The conversation should be all about what spatial evidence clients need, in order to make the right decision.  A unified national campaign is underway to help reposition geospatial surveying from a technical support service to a critical evidence-based profession.

Client Guides: a practical resource for professionals and clients

TSA’s Client Guides are not intended to overwhelm with highly technical details, but instead they provide concise, accessible introductions to a wide range of surveying disciplines. If you’re an architect, engineer, planner, project manager or simply a client looking to understand what you need and why, these guides offer a great starting point.

Each guide is carefully structured to answer the questions you’re most likely to ask:

• What is this type of survey?
• When and why is it needed?
• What equipment and techniques are used?
• What regulations or procedures apply?

This practical approach helps demystify surveying, giving you confidence when specifying requirements, managing risk, and engaging with surveying professionals.

A wide range of topics

TSA’s collection of Client Guides reflects the diversity of the geospatial surveying sector. From traditional ground-based methods to cutting-edge technologies, the guides cover subjects including:

• Topographical surveys
• Measured building surveys
• Setting out surveys
• Hydrographic surveys
• Aerial LiDAR
• Photogrammetry

…and many more.

If you’ve already explored our recent blog on photogrammetry, you’ll know how powerful modern surveying methods have become. The full range of TSA Guides reveals how different survey techniques work together to support everything from construction and infrastructure to environmental monitoring and asset management.

Why download a TSA Client Guide?

Reliable information can be difficult and time-consuming to sift through. TSA’s Client Guides offer a trusted shortcut, developed by geospatial experts and grounded in real-world practice.

By downloading a Guide, you can:

• Clarify your project requirements before commissioning work
• Avoid costly misunderstandings by knowing what to expect
• Understand the scope and limitations of different survey methods
• Stay aware of relevant standards and procedures
• Make better, more informed decisions

Whether you’re at the early planning stage or already working on a project, having the right information at your fingertips can make a huge difference.

Designed for easy access

All TSA Client Guides are available as downloadable PDFs, making them easy to access, share, and refer back to whenever you need them. They’re ideal for quick reading but also useful as ongoing reference documents throughout the lifecycle of a project.

If you’ve found value in learning more about photogrammetry, why stop there? There’s a whole library of guidance waiting to be explored. Each guide offers insights into a different aspect of surveying and its role in delivering successful outcomes.

Visit the TSA downloads section and discover the full range of Client Guides

Take a few minutes to browse. You may find exactly the information you didn’t realise you needed.

The Survey Association (TSA) is committed to promoting best practice and improving understanding across the surveying profession. Our Client Guides are just one way we’re helping to bridge the gap between technical expertise and practical application.

Discover TSA’s Client Guides here https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/resources/downloads/

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At TSA, we remain firmly committed to supporting our members and leading efforts to address this issue. Over the past decade, we have played a central role in driving the national response to survey equipment theft, and we are pleased to share positive progress, while recognising there is still a way to go.

Strengthening the national response

Building on almost a decade of evidence gathering with SmartWater/DeterTech, in 2025 TSA started to directly support the work of the National Construction and Agriculture Theft Team (NCATT), a specialist operational police unit established in 2023.

NCATT is unique as the UK’s only fully industry-funded specialist police unit dedicated to tackling Organised Criminal Groups (OCGs) involved in the theft of construction and agricultural equipment. Bringing together officers from across the country with expertise in rural crime and equipment theft, the team is small but highly effective.

In a relatively short time, NCATT has:

• Improved coordination between police forces nationwide
• Enhanced intelligence sharing across regions and sectors
• Delivered operational support and training
• Conducted investigations into high-value machinery theft
• Built strong partnerships with industry and European law enforcement

Importantly, NCATT has been working directly with TSA members, not only supporting individual cases of theft but also helping to unite resources across the UK to actively pursue organised crime gangs.

Real progress with a persistent challenge

There is encouraging news. NCATT and local police teams have achieved record-breaking seizures of stolen equipment, alongside arrests and significant cash recoveries across the UK. These outcomes demonstrate that coordinated, intelligence-led policing is making a real difference.

However, the national and international illicit demand for machinery remains high and continues to drive organised criminal activity, meaning that while enforcement efforts are delivering results, the risk of thefts remains.

A collaborative approach

The work of NCATT highlights the importance of a three-pronged approach:

• Prevention: strengthening security and awareness
• Enforcement: targeting and disrupting organised crime
• Collaboration: sharing intelligence and working together

By focusing on these areas, NCATT plays a critical role in safeguarding our sector, protecting vital infrastructure, and supporting the hardworking businesses that keep projects moving across the UK.

What to do if theft occurs

If you experience theft, acting quickly and following the correct process is essential to maximise the chances of recovery:

1. Report the theft immediately

Report the theft to the police force where the incident occurred. This is critical as only the relevant force can formally investigate and circulate the equipment as stolen on police systems. If your equipment has live tracking and you are not receiving a timely response, contact NCATT immediately.

2. Notify key partners

Email the equipment manufacturer and NCATT via ncatt@northumbria.police.uk to ensure NCATT is aware and can assist and the manufacturer can flag the equipment on their systems. For Leica Geosystems equipment, also notify uk.support@leica-geosystems.com

3. Provide full details

Use the subject line: “Survey Theft Notification” and include:

• Make and model
• Serial number
• Approximate value
• Date of theft
• Location of theft
• Police crime reference number

Please note that online reporting reference numbers cannot be acted upon until a formal crime number is issued by the police.

Moving forward together

While the challenge of survey equipment theft is far from over, the progress being made through collaboration with NCATT is significant and encouraging. By continuing to work together we are building a stronger, more resilient response.

The post Working together to tackle survey equipment theft appeared first on The Survey Association.

At the stakeholder event held at Twickenham as part of last month’s AGM, there was a clear and shared consensus: our profession needs greater visibility, clearer messaging, and a stronger level of public understanding.

The overarching aim of the campaign is to reposition geospatial surveying as a strategic, indispensable function across industry. We need to shift perception from viewing geospatial surveying as a technical trade, to recognising it as a professional consultancy discipline. Surveying should not be seen simply as a cost to a project, but as the strategic foundation upon which everything else is built.

A task force to drive change

Working in collaboration with O agency, we have now established a dedicated Task Force that will shape both the vision and the strategic outputs of the campaign. This group will be responsible for developing a clear 12-month plan that will form the foundation of the initial campaign strategy.

The campaign is to be built across five strategic pillars:

1. Building awareness and visibility
2. Regulations and standards
3. Industry alignment
4. Talent pipeline and education
5. Commercial value shift

To deliver meaningful change, we must influence policy and regulation, drive a shift in procurement behaviour, and build a sustainable and resilient talent pipeline for the future of the profession.

Securing the right level of funding will be critical to the campaign’s success, and the scale of its impact will depend on the level of support received from our members. Encouragingly, we are already in discussions with a number of organisations that are keen to get involved at an early stage, with strong interest and clear intent being demonstrated.

Find out more by attending the presentation by Oliver Viney at GEO Business on 3^rd June at 12:00 on the Surveying & Capture Stage. Please do get in touch if you would like to know more or get behind this campaign.

The post Raising the profile of geospatial surveying: building momentum for change appeared first on The Survey Association.

Across the sector, more clients and client organisations are recognising its value and are actively seeking out TSA to find out more about what the scheme offers.

Why PUMA matters

Geospatial surveying is one of the essential, but often unseen, disciplines behind and under the built environment.  Raising standards in utility surveying, a specialism within geospatial surveying, has never been more important. High-quality, reliable survey data is essential to prioritise safety, improve efficiency, and ultimately save time and money on infrastructure projects.

This was the driving force behind the creation of PUMA, the PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation scheme and feeds directly into the national marketing campaign recently launched by TSA

Developed over ten years by TSA, PUMA represents a significant step forward for our profession. It provides a robust and independent way to assess whether geospatial surveyors can consistently deliver work in line with the PAS128 specification.

Building confidence through accreditation

For accredited TSA members, PUMA offers a clear and credible way to demonstrate compliance with PAS128:2022. Crucially, it also gives clients confidence in both the level of service and the accuracy of the data they receive.

Every PUMA-accredited company has undergone independent audit, ensuring that:

• Survey outputs meet PAS128 requirements
• Working practices are robust and consistent
• Staff are properly trained and demonstrably competent

This means that when clients choose a PUMA-accredited company, they can be assured they are working with a provider fully equipped to deliver reliable, compliant survey data.

Raising the bar for utility surveys

By standardising how PAS128 surveys are delivered, PUMA has raised the bar for the entire construction industry. It establishes a benchmark for quality, giving accredited companies a powerful way to differentiate themselves and prove their capability.

Equally, it simplifies decision-making for clients, who no longer need to rely solely on claims of compliance as they have independent assurance.

PUMA is administered by LRQA, a global leader in assurance, certification, and inspection services, further strengthening the scheme’s credibility and rigour.

A scheme gaining real traction

What’s particularly encouraging is how quickly PUMA is gaining recognition across the sector.

With a number of major infrastructure projects in the pipeline that will require PAS128 surveys, we are seeing a shift in client expectations. Organisations with large contracts are beginning to explicitly request that PUMA accreditation is written into project requirements.

In many cases, they are actively reaching out to TSA to better understand how the accreditation works and how it can support their project delivery.

PUMA is increasingly being recognised as the gold standard for PAS128 surveys.

Looking ahead

The momentum behind PUMA signals a positive change for the industry. For survey companies, this is an opportunity to demonstrate excellence and stand out in a competitive market.

For clients, it is a chance to reduce risk, avoid costly delays, and ensure confidence in the data that underpins their projects.

Find out more about PUMA

If you’re interested in learning more about PUMA accreditation and how it could benefit your organisation or projects, we encourage you to get in touch with TSA.

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Running a survey business can be an enjoyable challenge but it can also be very stressful for many reasons. Combined with tight budgets, economic uncertainty, staff shortages and the pressure to deliver precise results, stress can quickly build.

For those in smaller teams, or surveyors working alone, there may be fewer opportunities to share concerns or decompress with colleagues. And although surveying is a diverse profession, many individuals may not feel naturally inclined to open up or ask for support, even when it’s needed.

Be proactive with protecting your mental health

That’s why it’s important to be proactive. Looking after your mental health doesn’t require dramatic change, as small, manageable actions can have a significant impact. On site, this might include:

• Taking regular breaks, even short ones, to reset and avoid fatigue
• Staying connected, checking in with a colleague or friend during the day, for more than just health and safety reasons
• Planning your workload realistically wherever you can to reduce unnecessary pressure
• Getting fresh air and movement, beyond the task at hand, to clear your mind
• Recognising early signs of stress, like irritability or difficulty concentrating, and addressing them early.

Team leaders can support this proactivity by creating open cultures where wellbeing can be discussed freely. Ultimately, taking care of your mental health is not a luxury, it’s essential. You don’t have to handle everything alone. This May, let’s encourage everyone in the surveying community to look after themselves and each other.

The post Mental Health Awareness Month: Looking after your wellbeing in May appeared first on The Survey Association.

Across the UK, more than four million excavations are carried out each year. A significant number proceed without a comprehensive survey of buried pipes and cables. Strikes on underground assets pose serious risks to life and can cause major financial loss and project disruption. Improving the consistency and reliability of utility surveys is crucial for improving safety and reducing cost and delay. TSA created PUMA to provide its members with a robust, independently assessed framework that raises standards across the industry.

By choosing a PUMA‑accredited company, clients gain assurance that survey work will be carried out accurately and to an agreed level of quality – helping avoid costly errors, unnecessary delays and potentially dangerous incidents.

Sam Roberts, Chair of the PUMA Governance Committee and TSA Council member, said:

“Before the introduction of PUMA, any organisation could state that they were working to the PAS128 specification, but there was no requirement to verify this. TSA’s accreditation scheme has changed that. When clients see that a survey company holds PUMA accreditation, they can be confident that the service and data quality will meet a recognised and independently assessed standard.”

Two stages to PUMA accreditation

PUMA is available to eligible members of The Survey Association. The scheme is delivered by LRQA, a global leader in assurance, certification and inspection. Accreditation involves two stages: a rigorous review of a company’s office processes and systems, followed by a detailed site assessment. Once accredited, companies enter a three‑year cycle of LRQA surveillance to ensure that the standards on which accreditation was awarded are consistently upheld.

Come and meet TSA’s team on Stand P128

Visitors to Utility Week Live 2026 are invited to meet TSA’ ‘s team on stand P128 to learn more about PUMA and how the scheme supports safer working, improved efficiency and significant cost savings across utility and construction projects.

Register for Utility Week Live 2026 here.

The post PUMA: TSA’s PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation to be showcased at Utility Week Live 2026 appeared first on The Survey Association.

In this article, we’re going to look at 10 typical examples of geospatial surveying being used to gather data and inform decisions, designs, planning, legislation, our futures and more…  

Utility surveys at planning stage and urban upgrade projects

Underground utilities surveys are among the most useful surveys in the planning stage of construction projects, locating the positioning and depth of various underground services and channels, to ensure that delays and hazards are minimised. 

They are also essential in urban upgrade projects, where new technologies are being introduced and installed in built environments. The location of existing services has to be known in order for new technologies – for example fibreoptic broadband or water and sewer upgrades – to be installed underground and aligned with existing routes.

Flood risk management – geospatial expertise needed

One of the biggest concerns about housing development in the UK is the potential use of floodplains and areas prone to waterlogging or flooding for building. Flood risk management is another area where geospatial surveying can be extremely useful at the planning stage, mapping areas of concern and identifying how flooding can be mitigated against, or avoided altogether, by the location of the project.

Measuring water resources

Water is also a huge natural resource and its management is an integral part of the UK’s water supply to households and industry. Accurately measuring water resources is an important part of that management process. Hydrographic surveys can measure riverbed levels, or survey reservoir capacities, to provide detailed data for dredge planning and flood/waste modelling too.

Port projects

Hydrographic surveys can also be used in harbour or port projects, to ascertain if safe passage can be achieved for ships, so they will be able to navigate safety to dock. Many estuaries change over time, with silting and other geographical shifts, and monitoring of this using surveying techniques is an essential element of maritime construction.

Coastal protection

Monitoring land near the sea is also a vital part of coastal protection. In instances where coastal erosion and weathering are causing major changes to our coastlines, geospatial surveyors can chart these changes and define the pace of change and measures that will need to be installed, as defence against such land loss.  

Trains, traffic and infrastructure

For new rail transportation infrastructure, such as metro links or high-speed rail, geospatial surveying can be used to plan efficient routes, analyse the environmental impact of traffic and manage land acquisition, to be traversed by the tracks.

Bridge construction projects deploy a variety of surveying techniques in their design and construction process – from land surveying of the bridge approaches to underwater surveys of the riverbed’s geography, if pylons or stanchions are going to be required as bridge supports.

The construction of tunnels is one of the most complex types of infrastructure project, whether they are for road or rail routes. A project such as Crossrail would employ 3D modelling and other geospatial technology to monitor the precise boring and construction of underground tunnels, to ensure they integrate with existing infrastructure.

Protecting the environment

Geospatial surveying is essential for environmental protection and conservation work. From tracking deforestation to streamlining land management, surveyors can help to instigate projects such as replanting, to ensure efficiency and sustainability in the landscape are preserved for future generations.

The post 10 times a geospatial surveyor is essential appeared first on The Survey Association.

Part 1 explored why that moment is necessary. Part 2 addresses the more uncomfortable reality: what happens when we do nothing?

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

By the time most people realise there is a problem with a survey, the consequences have already taken hold.

The data has been trusted. The design has been developed. Models have been coordinated. Procurement decisions have been made. Construction is either underway or complete.

At that point, the question is no longer whether the survey was correct.

It is how much the error is going to cost.

TSA Council member Andy Beardsley, has written part two of this special edition of The Geospatial Edge.

The post Reclaiming geospatial – why the sector must unite (part 2) appeared first on The Survey Association.

This year’s invitation list expanded beyond the traditional membership, bringing together Tier 1 contractors, clients of survey companies, and other key industry stakeholders. The result was a lively, engaged gathering of serious-minded geospatial professionals, decision makers, and influencers, all committed to the future of the profession.

Key decisions and the President’s Award

The formal AGM business was chaired by TSA President Claire Fenwick, who oversaw several important updates, including a significant change to TSA’s Articles and Rules. For the first time, Affiliate Members will now be eligible to stand for Council — an important step toward broader representation and sector-wide collaboration.

Claire also presented the President’s Award, sponsored by Lockton, to Melvin Penwill of KOREC, recognising his enthusiastic and tireless work in supporting training at The Survey School. His contribution continues to make a meaningful impact across the sector.

Shaping a national awareness campaign

One of the day’s central themes emerged as Oliver Viney, TSA Vice President, introduced the Stakeholder Session. He was joined by Kirsty Ostell, Managing Director of O Agency, who highlighted the vital role of professional marketing expertise and experience in raising the profile of geospatial professionals on a national scale.

The vision is clear: the profession needs greater visibility, clearer messaging, and better public understanding. As both speakers emphasised, this change will take time. It is not going to happen overnight, but will involve structured input and a clear plan to be carried out over years rather than months.

TSA has committed to this long-term approach. However, the campaign’s success will depend on sustained support and funding from across the profession. Members should contact TSA CEO Rachel Tyrrell or any Council member for more information on how to contribute.

Connection, conversation and planning ahead

After the morning’s discussions, attendees enjoyed a tour of Twickenham, followed by lunch, a welcome opportunity to continue conversations informally and build on the energy of the sessions. Smaller group meetings took place in the afternoon, with considerable enthusiasm around shaping the next phases of the awareness campaign.

The shared sense of purpose was summarised powerfully by Oliver Viney, who stated:

“Our profession shapes the nation’s infrastructure, fuels innovation, and underpins every major decision about our built and natural environments – yet its value is still widely underestimated. We’re here to change that. By uniting behind a bold, UK wide campaign, we can elevate the profile of our skills, attract the next generation of talent, strengthen standards, and secure our rightful place at the top tables. Together, we can make geospatial surveying recognised as the critical national infrastructure it truly is – not someday, but starting right now.”

What attendees said

When asked about the best part of the day, the feedback spoke volumes:

• “The feeling I got with a unified call to action was so inspiring and filled me with confidence for the future of our profession.”
• “Gathering and harnessing the passion and unity desire in the room!”
• “The open and frank discussion around important issues that need to be actioned.”
• “Good to see a major campaign of this scale launched so effectively. A significant amount of work has clearly gone in behind the scenes, and it was presented in a way that genuinely engaged the room. Credit to the TSA team and the speakers on the day, a well delivered and professionally run session.”

The 46th AGM marked not only an important moment for the Association, but also a turning point for the wider geospatial community – one defined by unity, ambition, and the shared commitment to tell the story of a profession that underpins the nation’s future.

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In the first of a series of snapshots discussing various aspects of surveying, we ask: “Where would we be without underground utility surveys?”   

Essential groundwork

Underground utility surveys, also known as PAS128 surveys are an integral part of the construction process. Without them, it would be much more difficult to ascertain the suitability of a site for building projects, or to understand the location of services and potential obstacles underground.

The layout of any development depends heavily on the resources and services already present. Ideally, you don’t design a housing development on a site criss-crossed by underground electric cables and sewer pipes. That isn’t to say such obstacles are insurmountable, but an underground utility survey could identify them well in advance, allowing designers to proceed accordingly.

Under investigation

Underground surveys are carried out by qualified professionals using geospatial technology. Surveyors use electromagnetic detection, GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar), GNSS and total stations to create a detailed, multilayered digital map of what lies beneath. The construction process can be fraught with unforeseen challenges, but having the assurance of a PAS128 utility survey goes a long way towards minimising these risks.

Construction projects need underground utility surveys (or PAS128 surveys) to be carried out before building work can start. A surveyor will locate, identify and map most utility services beneath the surface. Most underground utilities, such as electric cabling, telecoms, drainage, gas, water, and fibre optic services, can typically be found, along with other buried hazards, voids and other subterranean features.

In a world where surveys are not carried out, expensive design changes or costly diversion of services might be needed mid-project – if existing services are found to  obstruct foundation layouts or conflict with planned utility routes servicing the development.    

Build on solid foundations

A world without underground surveys would mean far more exploratory, preparatory work before any design or construction could begin.

Our ‘depth of knowledge’ and expertise in underground utility surveying is reinforced by our commitment to ensuring our member companies carry out their work to the highest standard. TSA has created a PAS128 accreditation scheme called PUMA (PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation) for all its utility surveying members. PUMA provides a defined benchmark and creates a national standard for best practice. It demonstrates continuous professional improvement, gives clients confidence in survey quality, and can save time and costly delays.

To find out more about our PUMA accreditation, get in touch with us today.

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