Plattsburgh Streetscape and Riverfront Access Design Project

This project included engineering and design services to improve riverfront access and increase visitation, connectivity, and pedestrian traffic by designing sidewalk, lighting, and aesthetic improvements. The project area included Saranac River, located between Broad Street Bridge and the pedestrian footbridge, as well as 11 total streets, parks, and green spaces.

The scope of work included sidewalk and street improvements and widening, green space enhancements, implementation of traffic calming measures, lighting improvements, and additional design components.

As subconsultant, KC was responsible for determining current and estimated future downtown walkability conditions, providing design input and analysis for potential conflicts with parking and waterfront recreation, and reviewing project specifications and final design drawings. KC provided drawings in support of relevant permit applications and conducted Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act, and Title VI Conformance summaries.

KC also provided supplementary survey services to support development of construction drawings for the City as well as bid phase support services for development of technical specifications.


Washingtonville Culvert and Drainage Improvements Project

The project scope included replacement of the undersized culvert under State Route 94 in Washingtonville, which was located directly east of the Ahern Boulevard and State Route 94 intersection.

KC was responsible for providing architectural and engineering design, bid phase, and construction administration and support services. The scope of work included field and right-of-way (ROW) surveying and base mapping, preparation of highway and bridge design packages, and project management for preparation of contract documents. KC also provided engineering consulting services, working with the Town and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to obtain the required permits.

During the construction phase of the project, KC provided construction inspection services to ensure contract compliance, design intent, quality of workmanship, and material acceptance. KC also prepared as-built drawings.


What Goes Into a Land Surveyor’s Backpack?

Land surveying is one of the oldest professions in the world, dating back to ancient times. Surveying illuminates the features of a property, outlines property boundaries, locates underground utility lines, and so much more. So what type of equipment do surveyors usually take out into the field? We decided to ask our survey crew and here is what they had to say:

“We’ll start with our basic personal equipment. Unfortunately, as surveyors, we are constantly in the field so our survey attire isn’t always office-appropriate. Whether it’s a ragged shirt with torn jeans, or a t-shirt with holes, our field attire is not really ideal to wear in a professional office environment. The same could be said for wearing nice clothing while performing fieldwork. No one wants to survey in khakis and a button-down shirt. That’s why we always keep a spare change of work clothes, just in case we need to perform fieldwork in an emergency. This means we can dress respectably in the office and still have the option to change into field clothes.

As far as personal gear, safety is always a priority. We keep our orange vests in our packs as well as our hard hats and boots. Using proper footwear while surveying in the field is essential. There’s a lot of standing and walking, so a good pair of boots goes a long way. Additionally, we may have our own tool belts as well as safety glasses. Again, safety is always a top priority so you’ll always find these either in our backpacks or survey truck.

Shorts are not a recommended item of clothing because half the time we’re walking through tall brush and need to be cognizant of ticks. You’ll also find bug spray, sunblock, and sanitary hand wipes. Some other items you may find are a magnetic compass, a small mini-reflector prism, and a 25-foot steel tape.

As far as the typical surveying equipment, these are our surveying instruments:

  • The Nikon Nivo 2C; and
  • The Leica TCRA 1103 Plus robotic instrument.

These instruments are used by field crews on a daily basis for collecting data. However, the instruments are always brought inside at day’s end and are never left in the survey truck. Tripods, prism poles, and various other tools can be found in the bed of the survey truck."

All of these items are used in different ways but are essential to performing the duties of a land surveyor.


A Look at Some of the Different Types of Land Surveys

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know that not all survey services are alike? There are several different kinds of surveys and they each serve a specific purpose. The following list is by no means comprehensive, but it outlines some of the most common types of surveys that can be conducted:

ALTA / ACSM Survey

This type of survey is typically conducted for use in the buying and selling of real estate. ALTA / ACSM stands for American Land Title Association / American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. It is one of the most detailed types of surveys and includes all of the physical features and characteristics of the land being surveyed.

Boundary Survey

Just like it sounds, a boundary survey is utilized to determine property lines. To do this, surveyors may need to conduct research on the history of a property and find paperwork and deeds associated with the property, in addition to performing a physical survey.

Construction Staking

This type of survey is used to interpret engineering design plans in preparation for building a structure.

Location Survey

A location survey is similar to a boundary survey, but this type of survey involves marking out all additions or improvements made to a property. This helps to determine that all local zoning laws and property boundaries have been adhered to.

Right-of-Way Survey

Right-of-Way (ROW) surveys help property and utility owners to determine the access rights and access points on a particular property.

Topographic Survey

Topographic surveys are used to identify and map the existing features on the surface of the earth, including contours, utilities, and other physical features (ditches, roads, water, etc.).

There are many different types of surveys and it is important to know the difference in order to determine which type of survey may be needed for different applications.

KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. is a full-service engineering and land surveying firm that offers all of these surveying services and much more.