Topographic Survey
What’s needed according to our architect is topographical survey of our house site. The result should show one-foot countours 150 from each edge of the house and well as the driveway and existing septic field. Large trees locations and the relationship of the survey area to the lot location should be noted.
One big question remains that affects the area to be surveyed and that is whether the existing drive to the home site will accomodate fire department trucks. The lane needs to be 20 feet wide and have adequate turning radius. I’m trying to schedule a visit by a fire department building inspector to evaluate options.
A search of the local providers yielded these links:
Alpha - Community Development - They have done work for the City of Portland and for Orenco Village.
Andy Paris & Associates - Recommended on Angie’s List.
Heritage Surveying - Angie’s List. No web site. (503) 255-6558.
Tetsuka - Helped at Max and Hildy’s Nursery.
Weddell Surveying - Angie’s List. No web site. (503) 292-8083
ZTEC Engineers - Recommended by architect. No web site. 3737 Se 8th Ave, Portland, OR 97202 - (503) 235-8795
It turns out that LIDAR imaging, if available, might satisfy the requirement for having 1 foot contour mapping. LIDAR mapping is performed from aircraft over large metro areas for the purpose of mapping flood plains, fault zones etc. The USGS pays for much of it and the data are then available to other government bodies. The GIS experts at Oregon’s Department of Geology and Minerals (DOGAMI) told me that data from recent flights over our area would be available in August 2007 from METRO, our regional government.