburbs, north shore as far as Newcastle. Let us know your address when you enquire and we'll confirm we've got you covered.

What's the difference between a survey and a boundary survey? "Survey" is a broad term covering any measurement or mapping work on a property. A boundary survey is specific it’s the process that legally establishes exactly where your property lines sit.

What's the difference between a cadastral and topographic survey? A cadastral survey establishes the legal boundaries of a property. A topographic survey records ground levels and physical features and is used by designers and engineers to plan a build around the actual site conditions.

What's the difference between a contour survey and a detail & boundary identification survey? A contour survey captures levels and features with approximate boundary lines. A detail & boundary identification survey goes further, adding a full investigation of the legal boundary alongside the site detail.

What is a 3D survey, and when would I need one? A 3D survey uses laser scanning to create a photorealistic, rotatable model of a site, rather than a flat 2D plan. It's especially useful for renovations, heritage properties, projects with multiple trades to coordinate, or tight, complex spaces where a 2D plan doesn't tell the whole story.

Do I need a survey before designing or building? Yes. Architects, certifiers and councils all rely on accurate survey data to design and approve a project typically a contour survey and/or boundary identification survey, depending on what's required for your site.

What do I need to subdivide my property? Subdivision starts with council or certifier approval based on a preliminary plan of subdivision, followed by a final plan lodged with NSW Land Registry Services.

What do I need to strata subdivide? The process is similar to standard subdivision — a preliminary strata plan is approved first, followed by a final strata plan lodged for registration.

Can you help with a boundary dispute? Yes. We review titles and existing plans, confirm the boundary on site, and can work with you confidentially throughout the process.

How do I find my boundary line? Only a boundary survey can reliably establish your true property line it combines title records, historical plans and on-site markers to confirm exactly where the boundary sits.

Do I need a survey before replacing a fence? Yes. An existing fence line isn't proof of your actual boundary. Fences can be built off over time, so it's worth confirming the true line before you replace one.

Do I need a survey on an older property? Yes. On older properties, survey pegs and fence lines may have drifted or gone missing altogether over the years the age of a property isn't a guarantee that its boundary markers are still accurate.

Can I build a duplex? It depends on your site's zoning. If duplex development is permitted, you'll also need council or certifier approval and a preliminary subdivision plan.

What survey do I need before starting construction? A setout (or peg-out) survey, which marks your approved plans out physically on site so building work starts in exactly the right place.

What survey does my designer need? Usually either a detail & level survey or a detail & boundary identification survey which one depends on your council's specific requirements.

What do I need for my Occupation Certificate? A final survey confirming the completed build matches the approved plans covering boundary position, ridge heights and floor levels.

Are your surveys accepted by private certifiers as well as councils? Yes. Every survey we prepare is completed to NSW legislation and industry standard, so it's accepted by both councils and private certifiers.

Does ARP understand local council requirements? Yes, our team works regularly across Greater Sydney's local government areas and is familiar with each council's referral requirements, LEP provisions and the survey types that come up most often, including heritage conservation areas, foreshore and flood-affected sites, and mixed-use developments.

What authorities endorse survey plans? Depending on the project, your plan may be endorsed by council, NSW Land Registry Services, or a strata certifier.

The ARP Miranda NSW Head Office is open 7am - 6pm Monday to Friday. There are a number of ways to get in contact. The office number is 0484 501 537 or email us at info@arpsurveyors.com.au‍

Our ARP Assist Portal also provides up to date job tracking.